At almost 500 stations in Innsbruck, Kufstein and East Tyrol, you could experiment, ask questions and be amazed.

Press release from University of Innsbruck:

A chemistry show that bangs. A forest that tells stories. Thousands of people experiencing research up close - that was the Long Night of Research.

Universities, colleges and companies from all over Tyrol opened their doors to 15,000 people on Friday evening - and suddenly children stood next to physicists, families in front of robots, curious people in front of telescopes.

At almost 500 stations in Innsbruck, Kufstein and East Tyrol, you could experiment, ask questions and be amazed.

The University of Innsbruck was right in the middle of it all: with over 200 (participatory) stations, guided tours, live presentations and experiments spread across our university locations.

Thanks to everyone who made this evening possible: the nine Tyrolean universities, the participating companies and the Standortagentur Tirol for coordination.

Further information: uibk.ac.at/de/lange-nacht-der-forschung

University of Innsbruck: uibk.ac.at/en

Photo: © UIBK

“All rights belong to: (for this news)

University of Innsbruck

Standortagentur Tirol

Organization owner & Team on organizing

"The future does not happen by itself." These are not hollow words for Professor Dr. Fatma Deniz, they are words that have shaped her life.

Born in Germany, she spent her school years in Turkey, attending an all-girls school in Bursa and spending some time in boarding school. These were challenging, yet formative years for Deniz. She learned at an early age to take on responsibility, to learn how to handle uncertainty, and to forge her own path. She left school with the highest grades in her graduating class.

It was her next step that led her into academia. She studied at TU Munich and at Caltech in Pasadena, earning a doctorate in computer science from TU Berlin in collaboration with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin. She then spent several years at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2020, Deniz returned to Germany's capital, taking up a professorship at TU Berlin to head the Chair of Language and Communication in Biological and Artificial Systems in 2023.

Her work revolved around one central line of questioning: How does the human brain understand and process language – and what can machines learn from it?

Her return to TU Berlin saw her taking on a range of responsibilities, including in research, teaching, and university development. From April 2024 to March 2026, Deniz was vice president for digitalization and sustainability.

On 1 April 2026, she assumed the office of President of TU Berlin at 42 years of age. She takes on this role with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to collaborative efforts to further develop the University.

Fatma Deniz sees the university as a place where diverse perspectives come together to pursue a shared goal: a forward-looking and effective institution where outstanding research, teaching, and the transfer of knowledge to society thrive with energy and enthusiasm. A system grounded in the idea that progress happens when people work together. And a space to be actively shaped—through better conditions for studying, teaching, and research; clearer structures; and a campus that serves as a living lab for new ideas, technologies, and new forms of collaboration.

For a university that makes a difference – in Berlin and beyond.

“The future does not happen by itself. We have to shape it. With courage, passion, and reason.”

Learn more about Fatma Deniz in this video portrait: tu.berlin/en/president-fatma-deniz

The President of Technische Universität Berlin: tu.berlin/en/executive-board/president

Further information

Technische Universität Berlin: tu.berlin/en/

The new vice presidents of TU Berlin also took up office on 1 April 2026. Find out more about Fatma Deniz's team:

Professor Dr.-Ing. Jens-Uwe Repke, Vice President for Research and Knowledge Transfer

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-jens-uwe-repke

Professor Dr. Timo Hartmann, Vice President for Education

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-timo-hartmann

Professor Eike Roswag-Klinge, Vice President for Sustainability and Campus Development

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-eike-roswag-klinge

Professor Dr. Nancy Wünderlich, Vice President for Digital Transformation

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-nancy-wuenderlich

Photo: © TU-Berlin - Philipp Arnoldt

All rights belong to: (for this news)

Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz

Technische Universität Berlin

Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras receive Prize for Excellence in Teaching

Press release from TUM - Technical University of Munich:

Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras receive Prize for Excellence in Teaching

Teaching with expertise and personality

The unity of research and teaching is what defines universities. And it is the combination of academic excellence, didactic skill, and personal commitment that defines good teaching. This is exemplified by TUM lecturers Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras, who have now been honored with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts’ Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

“Good teaching is the heartbeat of science,” emphasized State Minister Markus Blume at the award ceremony in Augsburg. “Where teaching is delivered with commitment and passion, curiosity, courage, and vision emerge. Excellent teaching is the foundation of excellent research – one cannot thrive without the other.” Awarded annually by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, the prize is endowed with EUR 5,000 per recipient and recognizes lecturers who inspire students through didactic quality, an innovative spirit and personal dedication, supporting not only academic achievement but also personal development.

Alisa Machner: innovative and hands-on

This is undoubtedly the case for Alisa Machner. Since 2020, she has headed the Professorship of Mineral Construction Materials at the Centre for Building Materials at the TUM School of Engineering and Design. What might initially sound like a rather technical subject becomes, in her courses, a vivid and dynamic field of learning.

Her teaching concept combines asynchronous online materials with practice‑oriented in‑person exercises and flipped‑classroom elements. This structure gives students scope for independent learning while enabling focused application and deeper understanding of the content. With friendliness, attentiveness, and academic clarity, Alisa Machner creates a learning environment in which digital didactics and personal support work hand in hand to motivate students – a fact reflected in consistently outstanding course evaluations.

Georgia Samaras: empathetic and interdisciplinary

Georgia Samaras achieves similarly strong results. For more than ten years she has taught at TUM, and since 2022 she works as a lecturer in the Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology (RESET) program at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. Her teaching moves naturally across disciplines, stages of study, and target groups.

She pursues a consistently competence‑oriented approach in which formats, methods, and assessments are precisely aligned with learning objectives, disciplinary requirements, and students’ needs – and are continuously refined. Interactive elements such as group discussions, scenario‑based work, or role‑playing encourage active learning as well as critical thinking and reflection. With openness, intellectual curiosity, and genuine appreciation, she not only supports her students but is also deeply committed to the ongoing development of teaching quality at the department level, to students’ mental wellbeing, and to fostering a non‑discriminatory learning environment.

Celebrating the many faces of excellent teaching

Of course, TUM itself also honors exceptional achievements in teaching. In addition to Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras, Beate Brandl, Claudia Doblinger, Markus Gütlich, Andreas Jossen, Laura Weißmüller, and Ilkay Yavrucuk will receive the university’s Certificate of Honor for Excellence in Teaching this year. The awards will be presented at the Forum Neue Lehrformate on 30 April in the Immatriculation Hall.

for more:

tum.de/en/news

Prize for Excellence in Teaching at the State Ministry for Science and the Arts:

stmwk.bayern.de/preis-fuer-gute-lehre

Photo: ©Axel König - StMWK

All rights belong to: (for this news)

Bavarian State Ministry of Science & State Minister Markus Blume

TUM - Technical University of Munich

Alisa Machner & Georgia Samaras

Organization owner & Team on organizing

The conference brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from leading institutions to discuss contemporary challenges in consumer law, with a particular focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, platform governance, and evolving EU legal frameworks.

Media release from Bilkent University, Faculty of Law:

As the Faculty of Law, we hosted the conference titled “Consumer Law in the Digital Age” on 17 April 2026 at EE-01. The conference brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from leading institutions to discuss contemporary challenges in consumer law, with a particular focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, platform governance, and evolving EU legal frameworks.

Throughout four sessions, participants shared valuable insights on key themes including AI and consumer contracts, digital advertising, collective redress, consumer vulnerability in digital environments, and the regulation of online platforms.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all speakers for their valuable contributions, and to all our guests who joined us for this engaging and thought-provoking conference.

Bilkent University, Faculty of Law: hukuk.bilkent.edu.tr/en

Photo: ©BU-FL

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Bilkent University, Faculty of Law

Organization owner & Team on organizing

The Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to the University of Greifswald’s Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller.

Photo: Bestowal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany with Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prof. Marko Pantermöller

Media release from University of Greifswald:

Order of Merit for Professor of Finnish Studies Marko Pantermöller

The Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to the University of Greifswald’s Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller. The award ceremony took place in Stralsund on 16 April 2026. The Professor of Finnish Studies was honoured as “one of the outstanding players and bridge-builders” in the collaboration with the Nordic countries.

Anyone studying Finnish Studies in Greifswald is sure to cross paths with Marko Pantermöller. He is the holder of Germany’s only professorship for Finnish Studies, which is located at the University of Greifswald. He teaches classes on the language, culture and literature of Finland. But his passion goes far beyond the walls of the lecture hall.

Pantermöller is considered a driving force behind the collaboration with the Nordic countries. He connects scholars, initiates projects and maintains close relations throughout the Baltic Sea region. These activities are not limited to the academic realm. Pantermöller also keeps the public in mind and builds bridges between the societies. And what are his reasons for doing so? “Having started off with a general interest in the North, I gained detailed knowledge about what lies behind the many success stories of the open-minded northern European societies during my studies of Finnish and Scandinavian Studies. At the same time, my language skills provided me with in-depth and privileged access to the cultures of the northern European countries,” says Pantermöller. “It became important to me to share this knowledge and fascination from early on.”

A central forum for achieving this goal is the cultural association “Nordischer Klang”, where he has been a member of the board for 16 years. The association organises a festival for music and art from Northern Europe that takes place in Greifswald every year in May. The 35th instalment will take place this year. Concerts, readings, exhibitions, academic events – the programme brings students and citizens in direct contact with the artists. It is the largest annual cross-genre event in Germany that focuses on the music, art, and literature from Scandinavia, Finland, and Estonia.

Pantermöller also lends his hand to promoting literature. As Managing Director of the Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung, he co-organises international writers’ meetings. Every year, the foundation invites young authors from the countries bordering the Baltic Sea to Greifswald and has thus continued the tradition of the founder of the Gruppe 47 for 25 years. The focus of these meetings lies in exchange across boundaries. The professor also holds various other voluntary roles and takes part in several initiatives. “Germany’s highest decoration for Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller is a tribute to his commitment, which has a direct effect on his students and helps to make the University of Greifswald visible as one of the leading institutions in the Baltic Sea region,” says Prof. Dr. Katharina Riedel.

“When I was presented with this great honour, it filled me above all with gratitude, gratitude to those with whom I am able to cooperate in associations, networks, and projects,” says Pantermöller, who does not see Europe as an abstract idea, but as a responsibility. He encourages encounters, dialogue and collaboration “in order to enhance European cohesion and improve the understanding among nations”, according to the Office of the Federal President.

One of the first to congratulate Prof. Dr. Pantermöller was the Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Kai Sauer, who thanked Pantermöller for “the invaluable contribution to the strengthening of relations between Finland, Germany, and the Nordic countries,” also highlighting that the honouree has had a sustainable and positive effect on Finland’s image in Germany.

Further information

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded to Germans and foreign nationals for their political, economic, social and intellectual achievements, as well as for any special services rendered to the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the only general award of merit in Germany and thus the highest recognition that can be awarded by the Federal Republic for services to the general public. The bestowal of the Order of Merit is not associated with any form of financial payment.

for more: uni-greifswald.de/en/news/order-of-merit-for-professor-marko-pantermoeller

University of Greifswald: uni-greifswald.de/en

Nordischer Klang: nordischerklang.de

Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung: richter-stiftung.uni-greifswald.de

Photo: ©UG

All rights belong to: (for this news)

President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier

University of Greifswald & Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller

Nordischer Klang & Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung

You can touch them. You can produce them. You can transform them. The National Technology Workshop of the Middle East Technical University has been opened.

Media release from Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, President of the Middle East Technical University:

Ideas are no longer just ideas

You can touch them. You can produce them. You can transform them.

The National Technology Workshop of the Middle East Technical University has been opened. And this is not just a workshop, but a space for production.

From electronics to mechanics, from prototyping to testing… Whatever you have in mind – here it becomes reality.

At the opening ceremony, which we held with the participation of our Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, our Governor of Ankara, Vasip Şahin, and the President of TÜBİTAK, Orhan Aydın;
we created a strong production ecosystem for our students in line with the vision of the National Technology Initiative.

I thank the Ministry of Industry and Technology and TÜBİTAK for their contributions and support.

Schedule your appointment.

Start production.

Register: docs.google.com/forms

METU - Middle East Technical University: metu.edu.tr

Photo: ©Created from video!

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METU - Middle East Technical University & Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil

Ministry of Industry and Technology & Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır

Governor of Ankara, Vasip Şahin

TÜBİTAK & President of TÜBİTAK, Orhan Aydın

National Technology Initiative & Projekt owner & Team on Projekt

Professor Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Günthert, former professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at unibwm, was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit this week. Congratulations!

Media release from University of the Bundeswehr Munich:

Award for a pioneer of climate and environmental protection

Professor Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Günthert, former professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at unibwm, was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit this week. Congratulations!

Professor Günthert, as a scientist and water protection expert, not only imparted specialist knowledge to young engineers but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility. He has now received the highest award Germany bestows for services to the common good: the Federal Cross of Merit.

The award is presented by the Federal President and was handed over by Bavaria's Environment and Consumer Protection Minister Thorsten Glauber on April 14th at the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection.

In his laudatory speech, the minister described Professor Günthert as an "outstanding water expert and environmentalist" who, among other things, had warned early on about the growing risks posed by heavy and torrential rain as well as heat waves and droughts. Professor Günthert was already awarded the Bavarian State Medal for outstanding services to the environment in 2018.

University of the Bundeswehr Munich: unibw.de/home-en

Photo: ©Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection

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Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection

University of the Bundeswehr Munich

Professor Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Günthert

Official opening ceremony for audiMAX, the new lecture hall and the study center on the Neuenheimer Feld campus.

Media release from Heidelberg University:

“audiMAX bears witness to the university as a place where people meet to study together, share their thinking and, driven by curiosity and scientific exchange, seek new insights,” underlined Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior. The Rector of Ruperto Carola was able to welcome a large crowd of visitors – including mainly students – for the ceremonial opening of the new lecture hall and study center on the Im Neuenheimer Feld campus. There Heidelberg University has gained a new architectural centerpiece and a central location for teaching, learning and exchange. The Rector especially thanked the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, which erected the five-storey building complex and has presented it to the state of Baden-Württemberg as a gift: “You are investing not only in infrastructure, but also in the future of our students,” she said.

Further information: uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/ideal-facilities-for-state-of-the-art-teaching

Heidelberg University: uni-heidelberg.de/en

Photo: ©Heidelberg University

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Heidelberg University - audiMAX

Klaus Tschira Stiftung

This prestigious honor recognizes her outstanding commitment, leadership, and contribution.

Media release from NIPOKA GmbH:

A proud moment for all of us.

Our CEO, Prof. Dr. Nicole Endlich, has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

This prestigious honor recognizes her outstanding commitment, leadership, and contribution. We are incredibly proud to see her dedication acknowledged at the highest level.

Congratulations, Prof. Dr. Nicole Endlich, on this well-deserved recognition.

Media release from Prof. Dr. Nicole Endlich:

It is a great honor for me to have received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from the Federal President.

This recognition of my commitment to research, the application of scientific findings in practice, at NIPOKA GmbH the establishment of a charity, and prevention means an extraordinary amount to me. The fact that I received the award at the Ozeaneum in Stralsund made this moment truly outstanding.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honor. It serves as a lasting source of encouragement for me to continue advocating for kidney patients, to find drugs, improve diagnosis and establish prevention.

Media release from Universitätsmedizin Greifswald:

Federal Cross of Merit awarded to Prof. Dr. Nicole Endlich – an award for scientific excellence and social commitment

Professor Dr. Nicole Endlich of Greifswald University Medicine was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This award recognizes her outstanding achievements in kidney research and her long-standing commitment to improving diagnostics, therapy, and patient care.

In her work, she consistently combines basic research with application-oriented approaches. Among other things, she has co-developed innovative methods such as PEMP technology for the high-precision analysis of kidney structures and achieved significant progress in the research of exosomes, which offer great potential for future RNA-based therapies. She also makes her mark internationally, for example, by establishing a collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Beyond her scientific work, Prof. Dr. Endlich is actively involved in the innovation ecosystem as a networker, initiator of collaborations, and founder. With her multifaceted commitment, she makes a significant contribution to the advancement of medicine – particularly in a research field of high societal relevance.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Photo: ©NIPOKA (Created from video!)

All rights belong to: (for this news)

Prof. Dr. Nicole Endlich

NIPOKA GmbH

Universitätsmedizin Greifswald

During the public spring session, 19 scientists were admitted to the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig.

Press release from the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig:

During the public spring session, 19 scientists were admitted to the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig. In the ceremonial hall of the Old Town Hall in Leipzig, the Friedrich Weller Prize and the Wilhelm Ostwald Medal were awarded on April 10, 2026. Greetings were offered by the three ministries of science in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, and the keynote address was given by academy member Sanaz Mostaghim on the topic: "The Science of Decision-Making: Artificial Intelligence for a Better Life for All."

The opening remarks by Academy President Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Knölker and the welcoming addresses already contained compelling words in defense of academic freedom. The speakers included Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann, State Secretary in the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism; Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, Minister for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment of the State of Saxony-Anhalt; and Prof. Dr. Steffen Teichert, State Secretary for Science and Culture in the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of the Free State of Thüringen. All three emphasized the high regard for the scientific work carried out at the Academy and for the transfer of scientific findings to the public.

According to a report by Vice President Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Huschner, several prizes were awarded. Prof. Dr. Frank Glorius and Prof. Dr. Helma Wennemers received the Wilhelm Ostwald Medal of the Academy. Prof. Dr. Jean-Marie Verpoorten and Dr. Aruna Gamage were awarded the Friedrich Weller Prize, which is jointly awarded by the Academy and the University of Leipzig.

Nineteen renowned scientists (see to link) were admitted to the Academy before the keynote address by Academy member Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sanaz Mostaghim on decision-making algorithms concluded the public spring meeting.

Further information at:

saw-leipzig.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/rueckblick-fruehjahrssitzung-2026

Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig:

saw-leipzig.de/de

Photo Album: sfk.tr/foto-galeri/19-new-members-admitted-to-the-saw-photo-album

Photo: ©SAW

All rights belong to: (for this news)

Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig & 19 Scientists

To all participants of the Public Spring Session & Team on organizing

Since 1 April 2026, IPP Director Prof. Dr Tim Happel has held the newly created Chair of Plasma Dynamics at TUM.

Media release from Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik - IPP:

Congratulations to Tim Happel on his appointment as Professor at the Technical University of Munich.

Since 1 April 2026, IPP Director Prof. Dr Tim Happel has held the newly created Chair of Plasma Dynamics at TUM. The appointment further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and TUM in fusion research.

At IPP in Garching, Tim Happel heads the Plasma Dynamics Division. His work focuses on small-scale dynamic processes in plasma that often determine large-scale parameters such as efficiency and material load.

Understanding these processes is essential for assessing the feasibility and economic viability of future fusion reactors.

for more: ipp.mpg.de/profhappel

Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik - IPP: ipp.mpg.de/en

Photo: ©IPP

“All rights belong to Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik - IPP” (for this news)

Nicole Ackermann becomes Endowed Professor of Economic Education. General economic education is only anchored to a limited extent in Austria's schools.

Media release from Johannes Kepler Universität Linz: (Original text)

Unique in Austria: Nicole Ackermann becomes Endowed Professor of Economic Education

In an increasingly complex and globally interconnected world, we have to face challenges such as price instability, skills shortages, income inequality and climate change. Understanding the underlying economic relationships is an essential building block for the development and implementation of solutions.

General economic education is only anchored to a limited extent in Austria's schools. The mediation of economic contexts is now to be systematically researched and recommendations for action developed.

On the initiative of the Institute for Business and Vocational Education and with the support of financing partners from business and civil society, the Johannes Kepler University Linz was able to appoint Nicole Ackermann to Linz. The new chair is intended to expand teaching and research at the JKU in key areas of economic education – from consumer education and financial literacy to career and work orientation, entrepreneurship education, and business education and economics education.

The professorship was made possible by the generous support of partners from politics and business. Founding partners are the WIRTSCHAFTSKAMMER OSTERRECH, the ERSTE Foundation, the Sparkasse Oberösterreich, the Fabasoft AG, the Land Oberösterreich, the Stiftung für Wirtschaftsbildung, the Foundation for Innovation in Education and the Industriellenvereinigung Oberösterreich.

for more: jku.at/news-events/news/detail/news

Johannes Kepler Universität Linz: jku.at

Photo: ©JKU

“All rights belong to Johannes Kepler Universität Linz” (for this news)

Kocaeli University, which stands out with its scientific output, innovative vision, and strong collaborations with industry, has organized another significant event.

Media release from Kocaeli University: (Original text)

This time, the workshop organized by our university was themed "Digital Transformation".

Kocaeli University, which stands out with its scientific output, innovative vision, and strong collaborations with industry, has organized another significant event.

As part of the Science, City, and Future Vision Workshop Series, the 2nd Industrial Workforce and Employment Workshop, themed "Technical and Social Competencies in Digital Transformation," was held at Kocaeli University in collaboration with the Kocaeli Governorship, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, Kocaeli Chamber of Industry, Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce, Körfez Chamber of Commerce, Gebze Chamber of Commerce, İMEAK Maritime Chamber of Commerce, and Gebze Güzeller Organized Industrial Zone.

The workshop, aiming to shed light on the transformation of the labor market, took place in the Güzeller Organized Industrial Zone Conference Hall and was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Nuh Zafer Cantürk, Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş, Chairman of the TBMM Digital Media Commission and Giresun Member of Parliament Prof. Dr. Nazım Elmas, and Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. The event was organized with the participation of Elif Öğüt and Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Çelik, General Secretary Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Eren, Güzeller Organized Industrial Zone President Adem Ceylan, and numerous academics.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the recitation of the National Anthem, featured an opening speech by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Nuh Zafer Cantürk, who stated, “As Kocaeli University, we view our city not merely as a settlement, but as an ecosystem where we create value together. We believe that the university and the city cannot be considered independently. Therefore, with our ‘Science, City, and Future Vision’ approach, we adopt an inclusive and sustainable development understanding that encompasses all the dynamics of our city.”

Governor İlhami Aktaş said:

“Collaborations between industry and the public sector are of great importance. Comprehensive studies are needed, particularly on how to establish a connection between digital transformation and the development of our province. I believe this workshop will create significant awareness.”

The Chairman of the TBMM Digital Media Commission, Prof. Dr. Nazım Elmas stated:

“In the digital age, we see that data has become power, information a form of capital, and technology a tool of dominance. Faced with this rapid transformation, we must generate new ideas, develop new projects, and adopt an understanding that guides digitalization. We believe that significant steps will be taken in the field of digital transformation through university-industry collaboration, spearheaded by Kocaeli University.”

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with presentations by invited speakers. Speakers at the workshop included Dilek Torun Alaca, Head of the Professional Standards Department; Elif Gürbüz Ersoy, Digital Transformation Leader at Ford Otosan; İnan Açıcıoğlu, Founder and Author of OpM-D Consulting; Uğur Yılmaz from Ayhanlar Holding; Lale Saydemir and Mehmet Güllü from Hilel Health and TÜPRAŞ Sports Management Coaches. The speakers addressed the expectations of the business world in the digitalization process, the transformation strategies of institutions, and the importance of next-generation competencies from different perspectives.

The panel session brought together representatives from the sector and academia. Salih Kükrek from SANLAB, Furkan Koyuncu from MEXT Technology Center, Hüseyin Yakup Temur from Ford Otosan FOME Academy, and Elçin Elif Karakolcu from Arçelik-LG evaluated the field impacts of digital transformation. Throughout the panel, participants exchanged views on the future of the labor market, the transformation of the education system, and sector needs.

Following the panel, workshops were held. Academics and industry representatives came together at workshops focusing on the following areas: Social Sciences - Associate Degree (Level 5 Professions), Social Sciences - Bachelor's Degree (Level 6 Professions), Sociality, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Integration, Digital Factories - Agile, Smart Manufacturing Systems, MES, Maintenance, Vehicle Technologies and Autonomy, Energy - Green Technologies, and Tourism, conducting detailed studies on their respective focus areas.

The workshop, which saw high participation, concluded with evaluation sessions, and the event is expected to produce significant outputs both academically and sectorally.​

to original news: kocaeli.edu.tr/en/haberler

Kocaeli University: kocaeli.edu.tr/en

to photo album: sfk.tr/foto-galeri/digital-transformation-photo-album

Photo: ©Kocaeli University

“All rights belong to Kocaeli University” (for this news)

Professor Falk Radisch was elected to the Council for Social and Economic Data (RatSWD) on March 30, 2026.

Media release from Universität Rostock:

A strong voice for educational research from Rostock

Professor Falk Radisch, Director of the Institute for School Pedagogy and Educational Research at the University of Rostock, was elected to the Council for Social and Economic Data (RatSWD) on March 30, 2026.

As one of ten elected scientists, he will represent the interests of empirical research at the federal level. The Council for Social and Economic Data (RatSWD) advises the federal government and the states on the expansion of the research data infrastructure, a key component for future-proof science.

The appointment will take place in July 2026 for a three-year term.

Congratulations on this important role!

Universität Rostock: uni-rostock.de

Photo: ©Universität Rostock

“All rights belong to Universität Rostock” (for this news)

On March 26th, the anniversary of the developmental psychology counselling service for families with young children was celebrated in Berlin.

Prof. Dr. Sabine Walper, General Pedagogy and Educational Research:

25 years of Developmental psychological counseling!

On March 26th, we celebrated the anniversary of the developmental psychological counselling service for families with young children in Berlin - a key service for parents that was developed and established as an important component in various support systems even before the start of the Early Intervention Services.

We were able to delve deeper into Ute Ziegenhain's interesting retrospective during breaks and at the reception with Hellgard Rauh, who, as one of the very few female psychology professors at the time, did pioneering work in the developmental psychology of early childhood from the late 1970s onwards.

Gottfried Spangler, with his fascinating lecture from a bio-psycho-social perspective, illuminated the complex interplay of genetics, physiology, psychological predispositions and social context in early childhood, and I was able to discuss, against the background of familial change, the tasks involved in strengthening family relationships.

The final flourish before the reception was provided by the panel discussion of many renowned partners who highlighted progress in services for families in the early developmental phase of children, but also emphasized the demanding needs of highly stressed families who depend on particularly well-qualified professionals and effective, well-coordinated services.

Photo: ©Sabine Walper

“All rights belong to Prof. Dr. Sabine Walper” (for this news)

Aalborg University has appointed Ramonas Stepanauskas as its new professor. He will be a member of the Center for Microbial Communities in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at Aalborg University.

Media release from the Aalborg University:

New Professor Strengthens Microbiological Research at Aalborg University

Aalborg University has appointed Ramonas Stepanauskas as its new professor. He will be a member of the Center for Microbial Communities in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences at Aalborg University.

Ramonas Stepanauskas is particularly excited about introducing new methods for researching microorganisms to Aalborg University:

"I look forward to contributing methods for analyzing genomes and activities in single cells and virus particles, thereby deepening our understanding of microbial life."

Ramonas Stepanauskas brings the groundbreaking method of single-cell genomics to Aalborg University – a technology that makes it possible to analyze the genetic information of individual cells instead of large cell populations. This opens up entirely new insights for researchers into microorganisms and their role in complex biological systems.

Ramonas Stepanauskas is introducing groundbreaking single-cell genomics at Aalborg University – a technology that allows researchers to analyze the genetic information of individual cells instead of entire cell populations. This opens up entirely new insights into microorganisms and their role in complex biological systems.

Ramonas Stepanauskas will be part of an internationally leading research environment that also includes Professors Mads Albertsen and Per Halkjær Nielsen.

At the same time, the collaboration between AAU and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in the USA will create new opportunities for international research in microbiology and genomics.

Welcome to AAU, Ramonas!

Learn more about Ramonas' research here: bio.aau.dk/institut-for-kemi

Aalborg University: en.aau.dk

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Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ), which is improving its sporting achievements daily, achieved consecutive successes in 5 different competitions in which its students participated.

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ):

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ), which is improving its sporting achievements daily, achieved consecutive successes in 5 different competitions in which its students participated.

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ) continues to celebrate successes in national and international sporting competitions with its students and faculty. As one of the leading universities in the region in the field of sports, ALKÜ achieves remarkable results.

Students of ALKÜ achieved significant successes at the following events: Turkey Dart Championship - Martyr Eren Bülbül 5th Leg Tournament, UNILIG Turkey Arm Wrestling Championship, UNILIG Billiards Turkey Championship, Grand Prix Antalya (1.2) Race and the 2026 Heliz Kaş Ultra Trail 30 Kilometer Race.

for more: alanya.edu.tr/haberler

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ): alanya.edu.tr

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T3 Foundation hosted a workshop on the topic of “Roadmap for Robotics Competitions”, which focused on problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and software.

Merve Koçoğlu, T3 Foundation- Education and R&D Coordinator:

As the T3 Foundation, we hosted a workshop on the topic of “Roadmap for Robotics Competitions”, which focused on robotics competitions that promote the development of students in the areas of problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and software.

During the workshop, which was attended by university lecturers, school principals, teachers and industry experts, we held productive discussions on a wide range of topics, from global competition models to the design of structures specifically for Turkey, from international cooperation to sustainability and financing models.

T3 Foundation: t3vakfi.org/en/

Photo: ©Merve Koçoğlu

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The opening ceremony took place at Ankara Science High School, with 120 students selected from 303 applicants from 16 different high schools.

Merve Koçoğlu, T3 Foundation- Education and R&D Coordinator, explains the details of the Youth Development Academy program:

The Youth Development Academy program was originally implemented in Istanbul, and this semester we are launching it in Ankara in cooperation with the Governor's Office of Ankara and the Provincial Directorate of National Education of Ankara.

Our opening ceremony took place at Ankara Science High School. 120 students were selected from 303 applicants from 16 different high schools.

The academy will last for eleven weeks between March and June 2026:

- In-person seminars

- Live online courses

- 33 comprehensive training courses with asynchronous content offer our participants a rich learning experience.

As part of the program, our young people will:

-Design-oriented and critical thinking

-Communication, expressiveness, and body language

-Stress management and mindfulness

-Career planning, entrepreneurship, and innovation

They will not only have the opportunity to improve in the aforementioned areas, but also to gain inspiring experiences through events such as technical excursions, meetings with role models and the idea marathon.

Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation): t3vakfi.org/en/

Photo: ©TTT

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Turkish Technology Team - T3 Foundation - Merve Koçoğlu

Faculty of Law at Bilkent University:

Bilkent University Faculty of Law is pleased to invite you to an upcoming conference titled "Private International Law and Sustainable Development"

We are honored to host a panel of world-renowned experts to discuss the evolving role of Private International Law in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Date: 13th April 2026, Monday

Time: 13:30 – 15:30

Venue: FFB 22

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Bilgin Tiryakioğlu

Distinguished Speakers:

-Prof. Dr. Ralf Michaels (Max Planck Institute) – The Place of Private International Law in Sustainable Development

-Prof. Dr. Veronica Ruiz Abou-Nigm (University of Edinburgh) – Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Circularity in Fashion

-Prof. Van Loon Hans (Former Secretary General of the HCCH) – The Role of the Judge in Climate Cases (SDG 13)

-Assoc. Prof. Dr.Gulum Özçelik (Bilkent University) – Recognition of Personal Status Acquired Abroad (SDGs 5, 10, 16)

The conference will be live-streamed on our official YouTube channel: @bilkentuniversitesihukuk

The event will be held in English.

All interested participants are welcome.

Students who attend the event will be awarded GE 250/251 points.

Faculty of Law at Bilkent University: hukuk.bilkent.edu.tr

Event page: hukuk.bilkent.edu.tr

Photo: ©Faculty of Law at Bilkent University

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