The event “Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil Meets with R&D Volunteers,” organized by the Technology Transfer Office Application and Research Center (TTO), took place with a high level of participation. Held on October 22, 2025, at the 15 July National Will Hall of the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center, the program was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Vice Rector and R&D Director Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, deans, directors, academic and administrative staff, and students.

The meeting began with the TTO’s introductory video. The opening remarks were delivered by TTO Director Lecturer Mahmut Sarı. Sarı emphasized that interaction and competition are the key elements underlying the ability to explain innovative approaches in R&D activities. He noted that the need to develop a software platform has emerged to facilitate collaboration and communication in projects. He also stated that students will be able to easily access this software when seeking advisors or ideas for the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program, EU, and TÜBİTAK projects, and added that the application will be launched in about a month.

The program continued with a speech by Teknofest Coordinator Lecturer Bilal Atak, who described Teknofest as a competition for dreamers and visionaries who push beyond boundaries. He gave detailed information about how to participate in the festival and stated that the university aims to join Teknofest next year with more ambitious projects. He concluded by assuring students that the university will offer full support to those interested in developing projects.

Güneş: “We Aim to Realize Our R&D Efforts Together with Our Students”

Vice Rector and R&D Director Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş delivered his speech by stating that he would touch upon three main points. He first spoke about the progress made in student projects, noting that while 13 separate projects were approved in 2023, the number increased to 119 in the second term. In 2024, 160 out of 333 submitted projects were approved — a remarkable achievement. Prof. Dr. Güneş also emphasized the importance of students benefiting from opportunities provided by TÜBİTAK, the 2209-A programs, and the Turkish Health Institutes (TÜSEB) projects. He concluded his speech by highlighting that the university participated in Teknofest as a stakeholder for the first time this year, and a team representing the university placed 4th, achieving this impressive result despite limited resources. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization of the program.

Rector Karahocagil: “Our R&D Efforts Should Serve the Well-Being, Peace, and Happiness of Humanity” 

Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil stated that R&D processes around the world are at a very advanced level and emphasized that as Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, they cannot remain indifferent to these developments. He noted that there is a significant gap between those who produce knowledge and those who merely consume it. If R&D processes are not managed properly and used for the benefit of humanity, he warned, the consequences could be catastrophic — as tragically witnessed today in Palestine. He underlined that, due to our nation’s historical responsibilities and civilizational heritage, we must be on the side that produces knowledge. Rector Karahocagil stressed that the knowledge generated through R&D should serve the benefit and ease of humanity. He added that being a strong state requires being a producer of knowledge and that this will contribute to reviving the principles of the Ahi civilization in their true form on these lands. He continued his speech by saying: “We will transfer the knowledge we produce through education and teaching. Then we will ensure that this knowledge benefits society. Knowledge produced and transferred must serve humanity. This way, we will build on three strong pillars and achieve our goal.” He stated that Kırşehir Ahi Evran University will fulfill its responsibilities with dedication and advised students to also take responsibility. He concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to organizing the program.

In the final part of the program, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil answered the students’ questions. The event concluded with a group photo taken with the students.