Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, was entertained by Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, the Rector of Atatürk University. He discussed bolstering university-industry cooperation, technocity, the technology transfer office, big data, digital transformation, and the Eastern Anatolian Observatory as part of the agenda for the visit.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Bayrakçeken Yurtcan, Director of the Astrophysics Research and Application Center Cahit Yeşilyaprak, Secretary General of the Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA) Oktay Güven, and Provincial Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration (KOSGEB) Erzurum Lütfullah Aktaş were also in attendance at the Rector's Office.

Deputy Minister Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil conducted a thorough assessment of the research and development endeavors of Atatürk University, an institution that recently concluded 67 years of instruction. He expressed admiration for the university's potential. Yozgatlgil asserted that the university's digital transformation is commendable and that he is confident that these efforts will bear fruit soon and heighten competition: "We closely observe that Atatürk University, a preeminent institution in its region, implements innovations at an exemplary rate." Atatürk University, which features the Eastern Anatolian Observatory, a critical component of the National Space Program, continues to contribute to the betterment of our nation through significant patent and project-related advancements, in addition to executing numerous visionary initiatives. He expressed his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı for his gracious hospitality and wished success to the entire university community.

Rector Çomaklı stated, "Our research is centered on innovation and technology."

Rector Çomaklı underscored the significance of the visit and conveyed his contentment. He also affirmed the university's resolute commitment to establishing a robust partnership network in the realm of technology and industry. Rector Çomaklı addressed Deputy Minister Yozgatlıgil about the technology and innovation-focused initiatives of Atatürk University. Highlighting the importance of bolstering collaboration between the university and industry, he stated, "Today's visit is a significant milestone in the process of strengthening partnerships with both the academic and industrial sectors. I would like to extend my gratitude to Deputy Minister Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil for his keen interest in our ongoing projects."

After the meeting, during which a consensus was reached regarding the advancement of collaboration between universities and industries, Yozgatlıgil proceeded to the Eastern Anatolian Observatory, where he conducted a series of observations.

Directorate of Corporate Communications – February 26, 2024