The process of transformation persists as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and big data take precedence.

Atatürk University, which integrates education and research and makes a direct societal contribution, continues to adapt to evolving and developing conditions in this regard through the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, which commenced in 2018 with the objective of establishing the university as a distinctive new generation institution by designing its systems and implementing measures.

Atatürk University, which once again reestablished itself as a leader in higher education in the country and endeavored to reestablish innovation, continues to implement every decision made in the "Digital Transformation" program, the tenth of which it organized as part of the "Search Conferences" under the auspices of the New Generation University initiative.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı underscored the substantial metamorphosis that has occurred at Atatürk University due to the road map delineated at the "Digital Transformation Search Conference" in February 2019. During this conference, the university's trajectory in digital technologies was deliberated. "Our New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, initiated immediately upon assuming office and redefining the university's vision," he said. The Digital Transformation and Software Office was established as a consequence of the Search Conference we organized, which was attended by numerous industry representatives and expert scientists. "This unit, which commenced operations, modernized the entire technical infrastructure of our university and initiated the transformation by implementing measures that will not only align with but also surpass the demands of the digital age," the conference report reads.

"Digital transformation enabled us to be adequately prepared for the pandemic," said Rector Çomaklı.

It was stated that the Digital Transformation and Software Office commenced work on the development of open access applications and digital learning environments subsequent to a discussion regarding the significance of digital educators, digital students, digital assistants, digital learning, digital research, and open science environments, with an emphasis on the necessity to advance in this trajectory. According to Rector Çomaklı, the university's readiness for the Covid-19 pandemic that transpired in 2020 and affected the world at large was enhanced, and the decision to offer distance education constituted the implementation of an exemplary educational framework.

"We Sustained Our Instructions Using Our Digital Infrastructure Amid the Centennial Catastrophe."

Rector Çomaklı declared that all students remained unharmed. Furthermore, he stated that subsequent to this triumphant endeavor, they extended distance education opportunities to inhabitants of cities impacted by the earthquake, particularly Kahramanmaraş, which was profoundly impacted by the catastrophe of the century. In pursuit of this objective, they partnered with Adıyaman University, which granted them permission to continue their education there, with the gratitude of YÖK. He stated that through distance education, they assist students in avoiding university courses.

"Our Initiative for Digital Transformation Was Presented with the YÖK Outstanding Achievement Award"

Rector Çomaklı remarked that the digital transformation strategy of Atatürk University had been thoroughly expounded upon from a scientific standpoint, incorporating exemplary methodologies. He further emphasized that this research had been recognized with the prestigious YÖK 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award in the Digital Transformation and Big Data Studies category, which is an integral part of the Council of Higher Education Outstanding Achievement Awards.

The Digital Transformation and Software Office Coordinatorship, one of the foremost units utilizing technology to optimize education, research, and management processes, has bolstered the university's digital infrastructure, according to Çomaklı. By integrating innovative educational tools, including virtual classroom environments and interactive learning platforms, they have enhanced student interaction and learning. He stated that experience enhancement is their objective. Çomaklı also asserted that by providing researchers with resources such as research management systems, digital library services, and data analysis tools, they enhance the university's research capacity. This, in turn, facilitates the more efficient management and dissemination of scientific discoveries and publications.

"The developments that occurred ushered in two fresh chapters."

Rector Çomaklı emphasized that, in consideration of these advancements, their endeavors persist not solely in the present era but also in the realm of the future. Rector Çomaklı recalled the Council of Higher Education's decision to establish two undergraduate departments at Atatürk University, thereby facilitating the transition to the new global order. He stated, "Within our institution, it was decided to inaugurate the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Programs as well as the Data Science and Analytics Programs this year. These programs will be incorporated into the OSYM guide." The Big Data Management Office, an additional division of ours that contributes to the results of our New Generation University Design and Transformation Project, persists in its efforts to develop a digital system that facilitates data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of our departments conduct integrated research pertaining to artificial intelligence. "With our university's scientific infrastructure and expert human resources, we will continue to implement impactful work in the field of digital transformation, manage information with big data, and take steps to take one step forward with artificial intelligence," he said.


Directorate of Corporate Communications – April 30, 2024