Appointment ceremony for 104 academics

A special ceremony was held at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) for the 104 academics appointed to professorship, associate professorship, and assistant professorship positions between the years of 2022 and 2024. The faculty members, experiencing one of the most exciting and special days of their careers, attended the ‘Academic Appointment Ceremony’ with their families and children, creating colorful scenes. The faculty members, who have successfully advanced their career journeys with great effort and dedication, experienced their well-deserved pride and happiness to the fullest. Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu expressed gratitude to the valuable academics and staff members who preserve and pass on the University's genes of ‘quality education’.

Celebrating its 23^rd anniversary this year, Izmir University of Economics also made history at this year's ceremony. During the event, ‘Academic Achievement Awards’ were presented to faculty members with the highest number of publications, citations, national and international projects, and those leading high-budget international projects.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

This year's ‘Special Achievement Award’ was presented to Department of Physics faculty member Prof. Dr. Göktuğ Karpat, honored with Turkey's prestigious ‘100^th Year TUBITAK Incentive Award’. The Department of Mathematics also achieved outstanding success by surpassing leading universities worldwide in the rankings published by the Spain-based ranking organization SCIMAGO. Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Prof. Dr. Neslihan Yetkiner and Department Chair Prof. Dr. Gözde Yazgı Tütüncü were also recognized for this significant achievement on behalf of the entire department. At the end of the ceremony, a cake prepared by the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts in celebration of the University's 23^rd anniversary was enthusiastically cut.

The ceremony held at IUE's Balçova campus was attended by Mehmet Tahir Özdemir, Vice President of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO) Assembly; Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Former Rector of IUE; IUE Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, Prof. Dr. Levent Eren, and Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner; members of the IUE Board of Trustees; and members of the IZTO Education and Health Foundation Board of Trustees.

WE MUST BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

Emphasizing that the world is undergoing rapid transformation and universities must lead society in this regard, Rector Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “The threats faced by our planet and humanity as a civilization impose different responsibilities on us. A new world is being built. We must design a new way of life. Universities must lead society in this transformation and be part of the solution. There is a need for well-educated, equipped, resilient individuals with leadership skills for societal transformations. This can only be achieved through quality education. Fortunately, ‘quality education’ is inherent in this University's genes. The success stories of our students and the continuous increase in our accredited programs are evidence of this.”

CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL ECONOMY AND CULTURE

Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu continued, “With micro-qualifications, a digital education platform, innovative education, and assessment tools, we will add new muscles to this strong genetic infrastructure and implement practices that will set an example for our country. Our University has made valuable contributions to the local economy and culture through its organic connection with the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Now, through this strong connection, I am confident that we will make very unique and valuable contributions to the societal transformation process.”

I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL SUCCEED

Stating that they are creating mechanisms to support creative and innovative youth, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “Digital skills and data literacy are essential in the era we live in. Through our agreement with the Kuika company, we will make the minimal coding platform available to all IUE academics, students, and staff. We will first train the trainers in this field and then disseminate this training throughout the University. We are creating mechanisms to support creative and innovative youth. Within the next 6-8 months, we plan to establish an open innovation-creativity center and project competitions for all students. With the guidance and support of their professors, students will take steps towards realizing the University's vision by generating innovative and creative solutions. I have no doubt that they will succeed. They will achieve success.”