ENG
Nev Online
Istanbul Nişantaşı University held its 2026–2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony at the Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cevdet Uysal Conference Hal. The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by an opening address delivered by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu highlighted the significant institutional developments and international achievements of the past academic year. She stated, “In the coming period, we will continue to expand our scientific research capacity, strengthen our international collaborations, accelerate digital transformation, and involve our students more actively in research processes.”
Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu emphasized the University's achievements in international rankings, research quality, academic output, and institutional development. Sharing the University's vision for the future, centered on scientific research, innovative education, and international collaboration, she stated:
“In 2026, our University was awarded institutional accreditation by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC). This achievement represents an important outcome of our efforts across al areas, from education and research to societal contribution and governance.
We have also achieved significant success internationaly. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, we ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities. With a score of 76.9 in the Research Quality indicator, we ranked first in Türkiye and 430th worldwide. This result is particularly valuable as it demonstrates the international impact of our academics' scientific contributions.
In the field of sustainability, we participated in assessments covering al 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ranked among the world's top 300 universities in four categories.
Furthermore, our acceptance as a full member of the CMS experiment conducted at CERN marked another significant milestone, strengthening our University's position within international scientific research networks.
All these achievements are the result of the collective dedication of our academic and administrative staff, our strong sense of institutional belonging, and our continuously developing academic culture. I would like to thank our Founding President, Dr. Levent Uysal, for his vision and support, as well as al my colleagues who have contributed to these accomplishments.”
Emphasizing that artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and emerging forms of production are rapidly transforming the world, Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu continued:
“Our goal is to educate students who go beyond acquiring professional knowledge and skills to become individuals capable of critical thinking, questioning, drawing upon different disciplines, and using technology responsibly.
In line with this vision, we are integrating artificial intelligence and digital competencies into our educational programs while expanding opportunities for practice-based and project-based learning.
However, regardless of how far technological developments advance, the ability to think, question, and reason must remain at the heart of the university.
I believe that universities must stand whr scientific reasoning and conscience guide us together. Scientific knowledge enables us to understand and transform the world, while conscience alows us to reflect on the consequences of that transformation for human life.
In the coming period, we will continue to expand our scientific research capacity, strengthen our international collaborations, accelerate digital transformation, and involve our students more actively in research processes.”
Expressing her strong support for the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye, which was also the subject of the University's inaugural lecture, Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu stated:
“In the second century of our Republic, the responsibility of our universities extends beyond the production of scientific knowledge. It also includes educating young people who can evaluate different perspectives and take responsibility for our country's shared future.
Since its foundation, the Republic has regarded education as one of the fundamental pillars of scientific thought, social development, and civic awareness. Today, we continue to uphold this responsibility.
Within this framework, I consider the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye, the subject of our academic inaugural lecture, to be of great importance. Ending terrorism and strengthening social peace are essential for the future of our country.”
The ceremony continued with the inaugural lecture titled “A Terror-Free Türkiye: Global Dynamics, Technological Transformation, and New Horizons,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Üstün and Prof. Dr. Salih Bıçakçı.
During the lecture, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Üstün and Prof. Dr. Salih Bıçakçı examined Türkiye's position within the evolving global security environment and discussed the future of counterterrorism efforts.
The presentation addressed regional security dynamics, the social and economic costs of terrorism, shifts in the global balance of power, and the importance of lasting peace.
The speakers emphasized that developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space technologies, and quantum computing are reshaping security policies and international competition.
They also highlighted that the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye could create significant opportunities beyond security, particularly in economic development, regional investment, technological advancement, and research and development (R&D) activities.