The 7th International Conference on Higher Education Studies, coordinated by the Association for Higher Education Studies (YÖÇAD) and hosted by OSTİM Technical University, was successfully held with the theme “Higher Education Agenda and New Generation Universities in the New Century of the Republic.” The conference brought together numerous academics, researchers, and experts from both Türkiye and around the world.
The opening speeches were delivered by OSTİM Technical University President Prof. Dr. Murat Yülek and YÖÇAD President Prof. Dr. Armağan Erdoğan. Prof. Dr. Yülek expressed his pleasure in hosting such a significant event during the fifth anniversary of OSTİM Technical University, stating: “We are taking steps to shape our university in line with the third-generation university model. This conference will be an important part of that journey.”.
Prof. Dr. Armağan Erdoğan, speaking about the mission of the Association for Higher Education Studies, stated: “We have designated this year’s conference theme as ‘Higher Education Agenda and New Generation Universities in the New Century of the Republic.’ Throughout the event, we will address a range of critical issues, from massification and quality assurance to digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education.”
On the first day of the conference, Dr. Husein Abdul-Hamid, Education Program Coordinator for Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Slovakia at the World Bank, delivered a speech on the effective, efficient, and transformative role of higher education. Following this, Prof. Dr. Carlo Di Benedetta, President of the Scientific Board of the Mediterranean Universities Union, gave a presentation on developments in higher education within the context of risks and crises.
On the second day of the conference, Prof. Dr. Rachel Brooks, Professor of Higher Education at the University of Oxford, shared her analysis of the concept of higher education students from a European perspective. Prof. Dr. Ali Sinağ from Istanbul Aydın University delivered a speech on research management in higher education.
The conference featured a total of 54 presentations and 4 invited speakers, and was further enriched with various panels, workshops, and symposiums. It provided a valuable platform for in-depth discussions on the future of higher education in Türkiye. Additionally, meaningful steps were taken to strengthen collaboration between academics and higher education institutions.
This year’s conference, supported by TÜBİTAK-BİDEB, concluded with a note of gratitude from the YÖÇAD Board of Directors to the researchers and participants who contributed to the field of higher education studies.
