Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Rector of Atatürk University, conducted meetings with significant academic institutions in the field of science and technology during his working visit to the United States. Topics such as academic mobility, scholarship opportunities, joint scientific initiatives, and student exchange programs were addressed during the visits. The visits of Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu were conducted in conjunction with joint initiatives conducted by the US Department of State.

 Strategic Meetings with the University of Maryland in the Field of Biotechnology

 The Bioscience and Biotechnology Research Institute (IBBR), which is affiliated with the University of Maryland, was the second destination of the visit. Meetings were conducted with the Institute Director, Prof. Dr. Jonathan Dinman, and the Institute Deputy Director, Dr. John Marino, at this location. Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu, who was informed of the most recent research conducted in the fields of ribosome biology, protein synthesis, virology, and structural biochemistry, stated that a consensus of intention was established between IBBR and Atatürk University with respect to the exchange of postdoctoral researchers and the development of joint projects. The potential for collaboration in sophisticated techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), was notably underscored.

 Academic Collaboration with Howard University in the Field of Health Sciences

 Significant meetings were also conducted at Howard University, a prominent research institution in the United States, situated in Washington, DC. Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, in conjunction with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Copeland, Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Prof. Dr. Martha Davila-Garcia, Director of Graduate Education, and Prof. Dr. Pather Indiran from the School of Pharmacy, assessed collaboration opportunities, particularly in the areas of medical pharmacology, nervous system diseases, and drug development. Scholarships for Turkish students in Howard University's master's and doctoral programs, mutual faculty exchange, and collaborative publication production were all agreed upon.

 The collaboration at George M. University is concentrated on neuroscience.

 George M. University, located in Virginia, served as the initial destination of the excursion. Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, Vice President of Research Dr. Nadine Kabbani, and Professor Dr. Dr. Mohsin Saleet Jafri convened. Issues such as graduate student exchange between Atatürk University and George M. University, summer school collaborations, and joint laboratory projects were brought to the agenda, while studies conducted in the fields of cellular signalling pathways, physiology, and public health were discussed during the meeting.

 Steps of Scientific Diplomacy That Are Highly Effective

 Affnan Mohammad and Dinah Holmquist, the Director of the US Department of State International Visitors Program (IVLP) who coordinated the program, participated in a meeting to discuss the establishment of a sustainable scientific dialogue environment and the support of Turkey-US academic relations with institutional structures.

 Georgetown University hosts a neuroscientific collaboration meeting.

 In the context of Georgetown University's contacts, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu met with Neuroscience Specialist Dr. Peter Turkeltaub who is recognised for his contributions to the disciplines of cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging techniques. Multidisciplinary research, collaborative publication studies, and student mobility at the graduate level, particularly in relation to the treatment of brain injuries, were the subjects of the meeting with Turkeltaub. This meeting was assessed as part of Atatürk University's objective to enhance its research capacity in the fields of health sciences and medicine through international partnerships.

 New Connections to International Education Networks through NAFSA Visit

 A visit was also made to the NAFSA (National Foreign Student Advisors Association) centre, which was established in 1947 following World War II and provides consultancy and support services to international students relocating to the United States.

 Issues such as Atatürk University's vision of internationalisation, the enhancement of student exchange programs, and more effective participation in global academic networks were the subject of discussion during meetings with NAFSA officials, one of the world's leading professional organisations in the field of international education. As a result of these contacts, the university's strategic objectives regarding international student mobility were further advanced.

Academic Collaboration with Washington University...

 In addition, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu convened with prominent scientists affiliated with Washington University. The meetings deliberated on the establishment of collaborative projects in emerging disciplines, including neuroscientific research, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence-supported health technologies. These contacts were assessed as a tangible indicator of Atatürk University's objective to strengthen its existing partnerships with the global scientific community.

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "We are Making Progress with Confidence on the Road to Becoming a Significant Player in the Global Science Community"

 At the conclusion of the visit, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu underscored that Atatürk University is committed to making a global impact on scientific advancements, in addition to those at the national level. "We are simultaneously enhancing the international visibility and prestige of our university and opening new doors for our students and academics through these contacts." He stated that the bridges we have constructed in accordance with the universality of science will facilitate significantly more robust collaborations in the future.

 CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – May 12, 2025