IX. Congress of Academic Studies Held at Our University
Hosted by Istanbul Gedik University, the 9th Congress of Academic Studies (ASC–2025/Spring) took place with wide participation between May 15–18, 2025. The congress brought together many academics from Turkey and abroad, featuring significant discussions on scientific production, technological developments, and sustainability.
The congress officially began on the morning of May 15 with participant registration. The opening speeches were delivered by Dr. Aytaç Uğur Yerden, Dr. Ahmet Erkasap, Prof. Dr. Murat Koç, and Dr. Eng. Halil Halefşan Sümen. The speakers emphasized the responsibility of universities in scientific production and stated that such congresses strengthen scientific solidarity.
Following the opening, invited talks included a comprehensive presentation by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Sirkeci on “The Impact of Migration on Higher Education,” while Prof. Dr. Dustin Van Der Haar discussed digital education and AI-supported learning systems. Prof. Dr. Himmet Karadal shared his insights on sustainable academic leadership.
In the afternoon, the forum session titled “Sustainable Society from the Perspective of Humanity, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence” was held with broad participation. Moderated by Çağ University Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Koç, the session featured panelists such as Fethi Şimşek, Dr. Ahmet Erkasap, Şakir Oral, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azamat Maksüdünov, and Ali Eşelioğlu. The relationship between artificial intelligence and society was discussed from multiple perspectives.
Later in the day, keynote speakers Prof. Dr. Yu-Feng Winnie Lee, Dr. Meerbek Kudaibergenov, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashvaq added academic depth with their presentations. In the afternoon session titled “Publishing in High-Impact Journals and Book Editing,” moderated by Dr. Ebru Bağcı, the processes of academic publishing were explored. The day concluded with a gala dinner where participants came together.
On May 16, the congress continued with in-person and online scientific presentations, with talks by Prof. Dr. Avdhesh Jha, Dr. Logaiswari Indiran, and Dr. Sharofiddin Xoshimjonov standing out. In the afternoon, a workshop session titled “Project Preparation, Sample AI Project, and Academic Collaborations” was held. Moderated by Dr. Aytaç Uğur Yerden, the session provided attendees with valuable, practical insights. The day ended with an evaluation and closing session.
On May 17, participants explored Istanbul’s historic areas as part of a classic tour, including visits to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome. They also had free time in Taksim, Galata, and Karaköy, with an optional Bosphorus tour offering the chance to experience Istanbul’s unique scenery. Online sessions continued simultaneously throughout the day.
On May 18, the congress concluded with fully online scientific sessions. Academics from various regions exchanged knowledge via digital platforms, once again highlighting the international nature of the congress.
Hosted by Istanbul Gedik University, the congress proved to be a productive event combining scientific exchange, technological developments, and cultural interaction over the course of four days.
