Ataturk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı also attended the ‘Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Big Data’ meeting hosted by Yıldız Technical University under the leadership of Higher Education Council (YÖK) President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. In addition to Özvar, the rectors of 20 universities where new programmes and departments will be opened and members of the Higher Education Executive Board attended the meeting.

In his speech at the meeting held at Yıldız Technical University Otağ-ı Hümayun, Prof. Dr. Özvar stated that there is a need to open programmes at undergraduate / associate degree level to train human resources on artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence solutions, digitalisation and big data. Özvar stated that for this purpose, a ‘Working Group for Determining Artificial Intelligence Based Programmes’ was established within the Higher Education Council and said, ‘The working group examined the department/programme structures of universities in different countries and presented possible programme proposals to our Higher Education Council.’

New Programmes to be Opened on Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Big Data

Özvar stated that they evaluated the recommendations of the working group and decided to open 5 undergraduate and 12 associate degree programmes in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and big data at universities, 2 of which are new for the first time, but the number of programmes will increase in the coming days.

Özvar explained that they decided to open the departments of ‘Information Systems and Technologies’, ‘Software Development’ and ‘Information Security Technology’, which are currently available in different state and foundation universities, in different universities, and that in addition to these, they decided to open 2 new undergraduate programmes. Özvar explained that the new departments planned to be opened at undergraduate level are ‘Data Science and Analytics’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning’.

Rector Çomaklı: ‘Being One Step Ahead in the Age of Technology is of Great Importance’

Stating that Atatürk University is a pioneer in many fields with its 67 years of experience, qualified academic staff and well-equipped infrastructure, Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı made an evaluation within the scope of the programme. Rector Çomaklı stated that they are extremely happy to be among the universities with new programmes to be opened: ‘We have taken the first steps of the academic programmes that will shape the future under the leadership of our Higher Education Council President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. It is of great importance to keep up with the developing and changing world and even take a step forward. Both YÖK and the university are sensitive to this issue and we are taking the necessary steps.’

‘We are taking steps in accordance with the needs of the new era’

Stating that the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project initiated by Atatürk University has brought many innovations, Rector Çomaklı said: ‘If an innovation is to be made in the higher education of the country, one of the first universities that comes to mind is Atatürk University, which always has an ancient value. In this regard, I would like to thank our esteemed President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar. Our university is preparing to take a firm step into the rapidly developing world of technology. It is taking action to expand its education and research activities in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and big data in accordance with the needs of the new era. In this context, our university is proud to announce its new programmes and departments to train the technology leaders of the future. These programmes, launched for students who want to specialise in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and big data, aim to offer an education and research platform that meets the requirements of the age.’

‘Our students will adapt to digitalisation trends’

Prof. Dr. Çomaklı stated that the prominent programmes in the field of artificial intelligence will offer students a comprehensive education in areas such as deep learning, machine learning, natural language processing and robotics. ‘These programmes will provide students with the ability to solve real-world problems using artificial intelligence technologies. Thanks to this innovative move, which will provide students with expertise in understanding digital transformation processes, creating digital marketing strategies and developing innovative solutions on digital platforms, students will have the opportunity to adapt to the digitalisation trends of the business world and lead in this field.’

‘We are determined to raise the innovative leaders of the future’

Çomaklı also stated that Atatürk University aims to provide students with not only theoretical knowledge but also industry experience and practical skills with these new programmes: ‘Our graduates will join the workforce equipped and competitive in accordance with the needs of the sector. With these new programmes, which will make a significant contribution to education and research in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and big data, our university is determined to push the boundaries of technology and raise the innovative leaders of the future.’

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