The KOP Regional Development Workshop, organized in collaboration with Konya Plain Project Regional Development Administration (KOP) and Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, was hosted by Yozgat Bozok University (YOBÜ). The workshop took place on February 26, 2025, at the YOBÜ Erdoğan Akdağ Congress and Culture Center and attended by Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, KOP Regional Development Administration President Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu, other university rectors, vice-rectors, academic and administrative staff, as well as students.
In his opening speech at the workshop, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil emphasized the importance of universities acting together to promote regional development. “We are universities focused on regional development and specialization,” he stated, continuing: “We need to recognize and understand the potential within our region and transform it into Product Development (P&D) and Research & Development (R&D) projects. In this regard, KOP presents a significant opportunity for us. KOP is a program that allocates financial support to universities for projects aimed at regional development. Therefore, we must reach a consensus on projects that we believe will be more efficient and future-oriented. We have all the necessary resources at our disposal. I also believe that universities should strengthen their collaborations.” Prof. Dr. Karahocagil further noted that they would continue their efforts in consultation with universities, expressing his belief that as long as the work is carried out effectively, it will make significant contributions both to the union and the region.
Following the workshop, the UNİKOP Presidency Handover Ceremony took place. During the 2025 First Ordinary Supreme Council Meeting held at YOBÜ, Prof. Dr. Evren Yaşar, who had served as the UNİKOP President for the past two years, handed over the presidency to Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil. Established to enhance university-industry collaboration and university-city integration in the KOP Region Universities, as well as to contribute to the country's future vision and development efforts in areas such as education, research & development, and community service, UNİKOP will continue its activities under the leadership of our university.
7.5 Million Lira Support for KAEU's Project
Following the handover ceremony, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, known for its impactful projects, received support from KOP for its regional development initiative, “Processing and Branding of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with KOP.” A signing ceremony was held between KOP Regional Development Administration President Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu and Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, for the project, which will significantly contribute to the region’s development, with a funding of 7.5 million lira.
Making remarks on the subject, Rector Karahocagil explained how the project would significantly contribute to the city and the country, and he underscored the wide-range use of medicinal plants. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil emphasized the crucial role of Aromatic Plants in the health sector as well, wished the protocol to be beneficial for our university and country.
