Empowering Futures: Near East University Collaborates with SOS Children's Village Association
Near East University's Health Operations Research Center is extending its impact beyond the realm of healthcare. Through a collaboration protocol with the SOS Children's Village Association, the center is set to provide voluntary training in artificial intelligence, coding, and foreign languages for children and youth under the care of the association.
Near East University's commitment to societal well-being extends beyond healthcare, as exemplified by its collaboration with the SOS Children's Village Association. Through a cooperation protocol signed on 29 December 2022, the university's Health Operations Research Center is embarking on a mission to provide voluntary training in artificial intelligence, coding, and foreign languages for children and youth under the care of the association.
The Health Operations Research Center, renowned for its expertise in health-related decision-making processes supported by artificial intelligence, is leveraging its knowledge to empower the younger generation. This collaboration signifies a broader impact, moving from personalized medicine recommendations and hospital equipment selection to nurturing essential skills in children and youth.
Aligned with Near East University's dedication to social responsibility, this collaboration extends beyond scientific research, emphasizing holistic educational and skill development.
Near East University Symposium: Social Research and Sustainable Development Goals
The "Social Research and Development Symposium" organized by Near East University's Social Research and Development Center not only delved into diverse topics related to sustainable development goals but also showcased impactful collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). With 40 international presentations, researchers, experts, and representatives from civil society organizations convened, showcasing collaborative efforts with invited speakers from Kazakhstan and Tunisia.
Covering a diverse range of subjects, the symposium featured panels such as "Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Issues Under the Scope of Sustainable Development Goals." Other panels delved into topics like elderly rights, mental health, social development, tourism, energy, and environmental research.
The symposium highlighted the creation of a collaborative environment for projects related to women, disabled individuals, children, the elderly, and youth, aligning with the Social Research and Development Center's mission. As a gesture of social responsibility, handmade ceramics crafted by students from the Gazimağusa Special Education Center were presented to the speakers at the symposium's conclusion.
This symposium aimed to bring an academic perspective to social issues, strengthen international collaborations, and shed light on sustainable development goals.
Fostering Unity: Near East University and Refugee Rights Association Join Forces for Turkish Language Education
In a noteworthy collaboration, the Near East University and the Refugee Rights Association have united their efforts to enhance social cohesion and create a more inclusive environment for refugees in Northern Cyprus. Their joint initiative introduces a Turkish language education project aimed at empowering refugees, not only fostering personal growth but also contributing to the overall harmony of the local community.
This impactful collaboration between the Near East University and the Refugee Rights Association signifies a shared commitment to social inclusivity and the empowerment of refugees in Northern Cyprus. The Turkish language education project, a focal point of this collaboration, is a testament to their dedication to reducing inequalities and promoting integration.
A commendable total of 32 refugees have actively participated in the program, benefiting from the expertise and dedication of the collaborating team. In acknowledgment of their significant contribution to this transformative project, the collaborators received well-deserved certificates of appreciation from the Refugee Rights Association.
This initiative highlights the critical role of language proficiency, particularly Turkish language skills, in reducing disparities among refugees. Proficiency in the local language is a powerful tool that opens doors to education and employment, facilitating the integration of refugees into their host societies. The project exemplifies how education can bridge cultural gaps, promote understanding, and establish effective communication channels.
Through this collaborative effort, the Near East University and the Refugee Rights Association are actively contributing to building a more inclusive and harmonious community, where refugees can thrive and actively participate in the social fabric of Northern Cyprus.
International Collaboration in Combating Epidemics: Near East University Symposium
The "Epidemic/Pandemic Diseases Symposium," a collaborative effort between the Turkish Microbiology Society, TMC-TRNC Microbiology Platform, Near East University DESAM Research Institute, Mathematics Research Center, and Health Operations Center, took place at the Near East University İrfan Günsel Congress Center on 9 October 2022.. The opening ceremony was attended by President Ersin Tatar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, President of the Turkish Microbiology Society Prof. Dr. Sebahat Aksaray, and TMC-TRNC Microbiology Platform President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buket Baddal.
The symposium addressed various topics related to epidemic/pandemic diseases, with a focus on COVID-19. These included discussions on laboratory methods, the importance of mathematical modeling in monitoring and controlling epidemics/pandemics, new approaches in diagnosis and treatment, and forgotten infections.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, the Rector of Near East University, shared the university's contributions, including respirators, a local COVID-19 PCR and Variant Analysis Kit, and the development of a nasal spray called Olirin. He also mentioned significant investments, such as the Genome Analysis Laboratory, reducing the country's dependence on foreign sources for genetic analysis.
The collaboration showcased the university's commitment to scientific research, with over 1600 scientific articles and 375 studies on COVID-19 published in reputable journals. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized the importance of learning from the COVID-19 experience, enhancing preparedness for future pandemics, and the continuous dedication to scientific development.