Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) participated in the program organized by Council of Higher Education (YÖK) titled "Professions of Future", which focused on universities' road maps for professions in the future. In the program attended by Assistant Coordinator of the Corporate Communication Office and Head of the Science Communication Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, topics such as the 2030 vision in higher education, science communication, and new-generation professions were evaluated.
The program held at YÖK 15 Temmuz Milli İrade Hall witnessed significant evaluations on the new educational approach centered around changing dynamics of professions, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, and science communication.
During the program, which started following a moment of silence and singing of the National Anthem, introductory video highlighting the professions of the future prepared by YÖK Science Communication Office was screened. The program was attended by Acting President of YÖK Prof. Dr. Naci Gündoğan, YÖK Executive Board Members, YÖK Press Counsellor Çiğdem Savaşçıoğlu, Assistant Coordinator of the BEUN Corporate Communication Office and Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, and representatives of corporate communications offices.
During the sessions held as part of the program, initiatives on new programs opened in line with 2030 vision, changing professional fields, and strengthening communication between universities and society. Strategies on increasing science communication activities and introducing knowledge produced at universities more efficiently, were also discussed.
Pioneering Contribution to the Professions of the Future from BEUN
Innovative educational programs prepared by universities for the professions of future and the role of science communication in introducing these programs to society were also discussed during the meeting. In this context, Offshore Drilling Technology and Offshore Subsea Operations Technology programs, first and only in Türkiye, initiated in collaboration with Türkiye Petroleum Offshore Technology Center (TP-OTC) and Council of Higher Education (YÖK) were evaluated as exemplary programs.
Aforementioned programs graduating its second group of students stood out as a significant model in higher education as they raise qualified human resources to contribute to Türkiye’s goals of energy independence. Various initiatives are taken including introduction of these programs as part of Science Communication Office activities, contribution to career planning of young people, and increasinf the awareness in strategic professional fields.
Rector Özölçer: “We Will Continue to Initiate Significant Activities in the Field of Science Communication”
In his remarks on the subject, emphasizing the significance of the program that leads the future of higher education, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated the following:
“ ‘Professions of Future’ program, held under the coordination of Council of Higher Education, provides a significant vision in preparing the universities for future, raising young people with skills in line with the needs of the changing world and transforming scientific production into social benefit. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we continue to work in line with an understanding that introduced scientific production with the society, prioritizes development based on knowledge, and prepares young people for the future. In this respect, I would like to thank Assistant Coordinator of the BEUN Corporate Communication Office and Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin for her contributions to the activities held by Science Communication Office. I believe we will hold many more activities, which will bring scientific knowledge to all parts of society, inspire young people, and contribute to the spread of science culture, with the help of Science Communication Office.
I would like to extend my gratitude to YÖK Acting President, Executive Board Members, YÖK Science Communication Office, and YÖK community, particularly the President of Council of Higher Education. I wholeheartedly believe that this valuable vision leading the future of our universities will contribute to the science, technology, and higher education ecosystem.”
