International meeting in Speech and Language Therapy held in Üsküdar

Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Speech and Language Therapy Department hosted the “Speech and Language Therapy International Week (SLT International Week)” event within the framework of the international academic collaboration carried out with Ioannina University of Greece, under the Erasmus+ program. During the five-day program, current clinical approaches, training models, and digital innovations were discussed; while the development of academic collaborations, the laying of foundations for joint projects, and the strengthening of student-academic mobility were aimed.

Between March 30 - April 3, 2026, academics and doctoral students from the Ioannina University Speech and Language Therapy Department visited the Üsküdar University NP Health campus within the scope of the event organized under the coordination of Prof. Ahmet Konrot, Head of the Speech and Language Therapy Department, Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences.

Research group members from the Ioannina University Speech and Language Therapy Digital Technologies Laboratory, Prof. Eugenia I. Toki, Dr. Soultana Papadopoulou, and Information Technologies Specialist Konstantinos Plachouras, along with doctoral students Vasiliki Peklari and Evangelos Papastergiou, participated in the event.

Prof. Ahmet Konrot: “International academic networks are strengthening”

Prof. Ahmet Konrot, Head of the Speech and Language Therapy Department, commented on the event; “The event provides significant contributions in terms of international academic collaborations. Such studies not only increase scientific productivity but also contribute to the strengthening of international academic networks and the enhancement of knowledge exchange between countries.”

Current approaches and digital innovation discussed

Within the scope of the international week held under the title “Current Approaches, Digital Innovation, and Cultural Convergences in Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Practices”; current clinical practices, education models, and the use of digital technologies in the field of speech and language therapy were discussed in detail.

Throughout the five-day program; speech and language therapy education and clinical practice models, current trends in assessment and intervention approaches, comparisons of practices in different countries, and the use of digital assessment and intervention tools were among the topics for presentations and academic discussions.

International academic collaborations are strengthening

In the sessions held within the program, academic and research-based collaborations, joint project development processes, and future international cooperation opportunities were discussed. In the studies conducted with the active participation of doctoral students, the foundations for joint studies on research themes and future mobility plans were laid.

In the Erasmus+ cooperation process carried out between Üsküdar University and Ioannina University, not only academic interaction but also a sustainable cooperative relationship was developed. Within this scope, mutual student and academic staff mobility was ensured, contributing to students gaining international experience.

Joint academic studies continue…

Joint academic studies continue within the scope of the cooperation developed as a result of previous visits between the two universities. In this framework, faculty members from the Üsküdar University Speech and Language Therapy Department contributed as chapter authors to the international edited academic book titled “Dysphagia in Neurodevelopmental and Medical Disorders and Diseases: A Lifespan Approach”.

As a continuation of this collaboration, in line with the digital innovations discussed during the international week, it was stated that the preparation process for a new international academic book focusing on digital assessment and intervention tools in the field of speech and language therapy has been initiated.

A strong and sustainable cooperative relationship was also developed

Additionally, in the Erasmus+ cooperation process carried out between Üsküdar University and Ioannina University, not only academic interaction but also a strong and sustainable cooperative relationship was developed. Within this scope, mutual student and academic staff mobility was carried out. Students also gained the opportunity to gain international experience through the Erasmus program.

The international event, while strengthening the global academic network of Üsküdar University's Speech and Language Therapy Department, also made significant contributions to the development of sustainable international collaborations.