Atatürk University – SDG 4: Quality Education | Indicator 4.3.2
Atatürk University promotes lifelong learning and public access to knowledge by organising lectures, academic panels, cultural exhibitions, scientific events, concerts, seminars and educational programmes. Through its faculties, research centres, continuing education facilities and cultural venues, the University creates opportunities for engagement between academia and the wider community.
In 2025, the University organised and hosted activities covering international relations, history, science, technology, arts, culture and professional development. Its public engagement model extends educational and cultural opportunities beyond formal degree programmes, strengthening connections with local residents, civil society organisations, professionals and other external stakeholders.
1. Institutional Framework for Public Events and Lifelong Learning
Atatürk University maintains an institutional events calendar that publishes information on lectures, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, seminars and educational programmes. This provides a central channel through which interested individuals can learn about activities taking place across the University.
The University’s public engagement infrastructure includes:
- University Events Calendar: Information on upcoming and scheduled cultural, scientific and educational events.
- Continuing Education Centre (ATASEM): Courses and training programmes supporting learning and professional development beyond formal university education.
- Faculties and Research Centres: Academic lectures, scientific meetings, conferences and public engagement activities.
- Cultural and Performing Arts Venues: Facilities supporting concerts, exhibitions, theatre, conferences and community-oriented cultural programmes.
- Digital Exhibition Platforms: Online presentation of artistic and cultural work, extending access beyond physical campus spaces.
Institutional evidence:
University Events Calendar
University Meeting, Performance and Arts Centres
Atatürk University Continuing Education Centre
2. Public Lectures, Academic Panels and Knowledge Exchange in 2025
Atatürk University hosted academic events in 2025 that connected university expertise with wider social, cultural and professional discussions.
2.1. Panel on the Sanasaryan College and Foundation Case
Date: 21 May 2025
Organisers: Atatürk University Turkish–Armenian Relations Research Centre and the Center for Eurasian Studies (AVİM)
The University hosted a panel examining the historical, political and legal dimensions of the Sanasaryan College and Foundation case.
The event brought together academics, civil society organisation representatives, students and members of the public, providing a documented example of knowledge exchange extending beyond the University community.
The panel contributed to public discussion of regional history, international relations and legal issues through academic presentations and stakeholder participation.
Evidence: Official Event Report – 21 May 2025
2.2. International Academic Panel on Türkiye–Russia Relations
Date: 10 July 2025
Venue: Prof. Dr. Kemal Bıyıkoğlu Conference Hall
Atatürk University hosted the International Academic Panel on Türkiye–Russia Relations, examining historical, diplomatic, political, economic and legal aspects of relations between the two countries.
The event brought together university representatives, international guests, public-sector participants, business representatives, academics, students and other invited attendees.
Presentations and moderated discussions explored international relations, regional security, artificial intelligence in public administration and economic cooperation. A question-and-answer session provided an opportunity for interaction with participants.
The panel illustrates the University’s role in connecting academic discussion with external stakeholders and contemporary international issues.
Evidence: Atatürk University – July 2025 Institutional Bulletin
2.3. Symposium on Migration from Different Perspectives
Date: 15 May 2025
Location: Erzurum
The “Farklı Yönleriyle Göç Sempozyumu” (Symposium on Migration from Different Perspectives) formed part of the University’s 2025 academic event activities.
Migration is an interdisciplinary subject involving social, legal, economic and international dimensions. The symposium contributed to scholarly discussion and knowledge exchange on migration-related issues.
Evidence: Atatürk University AVESİS – Academic Event Records
3. Science Communication and Public Scientific Engagement
3.1. Life Sciences Science Festival
Date: 7–8 May 2025
Organiser: Faculty of Science – Life Sciences Club
The University organised a science festival featuring scientific presentations and activities across life sciences.
As part of the programme, Prof. Dr. Zühal Güvenalp, Director of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Drug Research Centre, delivered a presentation entitled:
“Nature’s Chemical Treasures: Isolation and Biological Power of Secondary Metabolites.”
The presentation introduced research on natural compounds, biological activity and the scientific work undertaken by the research centre.
This activity demonstrates how the University communicates specialist scientific knowledge through educational events beyond conventional classroom teaching.
Evidence: Official Research Centre Event Report – 7 May 2025
3.2. Science and Technology Events
The University’s 2025 Institutional Activity Report documents student-club and faculty activities including the Life Sciences Science Festival and the Erzurum Informatics Summit.
These events contribute to a wider culture of science communication, technological awareness and knowledge exchange.
Evidence: Atatürk University 2025 Institutional Activity Report
4. Arts, Culture and Creative Learning
Atatürk University supports lifelong learning through cultural and artistic activities that complement scientific and academic education.
Its cultural infrastructure includes performance halls, exhibition spaces, conference venues and digital exhibition facilities.
Selected 2025 Cultural Activities
| Date | Event | Type | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 May 2025 | Şehr-i Kadim Erzurum | Digital art exhibition celebrating Erzurum’s cultural identity | University Events Calendar |
| 6 May 2025 | İbn-i Sina Music Club Concert | Musical performance at the 15 July National Will Hall | University Events Calendar |
| May 2025 | Museum Week Activities | Cultural and artistic activities associated with museum awareness | AVESİS – Artistic Activities |
| July 2025 | Nur’ul Ayn 3 National Group Exhibition and Workshop | Exhibition and workshop activities in traditional arts | AVESİS – Artistic Activities |
| September 2025 | Mevlid-i Şerif Exhibition and Concert | Cultural exhibition and musical programme | AVESİS – Artistic Activities |
| December 2025 | Traditional Turkish Arts Promotion Days | Activities introducing traditional Turkish artistic practices | AVESİS – Artistic Activities |
These activities demonstrate the range of cultural and creative learning opportunities organised within the University’s institutional environment.
The University’s digital exhibition platform also provides an additional channel for presenting artistic work online.
Digital exhibition platform: Atatürk University E-Exhibition
5. Continuing Education and Professional Development
The Atatürk University Continuing Education Centre (ATASEM) supports lifelong learning by providing educational programmes outside conventional undergraduate and postgraduate degree structures.
The University’s official events calendar includes ATASEM May 2025 Training Programmes, demonstrating the continuation of organised educational activities during the reporting year.
Such programmes provide opportunities to develop professional knowledge, practical competencies and personal skills through structured learning activities.
The University also hosted the 1st International Symposium on Education, Employment and Professional Ethics in Social Sciences Professions: New Opportunities and Approaches on 15 May 2025 at the Nenehatun Culture and Performance Centre.
The symposium provided a forum for discussion of education, employment, professional ethics and changing professional requirements.
Evidence:
ATASEM – Continuing Education Centre
University Events Calendar – May 2025
6. Physical and Digital Infrastructure Supporting Public Engagement
Atatürk University maintains dedicated facilities for academic, cultural and artistic events.
These include:
- 15 July National Will Hall: Conferences, concerts and institutional events.
- Prof. Dr. Kemal Bıyıkoğlu Conference Hall: Academic panels and public-facing discussions.
- Nenehatun Culture and Performance Centre: Conferences, exhibitions and cultural programmes.
- Faculty of Fine Arts Performance Centre: Artistic exhibitions and performances.
- Outdoor Concert Area: Large-scale cultural and musical activities.
- E-Exhibition Platform: Digital access to exhibitions and creative works.
This infrastructure enables the University to organise activities in different formats and settings, supporting participation by a range of audiences.
Evidence: University Meeting, Performance and Arts Centres
7. Selected 2025 Events and Their Lifelong Learning Contributions
| Event | Date | Learning Area | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanasaryan College and Foundation Case Panel | 21 May | History, law and international relations | Documented participation by academics, civil society representatives and citizens |
| International Academic Panel on Türkiye–Russia Relations | 10 July | Diplomacy, economics and international affairs | Knowledge exchange among academic and external stakeholders |
| Life Sciences Science Festival | 7–8 May | Science and biological research | Communication of scientific knowledge through presentations and activities |
| Şehr-i Kadim Erzurum Exhibition | 5 May | Arts and cultural heritage | Digital presentation of regional cultural identity |
| İbn-i Sina Music Club Concert | 6 May | Music and performing arts | Cultural and artistic engagement |
| International Symposium on Education, Employment and Professional Ethics | 15 May | Education and professional development | Discussion of professional skills, employment and ethics |
| ATASEM May Training Programmes | May | Continuing education | Structured opportunities for skills and knowledge development |
8. Contribution to SDG 4 – Quality Education
Atatürk University’s public events and lifelong learning activities demonstrate its commitment to extending educational and cultural engagement beyond formal academic programmes.
Through conferences, scientific presentations, cultural exhibitions, music, continuing education and dialogue with external stakeholders, the University:
- Expands opportunities for lifelong learning through academic, professional and cultural activities.
- Connects university expertise with the wider community, including civil society organisations and external participants.
- Promotes public understanding of science, history, culture and contemporary social issues.
- Supports cultural participation through physical venues and digital exhibition platforms.
- Encourages knowledge exchange among academics, students, professionals and community stakeholders.
By maintaining a diverse programme of educational, scientific and cultural activities, Atatürk University contributes to SDG 4 – Quality Education, Indicator 4.3.2: Public Events (Lifelong Learning).
