The 3rd International Congress on Data Science and Information Technologies (INFTEC’26), hosted by Near East University, brought together 42 researchers from 13 countries. Over the course of the two-day congress, the future of artificial intelligence and data technologies, the use of reliable data, and sustainable technologies were explored across 77 different topics.
Organized in collaboration between Near East University and Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, the 3rd International Congress on Data Science and Information Technologies (INFTEC’26) was hosted by the Near East University Computer Information Systems Research and Technology Center. Held in a hybrid format under the theme “Reliable Data and Sustainable Technology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, the congress convened representatives from academia, the public sector, and the private sector. Throughout the two-day event, participants examined current research in artificial intelligence and data technologies, their applications across various fields, and innovative approaches for the future.
The international congress featured contributions from 42 researchers from 13 countries, with over 60 papers presented. Attracting submissions from a total of 86 universities and 12 private-sector organizations, INFTEC’26 served not only as a platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge but also as a foundation for new academic and industry collaborations.
The congress began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by opening remarks delivered by Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Near East University Vice-Rector. The event was organized by Prof. Dr. Nadire Çavuş, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, and Co-Chair of the Congress, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Tahtalı, Head of the Department of Biometry and Genetics within the Faculty of Agriculture from Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, who also served as a Co-Chair of the Congress.
77 distinct topics from the world of informatics were addressed!
INFTEC’26 featured an extensive scientific program spanning key areas of information technology, including healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and education. The congress explored current developments in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, data mining, software engineering, information systems, cloud computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital transformation.
Other significant themes included cybersecurity, network security, digital forensics, database security, and information ethics, as well as robotics, automation, image processing, and mobile applications. In the healthcare sector, the focus was on bioinformatics, medical informatics, AI applications in health data, agriculture and the environment, and key topics included precision agriculture, smart farming systems, climate change modeling, and green technologies. Covering a total of 77 subjects, including educational technologies, e-commerce, digital media, energy systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and decision-support applications, the congress highlighted the diverse applications of data science across various disciplines and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy said: “As technology evolves rapidly, we must simultaneously consider the reliability of the knowledge being generated and its impact on human life.”
In his opening address at the congress, Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy emphasized that scientific progress is strengthened through international collaborations. Noting that the pooling of knowledge and research resources from different institutions creates new opportunities, Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated, “When the expertise of one institution meets the infrastructure of another, it becomes possible to undertake work that could not be achieved independently.” Highlighting the importance of student participation in joint research, he added, “We aim for academic relationships to evolve into long-term projects and for the knowledge generated in Northern Cyprus to gain greater visibility on the international stage.”
Touching upon the congress’s main theme, Prof. Dr. Aksoy pointed out that technological advancement brings with it significant scientific and ethical responsibilities. “As technology develops rapidly, we must carefully consider the reliability of the knowledge produced, the ethical dimensions of its application, and its impact on human life.” he said, illustrating the significance of this responsibility with an example from the field of healthcare. “We know that the figures used to evaluate the performance of a model can directly influence a person’s diagnostic and treatment process once that model is put into practice.” he added, stressing that technological developments must be assessed in line with scientific rigor and ethical principles.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Tahtalı: “We must ensure that scientific studies find a practical application within the private sector as well.”
Congress Co-Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Tahtalı touched upon the three-year development process of INFTEC, noting that the congress has grown through the contributions of universities, researchers, and industry representatives from various countries. Explaining that 42 international researchers from 13 countries participated this year, with submissions received from 86 universities and 12 private-sector organizations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahtalı stated that this level of interest strengthens the international character of the congress.
Emphasizing that scientific research should not be limited to academic publications alone, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahtalı highlighted the importance of translating knowledge generated within universities into practical application. Posing questions such as, “We produce science, but does it have a counterpart in the private sector? Can we move forward in an integrated manner through collaborations with the private sector?” Tahtalı emphasized that partnerships between academia and industry are decisive in transforming research into tangible outcomes. Expressing his hope that the congress will continue to evolve through new partnerships in the coming years, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahtalı thanked everyone who contributed to the organization.
Prof. Dr. Nadire Çavuş: “We must also evaluate the development of technology in terms of the benefits it offers to humanity and its societal impacts.”
Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Nadire Çavuş, who also serves as the Head of the Computer Information Systems Research and Technology Center at Near East University, stated that artificial intelligence, data science, and information technologies are transforming many aspects of life, ranging from education and healthcare to the economy and engineering. Prof. Dr. Çavuş noted that this transformation should not be assessed solely in terms of innovation and efficiency. Çavuş drew attention to the importance of reliable data usage, the privacy of personal information, and sustainability. Saying that “we must evaluate the development of technology in terms of both the benefits it offers to humanity and its societal impacts.” Prof. Dr. Çavuş emphasized that scientific progress should be pursued with a sense of social responsibility.
Noting that international congresses strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience among researchers from diverse disciplines, Prof. Dr. Çavuş addressed students and young researchers at the conclusion of his speech. “You are not merely users of technology; you are the individuals who will develop and shape the technologies of the future.” said Çavuş, urging the youth to never stop being curious, questioning, and generating new ideas.
