Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar meets students at Mersin University: "I said I am Turkish"

Nobel-winning scientist Prof. Aziz Sancar met students at the Akdeniz Cultural Center and gave the opening lecture at Mersin University's 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony. In his speech, Sancar said the Nobel Committee asked him, "How should we announce you?" and that he answered, "I am Turkish."

Play video: Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar meets students at Mersin University: "I said I am Turkish" (Duration 1:23)

Here, in America and everywhere in the world, I say I am Turkish. I am Turkish. Science has no nationality, but a scientist does.

Aziz Sancar

Noting that he has lived in America for about 45 years, Sancar said he is proud of his Turkish identity.

Lecture and ceremony

Sancar's wife Gwen Boles Sancar, Mersin Governor Atilla Toros, Mersin University Rector Prof. Erol Yaşar, city officials, academics and thousands of students attended. The hall was completely full. In his lecture titled "DNA Repair by Dual Incisions in the Three Kingdoms of Life," Sancar shared his scientific work. He said a new study on the archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis revealed how archaea repair DNA damage.

At the ceremony, it was announced that by decision of the University Senate, the Advanced Technology Education Research and Application Center was renamed the "Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Advanced Technology Education Research and Application Center."

Addressing young people, Sancar said there is no shortcut to success and that hard work and effort are required. Governor Toros emphasized that Sancar's determination to work inspires young people.