The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Near East University hosted the 1st International IVSA Cyprus Student Congress, organized by IVSA Cyprus on 22–23 October 2025, bringing together academics and students from numerous countries, particularly Germany, Austria, Türkiye, and Cyprus. Organized in academic partnership with JLU–Giessen (Germany), Vetmeduni Vienna (Austria), and Near East University, the congress served as a significant international scientific platform where contemporary approaches in veterinary medicine were discussed.
Uniting Future Veterinarians through International Scientific Exchange
In his opening address, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Near East University, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, highlighted IVSA’s global mission, emphasizing that its international network spanning over 100 countries contributes greatly to the scientific, cultural, and ethical development of veterinary students. Darbaz noted that the congress, which enables students to conduct academic research, analyze scientific data, and develop presentation skills in international settings, stands as a strong example of how “the power of science grows through sharing.”
Near East University Rector, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, underscored that the university’s globally diverse structure—bringing together students from 143 countries on the same campus—reflects its commitment to scientific diversity and universal academic vision.
A Comprehensive Scientific Program: Four Major Sessions Ranging from Small Animals and Equine Medicine to Wildlife and Farm Animals
Throughout the two-day congress, 16 oral and 6 poster presentations were delivered by students, while distinguished academics from Germany and Austria presented contemporary scientific approaches across four main thematic areas.
Scientific Sessions in Four Core Themes
Over the course of the congress, four primary themes were explored: Small Animals, Wildlife, Equine Medicine, and Farm Animals. In addition to expert scholars from Germany and Austria, numerous researchers from Türkiye and Cyprus also contributed.
Small Animals
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Stefan Arnhold discussed the anatomical prerequisites required for imaging and surgery in small animals.
- Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek-İntaş presented current approaches in diagnostic imaging.
- Prof. Dr. Kerstin von Pückler evaluated the opportunities and limitations of teleradiology.
- Prof. Dr. Martin Kramer shared novel techniques in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.
- Prof. Dr. Kamil Seyrek-İntaş delivered a comprehensive presentation on reproductive system surgery.
Wildlife
- Prof. Dr. Franz Schwarzenberger presented the role of hormonal monitoring in wildlife reproductive management.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ege İnce addressed bear ecology.
- Prof. Dr. Wayne John Fuller introduced new technological approaches in wildlife monitoring.
Equine Medicine
- Prof. Dr. Stefan Arnhold and Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek-İntaş evaluated imaging techniques used in horses.
- Prof. Dr. Kerstin von Pückler, in her presentation titled “AI in Radiology of Horses,” introduced applications of artificial intelligence in equine radiology.
- Prof. Dr. Michael Röcken discussed novel methods in orthopedic and endoscopic surgery.
- Prof. Dr. Kamil Seyrek-İntaş presented reproductive system surgery in mares.
- The session concluded with a joint presentation on the use of VR technologies in veterinary medicine.
Farm Animals
- Prof. Dr. Selim Aslan presented ultrasonographic techniques in cattle.
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Karen Wagener evaluated health and fertility management in dairy cattle operations.
- Uluç Serakıncı discussed key principles of genetic selection and breeding program planning.
Young Researchers on Stage – Student Research Brought to a Scientific Platform
During the student sessions held over two days, 16 oral and 6 poster presentations were delivered. These original studies in veterinary medicine were shared on an international scientific stage.
Participants from various universities presented their research projects, which ranged from clinical case studies and imaging analyses to wildlife research and farm animal physiology, demonstrating the scientific potential of young researchers.
Academic Contributions and Opportunities for Students
The International IVSA Cyprus Student Congress provided a multidimensional academic environment extending beyond the sharing of expertise by academics. It allowed students to directly experience the culture of scientific research, actively participate in scholarly discussions, and engage with international scientists.
International Scientific Interaction and Interdisciplinary Learning
By bringing together students with academics from Germany and Austria—countries home to longstanding veterinary schools—the congress enabled participants to learn firsthand about:
- clinical approaches used in different regions,
- advanced imaging technologies,
- innovations in surgical methods,
- modern monitoring techniques employed in wildlife research.
This diversity not only enriched students’ knowledge but also reshaped their professional perspectives within an international framework.
Fostering a Research Culture and Encouraging Scientific Productivity
The 16 oral and 6 poster presentations at the congress provided students with valuable experience in preparing scientific studies, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting research on an academic platform. Through evaluation and engagement with academics, students strengthened their:
- critical thinking skills,
- scientific communication abilities,
- proficiency in research methodologies.
In this respect, the congress functioned as an environment that “transforms students into producers of scientific knowledge.”
Exposure to Emerging Technologies
Topics such as artificial intelligence, teleradiology, virtual reality (VR), and advanced imaging techniques allowed students to explore innovations that will play crucial roles in the future of veterinary medicine.
Through these presentations, students gained insights into:
- the contributions of AI to clinical decision-making,
- the use of VR technology in surgical training,
- the opportunities teleradiology creates for international consultation.
This demonstrates that the congress not only conveyed current scientific knowledge but also shaped perspectives on the technologies of the future.
A Scientific Groundwork for Future International Collaborations
The congress organized by IVSA Cyprus facilitated interaction among students from different countries, providing opportunities for developing collaborative projects. These interactions are seen as laying the groundwork for:
- joint research projects,
- student exchange programs,
- clinical internship partnerships in the coming years.
A Holistic Experience Strengthening Ethical, Cultural, and Scientific Awareness
Topics such as animal welfare, ethical surgical practices, sustainable farm management, and wildlife conservation strategies—emphasized throughout the presentations—contributed to the development of students not only from a clinical perspective but also with regard to ethical and social responsibility.
Reflecting the words of Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz—“The power of science increases when shared; every major change begins with an idea”—this congress became “a powerful meeting where ideas were freely exchanged, the universal language of science was spoken, and the vision of the future of veterinary medicine was shaped.”
