Young Researchers Shared Their Knowledge at the 8th Graduate Studies Conference

Organized by our School of Graduate Studies and the Alliance of Civilizations Institute, the 8th Graduate Studies Conference (GradCon8) took place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Ibn Haldun University Campus. The event brought together young researchers and the academic community, where graduate-level studies and projects were shared, and the social and ethical responsibilities of scientific production were also discussed.

In the opening speeches, it was emphasized that graduate studies are not merely an educational activity but also a means of reflecting academic knowledge to the public.

Our guest of honor, former faculty member and currently the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Türkiye in Damascus, Prof. Burhan Köroğlu, participated online and delivered a speech titled “Economic, Security and Sociological Challenges in the Founding Process of New Syria: Türkiye's Role,” in which he evaluated the transformation in Syria, international diplomacy, and Türkiye’s contributions.

“Knowledge Must Be Nationalized”

In his opening speech, former Deputy Minister of National Education Assoc. Prof. Osman Sezgin drew attention to the Western-centric structure of today’s knowledge and technology production and the exclusionary aspects of these processes. He stated that materialist approaches in the social sciences shape today’s knowledge production and emphasized the need for new approaches.

Prof. Özcan Erkan Akgün, our Vice President and Dean of the School of Education, stressed that scientific developments should be used for the benefit of humanity. “Science and technology often serve the powerful. However, we need scientists who will use them for justice and to create a better world,” he said, adding that the eighth GradCon was promising in this regard.

“We Must Be Part of the Solution”

Prof.  Ali Osman Kuşakcı, Director of the School Graduate Studies, emphasized Ibn Haldun University’s research-oriented vision and stated that the conference provided a platform for idea exchange among young researchers. He noted the need for solution-oriented new theories to overcome the current stagnation in academia and described the program as a significant platform in this respect. Kuşakcı highlighted the need for innovative and constructive academic perspectives by saying, “We must be part of the solution, not the problem.”

“Graduate Research Has Public Impact”

Assoc. Prof. Vahdettin Işık, Director of the Alliance of Civilizations Institute, stated that young researchers contribute not only to academia but also to society. He emphasized the importance of how young researchers address current issues and the necessity of publishing their research and making it publicly accessible.

Assoc. Prof.  A. Dilşad Yakut, Chair of Graduate Student Conference, Vice Director of the School of Graduate Studies, stated that academic platforms for graduate studies are not merely venues for presentations but also environments where ethical stances and critical thinking are cultivated. Yakut thanked the scientific and organizing committee members and emphasized the collective nature of academic production.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

Prof. Şener Büyüköztürk, faculty member at Hasan Kalyoncu University, delivered the opening lecture titled “Research in Social Sciences”, offering a comprehensive evaluation of ethics, mental processes, and research character in the social sciences. He emphasized that a good researcher should think interdisciplinarily, respect the research process, and develop a critical attitude.

Following the opening sessions, the conference continued throughout the day with presentations held at the Student Center. Dozens of master’s and doctoral students from various fields had the opportunity to share their theses and projects with the academic community.