Mersin University Biology Department and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Join Forces: Young Biologists in Data Collection!

Mersin University Faculty of Science Biology Department has signed a meaningful collaboration agreement with Mersin Metropolitan Municipality. Our Biology Department students actively participated in the "Citizen Science" event, organized within the framework of the international MINKA Project, implemented under the MedCities (Mediterranean Cities Network) and EU Horizon 2020 programs.

Biodiversity Training from Theory to Practice: As part of the event, members of the Life Sciences Society operating within the Mersin University Biology Department and our students first received theoretical training at the Mercan 100th Anniversary Climate and Environmental Science Center. During the training, current information on climate change, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation was shared, and detailed instructions were given on how to collect and verify scientific data using the MINKA mobile application [05:25].

"Biomarathon" Excitement on Viranşehir Coast: Following the theoretical training, our students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the field. During the field study (Biomarathon) conducted on the Mezitli Viranşehir coast, coastal and marine life were observed and recorded on the MINKA platform. Our department students experienced the efficiency of putting the theoretical knowledge they learned in classes into practice by contributing to an international database [05:59].

"Academic Knowledge Meets Social Networks" Our department students Mustafa Çınar and Seda Som stated that the event was extremely valuable for the biology discipline; they expressed that the field studies contributed to their academic development and that they were happy to be a part of citizen science [06:15].

As the Mersin University Biology Department, we will continue to increase our students' scientific awareness and contribute academically to the biodiversity inventory of our city through such collaborations with local administrations.

To watch the video of the news: Mersin Metropolitan Municipality MINKA Project Video Source News: Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Official Website