Prof. Sevil Atasoy, President of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board and a leading figure in forensic sciences, addressed young people who are about to make their university choices, saying: “The field you choose will give you not only a job but also a mission. Because being a forensic scientist means defending the truth. It means being the greatest ally of the judiciary and the representative of science. If you want to work in this field, you will not only use your intellect but also your conscience.”
Prof. Atasoy, who said, “Let us build justice together under the light of science. Come, leave a mark. However, this time, not at a crime scene, but at the heart of justice,” emphasized the unique career and international opportunities offered by this field.
As the critical preference period approaches, which will shape the future of millions of young people, Prof. Sevil Atasoy, who is one of Türkiye’s and the world’s most respected forensic scientists, President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vice Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, and Director of the Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, highlighted that forensic sciences are not only as exciting as they appear in popular TV series, but also provide a solid future and a global vision.
What is forensic science?
Prof. Sevil Atasoy continued: “Today, I want to talk to you about a very special field that will shape your life: forensic sciences. And I will explain why you should choose the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences of Üsküdar University. Forensic sciences… In other words, shedding light on a crime through science. Being able to read the traces left behind at a crime scene. Basing justice on evidence, not assumptions. This field brings together multiple disciplines such as chemistry, biology, genetics, physics, engineering, psychology, digital technologies, and law. Forensic medicine, forensic genetics, forensic toxicology, digital forensic analysis, crime scene investigations, document examinations, fingerprint analysis, AI-supported forensic modeling. They all fall under this umbrella. In other words, forensic sciences operate both in the laboratory and in the courtroom. It works to uncover the truth, ensure justice is served, and, most importantly, protect the innocent.”
Being a forensic scientist means defending the truth
Stating that Üsküdar University is one of the pioneering institutions in Türkiye that offers systematic undergraduate education in forensic sciences, Prof. Atasoy said: “Here, we do not only provide our students with theoretical knowledge. We offer them hands-on training in our high-tech laboratories. They work on real cases, carry out investigation simulations. In addition, through international collaborations, we provide students with opportunities for internships and research abroad. The field you choose will give you not just a job, but also a mission. Because being a forensic scientist means defending the truth. It means being the greatest ally of the judiciary and the representative of science. If you want to work in this field, you will not only use your intellect but also your conscience. You will draw strength from science and direction from justice. If you, too, say, ‘I want to serve both science and society,’ then there is a place for you in the Forensic Sciences Department of Üsküdar University. Come, let us build justice together under the light of science. Come, leave a mark. But this time, not at a crime scene, but at the heart of justice.”
What career opportunities await me after graduation?
Touching on career opportunities, which is one of the top questions on young people’s minds, Prof. Atasoy said: “Forensic sciences is a multidisciplinary and rapidly developing field where scientific methods are used to shed light on crimes. Forensic chemistry, forensic genetics, digital forensic analysis, crime scene investigation, criminalistics, forensic psychology, and more… So where can you work after graduation? At the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie Criminal Departments, the Council of Forensic Medicine, the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Health, drug enforcement and anti-smuggling units, customs laboratories, TÜBİTAK and forensic research centers, private forensic laboratories, and law offices. Furthermore, with the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS), graduates can enter public positions, while in the private sector they can work in rapidly growing forensic consulting and technology-based analysis services.”
Graduates can work at international institutions such as Interpol, Europol, and the FBI
Stating that “Forensic sciences is a universal language,” Prof. Atasoy said: “DNA data, fingerprints, or digital traces speak the same language everywhere in the world. A well-trained forensic scientist can easily work at institutions such as Interpol, Europol, the United Nations, the FBI, the European Academy of Forensic Science, international NGOs, and foreign laboratories. As Üsküdar University, we offer special programs for our students to open up to this international world: Erasmus and internship exchange programs, summer schools abroad, dual degree and master’s connections, and of course, special references through my personal network…”
“But can I make money?”
Answering the question on young people’s minds, “But can I make money?”, Prof. Atasoy said: “Yes! Because a forensic scientist is not just someone working in a laboratory. They are an expert witness. A specialist. And expertise is always in demand. Our graduates can work as forensic experts in courts, provide analytical consulting in the private sector, or establish forensic research companies. Moreover, this field is a growing area of need in Türkiye as it is around the world. A well-trained forensic scientist secures not only a strong position in their career but also the economic rewards they deserve. If you are curious about science, value justice, and also aim for a solid career, an international vision, and a strong income in the future, the Forensic Sciences Department of Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences offers you a great deal. We provide not just a diploma but direction. Choose not to chase traces, but to leave a mark. Let us build justice together with science.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)