Despite being imprisoned, Prof. Dr. Cihangir Erem, a renowned endocrinology and metabolism specialist, continues to make a significant impact on the global scientific community. With a career marked by substantial academic contributions, Erem has been recognized repeatedly by prestigious institutions like Stanford University, which listed him among the world’s most influential scientists for four consecutive years.
Prof. Dr. Erem, formerly of Karadeniz Technical University and Trabzon Private Imperial Hospital, has faced persecution under questionable charges in Turkey. Despite these challenges, his scholarly work remains influential. According to Google Scholar, his publications have garnered 34,233 citations with an h-index of 49 and an i10-index of 111, placing him 64th worldwide in the field of endocrinology based on citation counts.
His case highlights the broader issue of academic persecution where intellectuals are targeted under politicized charges. For instance, Erem’s imprisonment was based on allegations such as facilitating community welfare projects and possessing religious books at home—activities hardly associated with criminal acts.
Erem’s unwavering commitment to science under such harsh conditions underscores the vital importance of global academic solidarity. Supporting persecuted academics like Prof. Dr. Erem is not just about assisting an individual but about defending the very principles of academic freedom and integrity. His resilience is a clarion call to the academic community worldwide to stand together against unjust treatment of scholars and to ensure that intellectual endeavors can thrive even in the face of adversity.
The academic community, especially institutions in democratic countries, must rally to support scholars like Prof. Dr. Erem, advocating for their rights and ensuring their contributions to science are not stifled by political repression. This solidarity is essential not only for the individuals affected but for the preservation of knowledge and the advancement of global scientific endeavors.
