The primary purpose of science is to generate reliable and well-founded knowledge about the phenomena it investigates. Possessing knowledge of scientific methodology entails not only an understanding of research methods, but also the ability to apply them effectively. Clarifying the underlying methodological assumptions on which these skills are based is widely regarded as one of the central concerns of the philosophy of science.
Health sciences constitute a dynamic field that continually evolves in order to enhance scientific knowledge related to health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. This ongoing development is driven by high-quality, evidence-based research. Rigorous scientific studies provide the most reliable source of information on health, disease, and treatment processes. In this context, well-trained researchers play a key role in advancing evidence-based healthcare practices.
The principle of integrating education and research, which emerged in the early nineteenth century through Johns Hopkins University and German universities, has since been adopted by many universities worldwide. Following Wilhelm von Humboldt’s articulation of the research university model in nineteenth-century Germany, research-oriented universities have become a prominent feature of higher education systems globally. In Türkiye, efforts to define and monitor research universities have been ongoing since 2017. Today, universities are expected not only to deliver education, but also to strengthen their capacity for scientific knowledge production. The emphasis placed on research performance in global university rankings clearly reflects this expectation.
Humanity has entered a stage often described as the “knowledge society” or the “post-industrial society.” A defining characteristic of a knowledge society is not merely the use of information, but the capacity to produce new knowledge. From this perspective, all activities aimed at enhancing a society’s potential for scientific knowledge production are of critical importance. In the twenty-first century, both basic and applied research have increasingly become core functions of universities alongside education and teaching. Knowledge, highly skilled human capital, and the universities that cultivate this capacity are also among the most vital inputs of modern economies.
The qualifications expected of individuals in a knowledge society include the ability to follow developments in their field by effectively using current technologies and foreign languages, to generate new knowledge, and to continuously update their expertise. The acquisition of these competencies is primarily achieved through education in scientific research methods, particularly within postgraduate programmes.
Lokman Hekim University has structured its institutional framework with the aim of attaining a strong position in research alongside education, thereby enhancing its national and international standing. In this regard, ensuring not only the diversity but also the high quality of postgraduate programmes constitutes a fundamental objective of the Graduate School of Health Sciences. We invite all members of the health sciences community who aspire to pursue an academic career to explore our postgraduate programmes and to join this scholarly journey.
With kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Belgin AKIN
Director of the Graduate School of Health Sciences
