The 3rd R&D Project Market and University Promotion Fair took place in Erzincan

The 3rd R&D Project Market and University Promotion Fair was organized within the framework of the Anatolian Universities Association (AÜB) and hosted by Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University. The opening program of the 3rd R&D Project Market and University Promotion Fair, held at Prof. Dr. Erdoğan Büyükkasap Congress and Culture Center, was attended by the President of the Anatolian Universities Association and Rector of Erciyes University, Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, Rector of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Prof. Dr. Akın Levent, Rector of Abdullah Gül University, Prof. Dr. Cengiz Yılmaz, Rector of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Prof. Dr. Fatih Yılmaz, Rector of Yozgat Bozok University, Prof. Dr. Evren Yaşar, Rector of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kazım Karahocagil, Rector of Ardahan University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Biber, Vice Rector of Malatya Turgut Özal University, Prof. Dr. Orhan Gündüz, Vice Rector of İnönü University, Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Baharçiçek, Vice Rector of Sivas Science and Technology University, Prof. Dr. Emre Biçer, Vice Rector of Fırat University, Prof. Dr. Soner Özgen, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Veysel Yanık, our university’s administration, academicians, students, and guests. The program, which started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by the screening of the university introduction film, continued with a music performance by the Faculty of Education Fine Arts Education students and opening speeches. Taking the stage to deliver the opening speeches, Rector Prof. Dr. Akın Levent highlighted that the Anatolian Universities Association operates in a wide geography extending from Kırşehir to Erzincan and emphasized the importance of the association, which is a collaboration of 15 universities from the region conducting joint efforts. Rector Levent stated: ‘The Anatolian Universities Association is a significant formation where 15 universities from the region come together to carry out joint work. It operates in a wide geography extending from Kırşehir to Erzincan and is a constantly growing union. Moreover, being an association that also receives participation requests from Turkish Republics shows that they are on the right track and will continue to progress with determination on this path. We have full confidence that universities will carry out successful works in scientific terms and in their curricula with the great contributions of the lecturers.’ Following Rector Levent, the President of the Anatolian Universities Association and Rector of Erciyes University, Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, emphasized the duties of universities in education, R&D activities, and contributing to the region. Altun, who highlighted the importance of R&D projects in the event bringing together 11 different provinces, mentioned that efforts are made to expand joint projects and collaborations among universities. He expressed that new practices have been developed to encourage students to intern in industry and emphasized the importance of students gaining experience in the industry before embarking on a professional career. Altun stressed that they are striving to expand the R&D activities of universities within the association and aim to share university laboratory facilities across the country in industrial-related studies, stating that as the Anatolian Universities Association, they are making efforts to serve Anatolia. Following the opening speeches of the 3rd R&D Project Market and University Promotion Fair, Rector Prof. Dr. Akın Levent presented plaques to Erzincan Provincial Police Director Kenan Kurt, on behalf of Erzincan Provincial Police Deputy Director Özgür Vatan, Erzincan Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Veysel Yanık, Provincial Director of National Education Hacı Ömer Kartal, Director of Culture and Tourism Oğuzhan Kılıç, and President of Turkish Red Crescent Erzincan Branch Volkan Burak Mumcu for their contributions to the program. As part of the R&D project market activities, a success stories program was organized in the afternoon. Firstly, CEO of DESNET Technology, Ömer Ekinci shared an inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur who started from Erzincan at a young age. Ekinci pointed out that he can reach fewer skilled workers but frequently encounters diploma holders, emphasizing the need to distinguish skilled craftsmen from diploma holders. Ekinci, who expressed having had many experiences in business life, stated that he succeeded in being a good apprentice and knew how to select the best apprentices. He shared that he has been involved in production from a young age, worked in different fields, and expressed his dream of turning a small industrial shop into a large technology center. Emphasizing the importance of the master-apprentice relationship, Ekinci mentioned that many of his friends who left his company established their own personal companies, which made him proud. Following Ekinci, CEO of AD ASTRA Technology Group, Uğur Coşkun, shared their work on artificial intelligence and new technologies, indicating that they are making technological advancements for the future soldiers. Coşkun underlined that studies on technologies where artificial intelligence and the human brain work together are ongoing, highlighting the rapid development of technology and the need for the new generations to keep up with these developments. He expressed his belief that technology affects our daily lives and anticipated an increase in urban battles in the future, stating that old ways do not offer new opportunities and emphasizing that hard work and determination will open every door. After the presentation of plaques to the participants, the opening program of the R&D Project Market and University Promotion Fair concluded.