With the advancement of technology, digitalization and, along with it, work in the field of artificial intelligence are finding their place in every aspect of life. Closely following the world's transformation and development from education to health and implementing it instantly, Üsküdar University is one of the pioneering institutions in Turkey to initiate studies in artificial intelligence. Officially established in 2011 and admitting its first students in 2012, Üsküdar University is holding one of its first events with 'Artificial Intelligence' as its main theme. Thus, with this event, which is Turkey's first Science and Idea Festival, it makes a significant contribution to the artificial intelligence ecosystem in Turkey.
Üsküdar University, which began its educational journey as Turkey's first and only thematic university in the fields of behavioral sciences and health, continues to undertake pioneering work in Turkey.
Two firsts in Turkey with the same event…
Üsküdar University also achieved one of Turkey's firsts with a decision it made in 2013. By launching Turkey's first 'Science and Idea Festival', Üsküdar University also signed off on Turkey's first artificial intelligence event by holding the event in 2014 with 'Artificial Intelligence' as its main theme.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: 'Turkey's first science and idea festival'
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Chairman of the Executive Board Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that they held the first Science and Idea Festival in 2013, adding that the festival was Turkey's first in this sense.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: 'One should not be afraid of change and new steps'
Stating that they researched all countries for similar festivals while working on the idea of the Science and Idea Festival, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said the following:
'Until now, science Olympics were held in our country. This was an association that combined science with sports. We aim to make young people love science. We are realizing the first example of idea festivals in Turkey, which also have examples in the USA. This festival contains ideas, knowledge, and projects. Just as there are festivals for tomatoes and apples; there should also be a festival for science. Ideal learning is more memorable if it is disciplined and fun. The educational approach where discipline and fun are combined is actually brain-based education. Discipline that contains knowledge, discipline that contains love, discipline that contains fun, fun that contains a project, fun that contains knowledge will lead us from information to wisdom. Üsküdar University is a thematic university in the field of behavioral sciences. Based on this feature, the project topic for this competition, which we will make traditional, was determined accordingly. We determined the topic for the first year as artificial intelligence, which is followed with great interest by scientific circles all over the world. Artificial intelligence research involves a multidisciplinary study that combines health with engineering, computer software with psychology. Just like our university's understanding of education. Later, the Ministry of National Education embraced the project as science galas. It is very important to grasp the truths of the time well, to continue them, and to be sustainable. One should not be afraid of change and new steps. But when you break the mold, there are many who try to trip you up. One must take this into account. The biggest danger for a person doing good things is to be pointed at. As long as one acts with scientific rigor, there is no need to be afraid. One must proceed with scientific rigor by using information and data. After collecting scientific data, one should act based on evidence and also prepare justifications for objections that may arise against the steps taken in this regard.'
Tarhan added that they achieved two firsts in Turkey with the same event, and that the science and idea festival was Turkey's first event on 'Artificial Intelligence'.
They competed with their ideas in the field of Artificial Intelligence…
In the Science and Idea Festival, decided upon in 2013 and held in 2014, high school students aspiring to be future university students competed with their ideas in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Over 100 projects were featured in the artificial intelligence-themed festival, which covered high schools in Istanbul. Projects that ranked in the competition were awarded with money and various gifts.
