Throughout 2025, Near East University organised educational events that provided learning opportunities beyond its formal degree programmes. Through public lectures, conferences, seminars and workshops, the University shared academic expertise with wider audiences, including school students, educators, healthcare professionals and members of the community.

These activities addressed a broad range of subjects, from climate change and environmental awareness to health education, artificial intelligence and scientific innovation. All educational events presented on this page were organised free of charge and were open to members of the general public, including individuals not enrolled at the University. Selected events also offered online participation, further expanding access to educational opportunities.

The following examples highlight Near East University's contribution to lifelong learning through educational events hosted on campus during 2025.

Climate Change Education: Polar Explorer Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy Engages University and Secondary School Students

1 December 2025 | İrfan Günsel Congress Center

Near East University hosted the public educational lecture "Poles and Climate Change," featuring Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center and an internationally recognised polar scientist. Organised by the Near East University Center of Excellence and Near East Research Innovation and Technology Area (NERITA), the event brought scientific knowledge about polar ecosystems and climate change to a wider audience.

Drawing on her experience from 18 polar research expeditions, Prof. Dr. Özsoy discussed glacier melting, the effects of human activities on the climate and the importance of scientific cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges.

Among the participants were students from a state secondary school who visited the university campus to attend the lecture. Their participation demonstrated how the University's educational events extend beyond its enrolled students, providing younger members of the community with direct access to scientific expertise and opportunities to learn about pressing global issues. The seminar was open to members of the general public, providing access to environmental education beyond the University's academic community.

Public Health Education: 2nd National Sexuality and Sexual Health Symposium

17 October 2025 | İrfan Günsel Congress Center

The Near East University Sexual Health Services Unit, operating under the Dean of Students Office, organised the 2nd National Sexuality and Sexual Health Symposium as a free educational event open to the general public.

The symposium brought together academics, physicians and healthcare professionals from Türkiye and Northern Cyprus to share scientific knowledge on sexual and reproductive health with the public. Across three sessions, speakers addressed sexual health education, healthy relationships, pregnancy, menopause, sexual well-being and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

By providing free public access to expert-led discussions on sensitive and important health topics, the symposium contributed to lifelong health education and enabled participants beyond the University's formal educational programmes to access reliable information relevant to their personal health and well-being.

Digital Literacy: Free Public Seminar on Communication and Artificial Intelligence

23 July 2025 | Faculty of Communication, Barrier-Free Cinema Hall and Online

Near East University's Faculty of Communication organised a free seminar on communication and artificial intelligence, open to the general public. Participants could attend in person at the University's Barrier-Free Cinema Hall or join remotely through Google Meet, allowing individuals outside the campus to access the educational programme.

The session featured artificial intelligence engineer and entrepreneur Melik Vatan, who shared his experience in developing and applying AI technologies across different sectors.

The event introduced participants to emerging applications of artificial intelligence and provided an opportunity to engage with current technological developments. By offering free participation through both physical and digital channels, the University expanded access to learning opportunities in a rapidly developing field.

Environmental Education: Climate Change, Nature and Humanity

20 November 2025 | Near East University Hospital

Near East University's Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture, organised the educational seminar "Climate Change, Nature, and Humanity" to share scientific knowledge about the environmental and societal impacts of climate change.

The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Salih Gücel, who presented research findings on biodiversity loss, rising temperatures, drought, water security and the responses of ecosystems to changing environmental conditions. The programme also addressed the relationships between environmental degradation, human health and quality of life.

The event provided an opportunity to communicate academic research on climate change through an educational seminar, supporting greater understanding of environmental risks and the importance of sustainable planning.

Creative Writing, Empathy and Mindfulness: Public Workshop

15 February 2025 | Near East University Grand Library, American Corner

Near East University's Department of English Language and Literature organised the public workshop "Creative Writing for Empathy and Mindfulness," providing an opportunity for individuals beyond the University's student community to participate in an interactive learning experience.

The workshop was led by Dr. Salamis Ayşegül Şentuğ Tuğyan from Near East University and Dr. Gülcan Garip from the University of Derby, United Kingdom. Through creative writing activities, participants explored the connections between written expression, empathy, emotional awareness and mindfulness.

Open to the general public, the workshop provided an opportunity for personal development and lifelong learning through interdisciplinary approaches combining literature and psychology.

Exploring the Universe: Public Astronomy and Science Education Seminar

14 May 2025 | Near East University Hospital, Room 101

Near East University's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Physics Engineering, organised the public educational seminar "Design or Chance? Exploring the Wonders of Our Galaxy – Stargazing Session for Audiences," bringing scientific knowledge about astronomy and space exploration to a wider audience.

Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zalihe Türker, the seminar featured Dr. Terry Hayden, who introduced participants to the structure of the universe, the characteristics of our galaxy and the fundamentals of astronomical observation. The session provided an accessible introduction to complex scientific concepts and encouraged curiosity about space science.

Designed for audiences beyond formal university education, the event created an opportunity for community members to engage with astronomy and scientific discovery, contributing to public science education and lifelong learning.

Public Seminar on Design Thinking and Innovative Architectural Education

8 December 2025 | Near East University Barrier-Free Cinema and Activity Center

Near East University's Faculty of Architecture and Architectural Research Center for Rural and Urban Life organised the public seminar "Enhanced Design Studios: Exploring a New Frontier in Design Thinking," providing an opportunity for participants beyond the University's academic community to explore contemporary approaches to design and architectural education.

The seminar featured Dr. Denis Kolozali, lecturer at the University of Kyrenia and founder of Creative Visions Architecture, who shared insights into innovative design methodologies, creative problem-solving and the evolving role of studio-based learning in architectural practice.

Open to the wider community, the event connected academic expertise with professional perspectives, providing opportunities for lifelong learning in design, architecture and creative thinking.

HIV/AIDS Awareness and Education: New Hopes for Treatment

1–2 December 2025 | Near East University Campus

Near East University, in collaboration with Kocaeli University, organised the two-day public awareness event "New Hopes for Treatment," providing an opportunity for healthcare professionals, researchers and members of the wider community to learn about current developments in HIV/AIDS prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Coordinated by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Kocaeli University Professor of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Prof. Dr. Sıla Akhan, the programme featured nine educational sessions addressing HIV transmission, early diagnosis, treatment advances, vaccination, drug resistance and preventive healthcare. Expert speakers shared scientific knowledge and discussed the importance of public awareness in reducing transmission and encouraging timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

By opening discussions on HIV/AIDS to the wider community, the event contributed to public health literacy and lifelong learning, making current medical knowledge accessible beyond formal university education.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection: Community Health Education Seminar

2025 | Near East University Hospital

Near East University Hospital organised the "Breast Cancer Awareness Month Special Seminar and Solidarity" to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide accessible health education on early detection, risk factors and preventive healthcare practices.

The event featured Prof. Dr. Hasan Besim, Head of the Department of General Surgery, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eyüp Yaycı from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Through educational presentations, participants received information about breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, early diagnosis, regular health screenings and lifestyle-related health considerations.

In addition to the presentations, participants received educational brochures explaining the steps of breast self-examination, providing practical information to support breast health awareness. The seminar combined expert-led education with accessible informational materials, contributing to public health literacy and lifelong learning beyond formal university education. The seminar was open to the general public, allowing community members to receive evidence-based information on breast cancer prevention and early detection.