TEDxSSHS Youth

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Abdullah Elçi

  Founding President of the Bilim Meşalesi

  Abdullah Elçi is a young researcher who, despite his age, continues his scientific work with a strong interest in biology and bioinformatics. Driven by his curiosity for science, Elçi focuses on continuous learning and self-improvement, standing out with his interdisciplinary approach. Through the Meteor Club Community, which he founded, he has organized scientific events and activities reaching thousands of students nationwide, aiming to make science more accessible and engaging. His achievements in national and international competitions have further advanced his academic journey. In 2025, Elçi institutionalized his efforts by founding the “Science Torch” initiative, aiming to increase scientific awareness and encourage young people to engage in research. A graduate of Sinop Fen Lisesi, Abdullah Elçi continues his work as a visiting researcher at KU Leuven, one of Europe’s leading universities.

• Ayşenur Sena Tarakçı

  Digital Content Creator

  Ayşenur Sena Tarakçı is a content creator known on social media as “Pigmentsiz İnsan” (“The Person Without Pigment”). She not only produces content but also raises strong awareness about albinism. Through her work, she reaches wide audiences in the digital world and contributes to the transformation of social perception. She began her education in a law faculty but later shifted her focus to communication and advertising as her interests changed. Despite vision loss caused by albinism, she continued her education by using technological support and graduated from the Faculty of Communication and Advertising at İstanbul Kültür Üniversitesi. Today, Tarakçı continues to produce content in the fields of digital accessibility, awareness, and social impact. She particularly aims to raise public consciousness about albinism. Through her efforts, she was featured in the “Changemakers” program run by Sabancı Vakfı, bringing her story to a wider audience.

• Dr. Ayça Arslan

  Scientist

  Ayça Arslan completed her undergraduate education in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Boğaziçi University. She completed her master’s degree in the Department of Basic Hepatology at Ankara University and carried out her doctoral studies at Bilkent University on liver cancer and cellular aging. She conducted research in Glasgow on cell-targeted therapies. She then worked for five years as a postdoctoral researcher at Bilkent University in the Michelle Adams Laboratory, and also taught courses in the Neuroscience Program. Between 2017 and 2020, Arslan continued her research at Hacettepe University, and since 2020 she has been conducting studies at the National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM). In addition to her scientific work, she aims to make science accessible to wider audiences through her volunteer project “Let’s do science, friends.” She is the recipient of the Sabancı Foundation Changemakers Award and the Science Academy Young Scientist Award (BAGEP).

• Hale Uçuş

  Accessible Mathematics Education Platform

  Hale Uçuş graduated from the Mathematics Education Department at Marmara University and continued her career as a teacher after graduation. Early in her profession, the connection she formed with a visually impaired student in her first assigned classroom became a turning point that shaped the direction of her career. Following this experience, Uçuş focused on mathematics education for visually impaired individuals. She began volunteering as a teacher and developed original teaching methods in this field. Thanks to her approaches and dedication, she contributed to many of her students successfully entering public institutions. With the goal of improving accessibility in education, she founded the “Accessible Mathematics Education Platform,” aiming to make mathematics more accessible for visually impaired individuals. Through her work, she was featured in the “Changemakers” program run by Sabancı Vakfı, reaching a wider audience.

• Mümtaz Gövce

  Founding President of 6 SIFIR 2

  Mümtaz Gövce set out with the determination to transform the profound loss he experienced after 2023Turkey earthquake into social good. After losing his wife and two children in the disaster, he founded the “6sıfır2 Association” with the aim of creating support mechanisms, especially for individuals affected by disasters. 6sıfır2 Association carries out social support, aid, and solidarity activities for orphans and individuals in need, particularly children affected by earthquakes. Through events and projects conducted in different cities across Turkey, it contributes to the social development of children and aims to improve their living conditions. While working to raise disaster awareness, promote search and rescue consciousness, and strengthen social solidarity, Gövce, as the founding president,leads both the social and organizational structure of the association. By transforming his deep personal grief into a movement of kindness, represents a powerful example of social solidarity.

• Prof.Dr.Mehmet Melih Bulut

  Target: Nobel Initiative

  Melih Bulut, Prof. Dr., is a medical doctor who conducts research in the field of health sciences, with a particular focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare. Specializing in health sciences, Dr. Bulut contributes to the academic literature through his publications in this field. In his research, Dr. Bulut explores the intersection of technology and health. In particular, in his study titled *“Can Artificial Intelligence Transform Healthcare?”*, he comprehensively examines the transformative potential of AI applications on healthcare systems. Additionally, he has made a significant contribution to the field as one of the editors of the book *“Artificial Intelligence in Health Sciences.”* Moreover, Dr. Bulut, who is also known for initiatives such as *“Target Nobel Initiative”* and for his collaboration-centered approach in healthcare, continues his work on future healthcare systems with a perspective that brings together health and technology.

• Ülkü Hür

  Founder of the Entrepreneurial Women Academy, Author

  Ülkü Hür started her entrepreneurial journey in primary school, selling books she read and basil she grew in oil cans as her first business experience. This early initiative evolved into a wider sphere of impact over time. In 2017, she founded the “Entrepreneurial Women Group,” which has grown into one of Türkiye’s largest digital entrepreneurship platforms and a women’s community. Through this platform, she has supported thousands of women in building their own brands, developing their businesses, and achieving their goals. With trainings, seminars, and workshops she organizes, she promotes women’s entrepreneurship and helps women take a more active role in economic and social life. She also frequently speaks at events as the founder and leader of the “Entrepreneurial Women Group,” sharing her experiences with a wide audience. Through her contributions to the women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, she continues her work as the founder of the Entrepreneurial Women Academy and an author.