The workshop titled 'The concept of Metaverse (Virtual Universe) and its Applications in the Food Industry', hosted by Atatürk University, was held online.

In the workshop, the purpose of Metaverse, its historical development, how it works and the subject of blockchain were discussed, as well as the application areas of this digital system and its impact on the food industry.

In the workshop where evaluations were made about Metaverse, one of the most popular concepts in the world of technology and social media, Atatürk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Turgut Gogebakan, Prof. Dr. Filiz Altay Lokumcu of Istanbul Technical University Food Engineering Department, Head of İstinye University Management Information Systems Department  Assoc. Dr. Şebnem Özdemir, Türk Telekom Energy and Cooling Systems Manager Enes Polat, TÜKONFED Sustainable Production and Consumption Committee Chairman Nurten Sırma, agricultural writer and futurist (TURKVERSE Founder) Burak Sarsılmaz, and many academics, students and guests showed interest in the subject.

“It is vital to direct the talents and enthusiasms of young people”

Atatürk University Vice-Chancellor Turgut Gögebakan started his speech emphasizing that technological developments are as important as following them and being aware of current developments. “With the pandemic, many countries met with digital platforms earlier than they should have. Of course, universities that are home to science have priority areas according to their fields of study, but the common goal of all universities is to keep up to date, to work towards the necessities of the age, and to put the studies into practice at the end. One of the most important steps to be taken for the future of our country is undoubtedly to direct the talents and enthusiasm of young people born in the digital age. Universities have a great responsibility in this regard. The dream of going to other planets, other galaxies carried man to space. But it is necessary to see that there is a generation that will discover the world and the universe from where they sit. As Atatürk University, under the leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, we have successfully managed the digital transformation process and integrated our students with the developments of the new world. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have contributed to the discussion of this concept, which is among the most talked elements of the coming period, and I hope that the outputs will offer solutions to questions and problems." he said.

“Metaverse increases its impact in every area of life day by day”

Workshop Organizing Committee Chairman Assoc. Dr. Tuba Erkaya Kotan said: “The concept of metaverse is expressed as a new generation technology that many of us have not heard of while some of us are just familiar with, but it will soon become a part of our lives like the internet. We will feel the impact of Metaverse in every aspect of life intensely day by day including all vital areas from working life to economy, from culture and art to entertainment. We think that Metaverse is a concept that should be known by all of us. With this new technology, we will try to understand the importance of food for the future with valuable presentations of our experts in the field.”

Workshop Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Elif Dağdemir said that technology is developing at a rapid pace and new conditions and concepts are entering our lives in parallel with the developing technology. "One of the concepts we have heard frequently lately is the concept of Metaverse. Most of us know very little about Metaverse, which is considered to be the technology of the future. We decided to organize this workshop in order to find answers to questions and not to be unfamiliar with this technology that can enter our lives and not to be caught unprepared.” She added.

"The concept of Metaverse has been discussed from many aspects."

In the session coordinated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Şeyma Yücel Altay, Enes Polat made a presentation titled 'The Concept of Metaverse with its Pros and Cons.' Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Özdemir emphasized in her presentation titled 'Metaverse on the Axis of Artificial Intelligence' that the culture should also be renewed in order for technology culture to become widespread.

Prof. Dr. Filiz Altay Lokumcu and Burak Sarsılmaz noted in their presentation 'Nutrition in the Metaverse with Neurogeria Nutrition Technique' (Meta-Nutrition) that emotional and eating disorders can be resolved by showing photographs of various dishes within a certain period of time. In her presentation titled 'What Does Metaverse Promise For The Food Industry?' Nurten Sırma said that with Metaverse layers, there are very valuable technological layers that will find solutions to the deep-rooted problems of the food industry. On the other hand, in her presentation titled "Does Metaverse Fill Your Tummy?" Mine Ataman pointed out that many things have changed from the green revolution to climate change, from yesterday to today, and that with this trend, Metaverse is an escape route.

The workshop ended after a question-answer session.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 23.05.2022