The studies carried out within the scope of the scientific cooperation protocol signed between the two universities in 2022 were discussed at the visit, and both parties agreed on improving the cooperation environment already in progress.

Ankara University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar visited Near East University with his accompanying delegation. Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ hosted the visiting delegation consisting of Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences Prof. Dr. Orhan Çelik, Director of the Institute of Forensic Sciences Prof. Nebile Dağlıoğlu and Director of the Anti-Addiction Application and Research Center Prof. Şafak Yalçın Şahiner. The meeting also was attended by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu and Dean of Students Prof. Dr. Dudu Özkum Yavuz.

Collaborations between the two universities will continue to grow

The cooperation protocol, which was signed and entered into force between Ankara University and Near East University in 2022, covers a broad framework, from researcher exchange between the two universities to joint scientific publications and research.

At the meeting, where evaluations were made about the latest developments in the two institutions, studies within the scope of scientific cooperation were discussed. At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar and Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ agreed to expand the ongoing collaboration by strengthening the interaction between faculty members and researchers.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Joint projects between universities play an important role in knowledge sharing, innovation and research in the academic world.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ gave information to Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar and his accompanying delegation about the current developments at Near East University. Prof. Şanlıdağ stated that the number of research centers and institutes within the university is approaching 50 and also gave information about the important projects recently carried out by the research centers, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence, internet of things, health and mathematics. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As a university, we are taking important steps with a multidisciplinary approach, especially by focusing on artificial intelligence models.”

Giving information about the Near East University’s artificial intelligence-based academician AI. Prof. Prof. DUX, which will soon be used in the secondary education in Turkey and TRNC, Prof. Şanlıdağ emphasized that they are willing to make DUX available in universities in Turkey, especially in Ankara University.

Reminding that they recently visited the Ministry of National Education, the Council of Higher Education and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “At the end of the process that started with this visit, an important protocol was signed between the TRNC Ministry of National Education and TÜBİTAK. According to this, as of 2024, researchers from the TRNC will be able to benefit from all support programs of TUBITAK.”

Referring to the academic achievements of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Recently, URAP, which operates within the Middle East Technical University Informatics Institute, announced the 2023-2024 World University Rankings. In the study where we were ranked as the best university in Cyprus, we were among the top 10 universities in Turkey. We have also been shown as one of the two best foundation universities in Turkey.”

Emphasizing that their collaboration with more than 100 institutions around the world had a significant impact on this success, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said “Ankara University, one of the important universities of Turkey, is one of the most valuable institutions with which we cooperate in this context.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also thanked Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar and his accompanying delegation for their visit.

Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar: “As Ankara University and Near East University, we will make many more achievements together.”

Ankara University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar emphasized at the visit that Near East University is a very well-equipped and information-rich university. Prof. Dr. Ünüvar stated that they follow the achievements of Near East University closely and said, “Near East University, which has taken important steps in the fields of education, science and technology, has also proven itself in turning its projects into production. I have no doubt that these achievements will be carried forward with the start of production of GÜNSEL, the domestic and national car of TRNC.”

Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar also touched upon the importance of universities carrying out joint studies to increase their scientific productivity and said, “I believe that we, as Ankara University and Near East University, will make many more achievements together in accordance with the scientific cooperation protocol we signed.”