The project, prepared under the guidance of Serhat Karabıcak, a doctoral student in the Department of Biology at the Institute of Graduate Education, Kastamonu University, and under the supervision of Faculty of Science faculty member Prof. Dr. Talip Çeter, was granted  support under the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Fast Support Program.

 The paper titled "Hourly Examination of Ambrosia Pollens in the Atmosphere of Kastamonu (2018-2019)," presented by Serhat Karabıcak, Prof. Dr. Talip Çeter, and Oktay Bıyıklı at the 30th National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress held in 2024, was awarded first prize. This study was developed and turned into a TÜBİTAK project.

The project titled "Hourly Detection and Source Determination of Ambrosia L. (Ragweed) Pollen Detected in the Atmosphere of Kastamonu" will be carried out over a period of 12 months and will be supported with a budget of 100,000 TL.

The project, which will examine the pollen of the ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), an American native and invasive species, aims to determine whether this pollen reached the region from local sources or by long-distance transport. The project, which will examine the pollen of the ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), an American native and invasive species, aims to determine whether this pollen reached the region from local sources or thru long-distance transport. These pollens, which cause an economic loss of approximately 7 billion euros annually in Europe, are also significant for local and regional health policies.

The project aims to guide asthma and allergy sufferers in taking preventive measures during pollen season and to contribute to public health with the results obtained.

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated the following:

This type of scientific study conducted within our university contributes to both public health and the accumulation of scientific knowledge. These studies, which directly impact the quality of life for asthma and allergy patients, will also shed light on local and national health policies. We are pleased that our young researchers are achieving success at both national and international levels. We believe that this project, supported by TÜBİTAK, will contribute to both academia and public health. "

Our Rector expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of high-quality research in higher education, and also extended his thanks to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.