SQU, Turkish University explore academic and research collaboration

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) welcomed a delegation from Yildiz Technical University in the Republic of Türkiye, headed by Prof Eyüp Debik, Rector of the university, as part of efforts to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.
The delegation was received by HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, in the presence of a number of university officials and academics.
During the meeting, His Highness the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the visiting delegation and presented an overview of SQU’s colleges, research centres, facilities and major achievements over the four decades since its establishment. He highlighted the university’s contributions to national development and its growing regional and international recognition in higher education, research and innovation.
Prof Eyüp Debik provided an overview of Yildiz Technical University, noting that it serves around 40,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. He said the university is recognised among Türkiye’s leading research-intensive institutions, particularly in engineering, applied sciences and technology, while emphasising its interdisciplinary approach to education and research.
The Rector also highlighted the role of the university’s technopark — one of Türkiye’s largest university-affiliated technology parks — in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and start-up development.
He noted that the institution ranks among the country’s leading entrepreneurial universities, providing support and opportunities for emerging enterprises.
His Highness the Vice-Chancellor said SQU is progressing towards becoming an entrepreneurial university and expressed confidence in the ability of its graduates to create economic value, establish successful ventures and contribute to the national economy.
He stressed that SQU offers more than academic instruction, equipping students with life skills, critical thinking and practical learning opportunities through its diverse educational and research environment.
Discussions also focused on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its implications for higher education. Both sides underscored the growing importance of critical thinking in an era where knowledge is increasingly accessible and explored ways to balance traditional educational approaches with emerging AI-driven learning models.
The meeting concluded with discussions on potential areas of cooperation between the two universities in education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.