Sakarya University – Public Events and Community Engagement (2024)
At Sakarya University, public events such as trainings, seminars, conferences, and social education programs are organized by both academic and administrative units. In alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan, all departments set explicit objectives to conduct scientific and educational activities that benefit society. The Turgut Özal Culture and Congress Center and various multipurpose halls are regularly used not only for university events but also to host community-oriented gatherings organized by external institutions.
In 2024, Sakarya University continued to serve as an open hub for public education, cultural enrichment, scientific collaboration, and community engagement. University halls, the Turgut Özal Culture and Congress Center, faculty conference venues, and student activity spaces were actively used to host events accessible to both the university community and the wider public. These activities were publicly announced and documented across the institutional news and events platforms, demonstrating transparency and sustained outreach.
Throughout the year, the University held a broad range of scientific and academic events that encouraged public dialogue and professional development. The Youth Conference – “Türkiye Yüzyılı, Gençliğin Yüzyılı” brought together scholars, policymakers, and young participants to discuss the role of youth in Türkiye’s future. RAConf24 – Cybersecurity Summit gathered national cybersecurity experts, professionals, and learners, contributing to digital competency-building. International academic collaboration was strengthened through the 4th International Communication Sciences Symposium (ICOMS) and the 4th International Symposium on Characterization, both of which welcomed researchers from various fields and countries. Additionally, UKAY 2024 – National Solid Waste Management Congress advanced public awareness on environmental sustainability and waste management policy.
Cultural and artistic activities also played a central role in community engagement. Events such as Bayat-i Mevlevi Ayni-i Şerifi & Sema Mukabelesi and Segâh Mevlevi Ayini introduced audiences to Sufi ceremonial traditions and classical music heritage. Performances including “Ziyafet Sofrası” and “Çoruh’tan Kaçkarlar’a Artvin Türküleri” supported cultural continuity and highlighted regional artistic expression. Intellectual and commemorative programs such as “İbn Sina’da Doğa Kavramı” Seminar and the Prof. Dr. Faruk Beşer Commemoration created platforms for philosophical engagement and collective memory.
Community service and social responsibility initiatives were coordinated by multiple university units. The TOKAS (Social Contribution and Sustainability Office) Sustainability Platform organized the Science, Culture, Art and Sustainability Festival, promoting interdisciplinary learning and public sustainability literacy. The University also celebrated National GIS Day, contributing to public awareness of geographic information systems and spatial data technologies. The Cultural Directorate’s Hospital School Project 2024 brought educational, artistic, and psychosocial activities to hospitalized children, illustrating applied outreach and care in practice. Meanwhile, the Student Culture and Sports Directorate (SKS) facilitated diverse arts, sports, and cultural events, fostering community well-being and participation.
Alongside these activities, SAÜSEM – the Continuing Education Center continued to offer open-access certification programs, including Micro MBA, Trainer Training Certificate, Payroll and Social Security Practices, and Brand Representation Exam Preparation Programs. These programs supported lifelong learning and workforce development for individuals outside the formally enrolled student population.
Taken together, the events and initiatives implemented throughout 2024 demonstrate Sakarya University’s strong, systematic, and inclusive commitment to public engagement. By offering accessible educational, cultural, scientific, and community-oriented programs, the University reaffirms its role as a regional and national center for shared knowledge, cultural vitality, and sustainable social development.
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