Üsküdar University Joins Signatory Universities of Magna Charta Universitatum

Üsküdar University joined the signatory universities of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU2020) declaration, which is based on the universal values of higher education such as academic freedom, institutional autonomy, scientific ethics, and social responsibility, with the signature theme of “Transform knowledge into innovation, offer new opportunities to talents, and build a competitive economy”. At the international signing ceremony held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, Üsküdar University was represented by Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel. In this context, the roles undertaken by universities in scientific knowledge production, artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainable development, and social transformation were also discussed.

Üsküdar University took its place among the signatory universities of the Magna Charta Universitatum, which aims to protect academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and scientific independence in the international higher education world.

As part of the anniversary events held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, between October 14-16, 2026, an official signing ceremony took place on Friday, October 16, in the historical Aula Parva hall of Vilnius University. At the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel signed the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 declaration on behalf of Üsküdar University.

Universities from Different Countries Around the World Met in Vilnius

The anniversary events organized by the Magna Charta Observatory brought together university administrators, academics, and representatives of international higher education institutions from different countries around the world.

At the conference held with the theme “Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World”, the role of universities in the face of changing global conditions and the sustainability of academic values were discussed.

At the conference hosted by Mykolas Romeris University, academic freedom, university autonomy, international collaborations, quality assurance in higher education, democratic values, and the effects of artificial intelligence on the future of universities were evaluated. 

Following the conference, at the official ceremony held at Vilnius University, seven new signatory universities demonstrated their commitment to the fundamental principles and values of the declaration.

Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel Signed on Behalf of Üsküdar University

At the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 signing ceremony held at Vilnius University, Üsküdar University was represented by Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel.

The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered by Rimvydas Petrauskas, Rector of Vilnius University, and Giovanni Molari, President of the Magna Charta Observatory and Rector of the University of Bologna.

At the ceremony, where Andrius Kubilius, Member of the European Commission responsible for Defence and Space, was among the keynote speakers, the protection of fundamental university values and their responsibilities in the global higher education system were highlighted.

With Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel signing the declaration on behalf of Üsküdar University, the university joined the international signatory universities embracing the principles of academic freedom, scientific ethics, institutional autonomy, and social responsibility.

The Role of Universities in Scientific Production and Economic Development Was Discussed

In the presentations held within the scope of the event, the responsibilities undertaken by universities in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development processes, in addition to scientific knowledge production, were discussed.

In the sessions where Lithuania’s economic transformation strategy for 2030 was shared, innovation, investment, and institutional development topics came to the forefront. Attention was drawn to increasing research and development investments, training qualified human resources, and transforming scientific studies into high added-value production.

While the contributions of universities and research centers in strategic areas such as life sciences, laser technologies, defense industry, and digital technologies were discussed, it was emphasized that strong collaborations between universities, public institutions, and the business world could accelerate the transformation of scientific knowledge into innovative products and services.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Are Shaping the Future of Higher Education

One of the prominent topics of the conference was the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the future of universities. In the presentations regarding Lithuania’s digital transformation efforts, the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure, the widespread adoption of digital skills, the training of human resources for new technologies, and the roles universities can undertake in this transformation were evaluated.

It was emphasized that artificial intelligence should be addressed not only in terms of technological development but also regarding the quality of scientific research, the transformation of educational processes, and ethical responsibilities. Evaluating scientific progress alongside human-centered values emerged as one of the important topics aligned with the fundamental approach of the Magna Charta Universitatum.

An Important Meeting for Üsküdar University's Interdisciplinary Approach

The topics of artificial intelligence, scientific research, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility discussed at the Magna Charta Universitatum events also formed a meaningful framework for Üsküdar University's interdisciplinary education and research approach.

The convergence of different disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, behavioral sciences, and social sciences is important for contemporary universities to develop multifaceted solutions to scientific problems.

From this perspective, Üsküdar University's joining the signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum was regarded as a step supporting the understanding that scientific knowledge should not be limited to production in academic circles but also transformed for the benefit of society.

The university's convergence with international academic values on common ground was significant in terms of developing interdisciplinary collaborations, protecting ethical principles in scientific research, and training qualified human resources.

Emphasis on Qualified Human Resources and Sustainability

At the event, Lithuania’s policies for developing qualified human resources were also shared. Topics such as training specialists in information technologies, engineering, and life sciences, educating existing employees to adapt to new technologies, and employing university graduates in innovative sectors were discussed.

It was emphasized that universities are not merely institutions that meet current professional needs, but also scientific centers that shape the professions and competencies of the future.

This approach highlighted the importance of a holistic evaluation of education, research, application, and social contribution activities for Üsküdar University.

The Journey of Academic Values Began in Bologna in 1988…

The Magna Charta Universitatum was first signed on September 18, 1988, as part of the 900th anniversary of the founding of the University of Bologna. The declaration, adopted with the participation of 388 university rectors and administrators from Europe and different parts of the world, laid out the universal academic values that universities should possess while fulfilling their fundamental duties.

Among the fundamental principles of the declaration were the intellectual and moral independence of universities, the inseparable integrity of teaching and research, the free production of scientific knowledge, and the development of critical thinking. Emphasizing the importance for universities to conduct their scientific activities independently of political influences and economic interests, the declaration defined higher education institutions as centers where free inquiry, open dialogue, and respect for diverse ideas flourish.

Universal Principles Updated with Magna Charta Universitatum 2020

In line with the global transformations in the world of higher education, the Magna Charta Universitatum declaration was updated in 2020. Prepared as a result of comprehensive evaluations by an international working group formed in 2018, the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU2020) maintained the core values of the initial declaration while addressing the contemporary responsibilities of universities within a broader framework.

In the updated declaration, in addition to academic freedom and institutional autonomy, principles such as ethical research, sustainability, equality of opportunity, inclusivity, lifelong learning, and social responsibility came to the forefront. 

MCU2020 emphasized that universities are not only institutions that produce and transmit scientific knowledge; but also structures that lead social transformation, seek solutions to common problems of humanity, and contribute to global developments.

Academic Freedom and Scientific Independence Came to the Forefront

In the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 declaration, the intellectual and moral autonomy of universities was defined as a fundamental condition for them to fulfill their responsibilities towards society.

While the declaration regarded academic freedom as one of the indispensable elements of scientific production, it drew attention to the necessity for universities to be institutions that question established ideas, encourage critical thinking, and enable the free discussion of different views.

Conducting scientific research with adherence to ethical principles, producing reliable and accessible results, and using knowledge for the benefit of society were also among the fundamental responsibilities of the declaration.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Among the topics discussed at the conference were sustainable development and environmental responsibility. In the presentations concerning Lithuania's renewable energy transition, energy independence, carbon neutrality, and environmental sustainability goals were evaluated.

The Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 declaration also emphasizes that universities should engage in activities that contribute to the common future of humanity and support sustainability. In this framework, the social responsibilities of universities were addressed with a holistic approach covering different areas such as scientific research, education, environmental awareness, equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity.

An Important Step in Üsküdar University's International Academic Journey

Üsküdar University's signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 declaration stood out as an important development in terms of the university's position within the international academic community and its institutional commitments to universal higher education values.

The universities signing the declaration demonstrate their commitment to protecting and developing the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, scientific integrity, equality, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

With its signature on this international declaration, Üsküdar University also expressed at an international level that it embraces common academic values regarding the free production of scientific knowledge, the support of an ethical academic approach, the development of qualified education, and the strengthening of the social responsibilities of higher education.

Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel's signing on behalf of the university was an important step symbolizing Üsküdar University's convergence with the global academic community around shared values.