The 13th International Eurasian Journal of Educational Research (EJER) Congress, themed “Women and Education in Global Transformation: Rethinking Educational Research for Resilient Societies,” was held between May 13-16, hosted by our university in collaboration with our Faculty of Education and Anı Publishing.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, our Rector's Advisors Prof. Dr. Tuğba Yanpar, Prof. Dr. İlhan Ege and Prof. Dr. Ayla Özer, our Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Mutlu Nisa Ünaldı Coral, our Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Aslıhan Ardıç Çobaner, invited speakers, representatives of public institutions and organizations, our academic and administrative staff, and our students.

“We Meet in Mersin, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, in the Most Beautiful Season of the Year”

Our University's Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. In her opening speech, Dr. Mutlu Nisa Ünaldı Coral emphasized the importance of bringing together researchers from different countries and disciplines on the same scientific platform. Stating that the main theme of the congress, which focuses on evaluating the role of women in education and their contribution to building social resilience from a scientific perspective, is of great importance, Prof. Dr. Ünaldı Coral expressed her belief that the congress, held under the slogan "We are meeting in Mersin, the pearl of the Mediterranean, in the most beautiful season of the year," will contribute to current discussions in the field of educational sciences and strengthen international academic collaborations. She thanked our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, all committee members, supporting institutions, participants, and volunteer students for their unwavering support.

“Our Aim is to Strengthen Our Academic Collaborations Even More”

The Congress Organizing Committee Chair and our Rector's Advisor, Prof. Dr. Tuğba Yanpar, began her speech by stating that our university is proud to host such a valuable organization in the field of education. Yanpar stated, “Our education system is undergoing a multi-dimensional transformation process encompassing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, inclusivity, innovative teaching and assessment approaches, quality, and accreditation. In this congress, we will address all these dynamics within the context of our main theme. Our aim is not only to share our scientific output but also to further strengthen our national and international academic collaborations.”

Prof. Dr. Yanpar noted that the congress would discuss current research across a wide range of topics, from women and inclusivity in education to educational technologies, and expressed her gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, the Faculty of Education Dean's Office, and the management of Anı Yayıncılık and EJER.

"Women as the Driving Forces of Transformation"

Congress President Prof. Dr. Funda Nayır, in her speech, stated that the issue of women and education is not limited solely to the representation of women in education systems; it is directly related to the kind of society we want to build. She emphasized that women are not only participants in educational processes, but also key actors in transformation, builders of social resilience, and pioneers of change. “Our research needs to touch classrooms, teachers, students, and society,” said Prof. Dr. Nayır, noting that in many parts of the world, women still face obstacles in terms of access to education, academic representation, and equal opportunities.

Dr. Özer Daşcan, a member of the Congress Organizing Committee, the main sponsor, and owner of Anı Yayıncılık, gave information about the history of EJER in his speech. Stating that they have produced very fruitful work in the field of education at national and international levels since 2014, Daşcan emphasized the great effort and sacrifice behind the congresses.

Program Enriched with Musical Performances and Panels

Following the opening speeches, a musical performance was given by our Faculty of Music and Performing Arts Lecturer Selahattin Yunkuş and his students Abdüllatif Jalkhi, Irmak Bayram, Ay Şimal Uzunay, and Doğa Çavdaroğlu. Following the performance, our artists were presented with certificates of appreciation by our Rector's Advisor, Prof. Dr. Tuğba Yanpar, as a memento of the day.

After the opening program, a panel titled "Interdisciplinary Approaches to Women-Focused Research in Academia" was held, featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Yaralı Akkaya, Director of our University's Center for Research and Application on Women's Issues (MERKAM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Canan Dural Tasouji, Deputy Director, Board Members Dr. Aytül Güneşer Demirci and Dr. Müzeyyen Deniz Zöhre Türkmenoğlu, and Dr. Nermin Alkan from the Faculty of Communication.

Comprehensive Scientific Sessions with International Participation

The invited talks and discussions held within the scope of the congress brought together academics, researchers, and students from different countries, making significant contributions to scientific interaction. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karaman Kepenekçi, the first invited speaker of the congress, highlighted the importance of children's rights from a social awareness perspective with her presentation titled "Children's Rights: A General Overview and a Research Example."

International invited speakers at the congress included Prof. Dr. Diana Antoci, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taleh Halilov, Dr. Cristina Balloi, Prof. Dr. Juan Ramon Jimenez Vicioso, and Prof. Dr. Robert O'Dowd, who contributed to areas such as education, digital transformation, social equality, and innovative practices in higher education. The participation of international speakers strengthened the scientific diversity and global academic interaction dimension of the congress.

Prof. Dr. Kazım Çelik presented on "Safe Schools," discussing practices that support student well-being; Prof. Dr. The program "A Life Dedicated to Education: An Interview with a Master," moderated by Prof. Dr. Tuğba Yanpar, with Adil Türkoğlu, was held with great interest. Prof. Dr. Ali Demirsoy, in his speech titled "Education in a Scientific Society, the Lack of Science, and Türkiye's Problems," drew attention to the importance of scientific thinking; while Prof. Dr. Binnur Yeşilyaprak focused on psychological resilience with her presentation titled "Are There Sunken Ships in the Ocean Within Us: Discovering the Damages and Treasures," and signed her books for the participants.

This year, for the first time, the organization also included poster presentations of TÜBİTAK 2209 projects by undergraduate students; contributing to current discussions in the field of educational sciences and further strengthening national and international academic collaborations.

Press and Public Relations Branch Directorate