Exhibited at a University for the First Time at PAU

Prior to the congress, the opening of the Illustrated Flora of Turkey Exhibition, carried out under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, was held at the PAU Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz Congress and Culture Center with the participation of Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör and Denizli’s provincial protocol. The exhibition, presented at a university for the first time in Türkiye at PAU, was visited by Rector Güngör and protocol members, who received information from the booth attendants while examining the unique plant diversity on display.

Following the exhibition opening, the congress commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, continuing with opening speeches.

Prof. Dr. Semiz: “More than 200 academics, researchers, and students from around the world will once again open the doors of this unique botanical science.”

Congress Organizing Committee Chair and PAU Faculty of Science, Department of Biology faculty member Prof. Dr. Gürkan Semiz stated:

“Today, as more than 200 academics, researchers, and students from across our country and around the world, we will once again open the doors of this unique science of botany. With the presentations, panels, and discussions throughout our congress, we will enrich our knowledge and make new contributions to the scientific world. Our Denizli is not only one of the most special regions of our country with its historical and cultural richness but also with its unique natural beauty and biodiversity. Our congress has been organized under the auspices of our university, with the support of the Flora Research Association—the most significant and valuable society of the Turkish botanical community—and the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden, a true gem of our country. Nearly all board members of both the association and the garden are here with us today. I sincerely thank our Association President, Prof. Tuğrul Körüklü, and the Director of Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden, Prof. Adil Güner, for their collaboration and academic support throughout this process. I hope this congress will be productive, inspiring, and enlightening for us all. As a plant biologist, I believe we still have much to learn from the silent yet powerful language of plants. I wish our congress every success and a healthy, fruitful, and wonderful experience for you all.”

Prof. Dr. Kara: “The future of humanity is directly linked to the future of plants.”

Head of PAU Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Kara, said:

“Today the world population has exceeded 8 billion, and this number continues to rise rapidly. The growing population necessitates greater food production, oxygen demand, strategies to reduce carbon emissions, and sustainable living spaces. Global issues such as climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity further increase our responsibility for the protection and conscious use of plants. Developing sustainable methods in agricultural production, increasing green spaces in cities, and protecting forests that ensure carbon sequestration are therefore of critical importance. Likewise, the fact that pharmaceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals, used in a wide range from modern medicine to traditional phytotherapy, are plant-based highlights the immense value of plants. It must not be forgotten that the future of humanity is directly linked to the future of plants. Every contribution and idea presented at this congress will be an important step toward a healthier, greener, and more sustainable world. Furthermore, this congress aims not only to share current scientific research but also to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and provide young researchers with new perspectives. Alongside the unifying power of science, I would like to emphasize the universality of human values. The suffering occurring in various parts of our world today wounds our collective conscience. In particular, the ongoing humanitarian tragedy and violence in Palestine and Gaza painfully remind us that such atrocities are incompatible with science, nature, and humanity. I sincerely hope this congress will also serve as a platform for solidarity and for ideas that will contribute to a more just future to flourish. With these sentiments, I once again welcome all our distinguished guests and extend my respect and affection on behalf of my department and our university.”

Dean Prof. Dr. Kaska: “I believe this congress will foster the development of scientific collaborations.”

Dean of PAU Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, noted:

“From understanding a plant’s gene to comprehending the forest, plants have a place in every aspect of our lives. As biologists, we know well that without plants, life cannot exist—as the presence of trees and forests means the presence of water, and ultimately life itself. I hope that alongside scientific studies, this symposium will also provide an environment where people—especially after the pandemic—come together to develop their research and academic collaborations. Once again, I warmly welcome you all to Denizli. I would like to thank, on behalf of our university, primarily our Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör and all contributing units for their support in organizing this symposium. I believe that holding such a congress here in our Denizli, in our Pamukkale, will be beneficial to the scientific community. As our department head mentioned, I am of the opinion that this symposium will foster the development of scientific collaborations. I wish you all healthy days.”

Rector Güngör: “We are proud that the Illustrated Flora of Türkiye Exhibition, conducted under the auspices of our Presidency, is being exhibited at a university—at PAU—for the first time.”

PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated:

“Plants hold a vital place in humanity’s future, as they have in its past. Revealing, introducing, and presenting the world’s botanical resources to humanity is not only a scientific duty but also a responsibility we bear for humankind. This congress has been organized precisely with this awareness of responsibility. One of the most valuable parts of this year’s congress is the Illustrated Flora of Türkiye Exhibition, the preparation of which continues under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. I would like to emphasize that we are especially proud that this exhibition is being presented at a university—here at PAU—for the first time. This project will serve as a lasting reference not only for our country but also for the global botanical community. I am fully confident that our congress will be not only a platform for academic knowledge sharing but also a place where young scientists meet senior researchers, new collaborations take root, and friendships develop. On this occasion, I extend my gratitude to all institutions and organizations contributing to the congress, especially to our Congress Organizing Committee Chair Prof. Dr. Gürkan Semiz and my other colleagues, as well as to you, our esteemed scientists, whose participation has honored our congress. I wish that our congress will provide valuable contributions to the scientific world and humanity, and I hope you all experience a productive, inspiring, and memorable congress.”

Following the opening speeches, the congress continued with presentations.