The President of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board and the doyen of forensic sciences, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, addressed young people who are about to choose a university, stating, "This field you choose will bring you not just a job, but a mission. Because being a forensic scientist means defending the truth. It means being the biggest helper of justice, the representative of science. If you want to work in this field, you will use not only your intelligence but also your conscience."
"Come, let's build justice together in the light of science. Come, leave your mark. But this time, not at a crime scene; but in the heart of justice," said Prof. Dr. Atasoy, underlining the unique career and international opportunities this field offers.
As the critical university choice period approaches, which will shape the future of millions of young people, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, one of Turkey's and the world's most respected forensic scientists, President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vice-Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Head of the Forensic Sciences Department, and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, put the field of Forensic Sciences under the microscope, emphasizing that the field is not only exciting, like in popular TV series, but also offers a solid future and a global vision.
What are forensic sciences?
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy continued:
"Today, I want to talk to you about a very special field that will shape your lives: Forensic Sciences. And I will tell you why you should choose the Forensic Sciences Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Forensic sciences... That is, elucidating a crime with science. Being able to read the traces left behind at a crime scene. Basing justice not on assumptions, but on evidence. This field brings together many disciplines such as chemistry, biology, genetics, physics, engineering, psychology, digital technologies, and law. Forensic medicine, forensic genetics, forensic toxicology, digital forensic analyses, crime scene investigations, document examinations, fingerprint analysis, AI-supported forensic modeling… All are gathered under this umbrella. In other words, forensic sciences operate both in the laboratory and in the courtroom. They work to uncover the truth, ensure justice is served, and most importantly, protect the innocent."
Being a forensic scientist means defending the truth
Noting that Üsküdar Üniversitesi is one of the pioneering institutions in Turkey that systematically provides undergraduate education in Forensic Sciences, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "Here, we do not just offer theoretical knowledge to our students. We bring them together with practical training in our high-tech laboratories. They work on real cases and conduct investigation simulations. Furthermore, through international collaborations, we provide our students with internship and research opportunities abroad. This field you choose will bring you not just a job, but a mission. Because being a forensic scientist means defending the truth. It means being the biggest helper of justice, the representative of science. If you want to work in this field, you will use not only your intelligence but also your conscience. You will draw your strength from science and your direction from justice. If you also say, 'I want to serve both science and society,' then there is a place for you in the Forensic Sciences Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi. Come, let's build justice together in the light of science. Come, leave your mark. But this time, not at a crime scene; but in the heart of justice."
What will I be after graduation?
Addressing the career opportunities young people are most curious about, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "Forensic Sciences is a multidisciplinary and rapidly developing field where scientific methods are used to clarify crimes.
Forensic chemistry, forensic genetics, digital forensic analysis, crime scene investigation, criminalistics, forensic psychology, and more... So, where can you work after graduation? The General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie Criminal Departments, the Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Health, Anti-Drug and Anti-Smuggling Units, Customs Laboratories, TÜBİTAK and forensic research centers, Private criminal laboratories and law firms, And increasingly growing cybersecurity and forensic informatics companies… Furthermore, Forensic Sciences graduates can be appointed to public positions with KPSS, and in the private sector, they can work in rapidly growing forensic consulting and technology-based analysis services."
Graduates can work in international institutions like Interpol, Europol, and FBI
Stating that 'Forensic Sciences is a universal language,' Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "DNA data, fingerprints, or digital traces say the same thing all over the world. A well-trained forensic scientist can easily work in institutions such as Interpol, Europol, the United Nations, FBI, the European Academy of Forensic Sciences, international non-governmental organizations, and foreign laboratories. As Üsküdar Üniversitesi, we offer special programs to our students to open them up to this international world: Erasmus and internship exchange programs, summer schools abroad, double degree and master's connections, and of course, special references we provide through my personal network…"
"So, can I earn money?"
Answering the question 'So, can I earn money?' on young people's minds, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "Yes! Because a forensic scientist is not just someone who works in a laboratory. They are an expert witness. An expert. And expertise is a sought-after quality. Our graduates can serve as forensic experts in courts, provide analysis consulting in the private sector, and establish forensic research companies. Moreover, this field is a growing area of need in Turkey, just as it is globally. This means a well-educated forensic scientist secures a stable place in their career and finds the economic return they deserve. If you are curious about science, value justice, and at the same time aim for a good career, an international vision, and a strong income in the future, the Forensic Sciences Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences promises you a lot. We don't just provide a diploma; we provide direction. Come, choose to leave a mark, not just trace it. Come, let's build justice with science together."