Research University Monitoring and Evaluation Office, a first in Turkish universities, was established within Atatürk University and started its activities.

As a result of the interviews and evaluations carried out by a well-attended committee established within the scope of the "Research Oriented Mission Differentiation Program" implemented by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the list of research universities was updated in December, and Research University certificates were given to 20 universities determined by the Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank and the President of YÖK Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. As a result of the steps taken within the scope of the "New Generation University Design and Transformation Project" since 2016, Atatürk University also succeeded in being included in this list and received the title of Research University.

A First in Turkish Universities…

With the achievement of the title of Research University, which was planned and prepared in this context, the "Research University Monitoring and Evaluation Office", which is a first in Turkish universities, started its activities.
Research University Monitoring and Evaluation Office Coordinator Dr. Instructor Erol Üzan told that the office will monitor all the academic units of the university within the scope of 32 indicators under the titles "Research Capacity", "Research Quality" and "Interaction and Collaboration", prepare periodic reports and develop policies and strategies accordingly, making the following remarks: “In our unit, where necessary projects will be carried out in order to raise awareness about the concept of Research University at our university, we will also develop policies by examining successful practices in research universities with high research outputs (Europe, America and Japan). Our office will also create strategic plans by examining the world, regional and field-based ranking methodologies of world-renowned university ranking institutions. It will develop necessary projects to raise awareness within the scope of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and will lead activities for international collaborations through YLSY scholars who continue their doctoral education in universities that are among the top 1000 in the world rankings on behalf of our university, and will carry out dynamic web design studies in order to increase the visibility of our university in the international arena."

The First Guest of the Office was Chairman of YÖK Özvar

The first visit to the newly established office was made by YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. Özvar visited the Research University Monitoring and Evaluation Office and met with Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomakl and got information about the office in the company of Çomaklı. Özvar stated that the establishment of this office is very important and that research universities should constantly monitor their research performances and leading university ranking institutions, adding that Atatürk University will successfully continue the Research University process as a result of the studies carried out.

Rector Çomaklı: "Our Goals Are To Work For The Better"

Rector Çomaklı stated that as a Research University, they will continue to work without slowing down: “We are constantly taking our goals to the next level, and we are working and making plans for the better. The Research Monitoring and Evaluation Office, which is a part of Atatürk University New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, plays an important role in our university's target to be at the top of the Research University list and to be among the top 5 universities in Turkish Higher Education and the first 500 universities in the world, with the studies it will carry out and the strategies it will develop. ” he said.

Sector and Focus Twinning Meetings Held

Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Atilla Keskin and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Bayrakçeken Yurtcan and office coordinator Dr. Instructor  Erol Üzan, conducted a series of evaluation meetings with all academic unit managers to help ensure the university's competence areas, sector and focus areas could be matched. taking into account the priority areas and sub-areas in the 11th Development Plan with the achievement of the title of Research University. As a result of these meetings, the sector and focus area matching determined specifically for the university were shared with YÖK together with the facts based on data.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 25.01.2022