According to the statement made by YÖK, studies in different fields, from research on brain tumors to artificial intelligence-supported robotic systems to be used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, from digital agricultural applications to international student success, reveal the scientific production of universities.
Within the scope of the Infradynamics project carried out at Middle East Technical University (METU), small molecules that can target brain tumors with the help of light have been developed.
In the research, molecules targeted to overcome the blood-brain barrier and absorb near-infrared light that can reach deep into the tissues were studied. It was determined that the effect of one of the developed candidate molecules on glioblastoma cells increased more than 140 times under light compared to the dark environment.
Prof. Dr. In the project carried out under the leadership of Görkem Günbaş and with the support of the European Research Council (ERC), some molecules were designed so that they would not be activated until they encountered enzymes more abundant in tumor cells.
The results of the research were published as a cover article in the journal JACS Au in 2025. Within the scope of the project, one patent each was obtained in Europe and the USA, and eight scientific publications were made. It was stated that the study was not yet a treatment applied to patients.
Artificial intelligence-supported robots in the rehabilitation of paralyzed patients
Within the scope of the HYDROTRABOTS project, jointly carried out by TED, Ankara and Gazi universities, Qatar University and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, artificial intelligence-supported robotic systems are being developed to support the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM) also contributes in kind to the project.
Within the scope of the project, two different robotic rehabilitation systems will be developed for use in land and water environments. Ankara University contributes to mechanical design and control technologies, Gazi University contributes to rehabilitation and clinical processes, and TED University contributes to virtual reality and artificial intelligence applications.
It is aimed to create special rehabilitation programs for patients by analyzing the movement, muscle activity and other physiological data obtained from the sensors with artificial intelligence. In the clinical validation phase of the project, which is planned to last two years, it is envisaged to study a total of 120 patients in Türkiye and Qatar. It was stated that clinical research has not started yet in the project.
The team including artificial intelligence program students ranked 12th in the world
AltayCTF team, including Karadeniz Technical University Electronics and Automation Department Artificial Intelligence Operator Program student Batuhanbey Köse, completed the international BrunnerCTF 2026 cyber security competition as the 12th in the world among 1103 teams.
Köse contributed to the success of the team with the cyber security problems he solved. This success demonstrated the contribution of artificial intelligence-focused programs in vocational schools to young people gaining competence in advanced technology fields.
Artificial intelligence-supported digital agriculture platform for farmers
A team of OSTİM Technical University students developed an artificial intelligence-supported mobile platform called "Targiz" so that farmers can manage their production processes in a digital environment.
Producers can get diagnosed with the support of artificial intelligence by taking photos of the problems they encounter in their plants, record their agricultural activities with photo notes and track their expenses such as diesel fuel, irrigation, maintenance and labor.
The application, which allows determining field boundaries and digitally managing parcels via a satellite map, also allows producers to access market prices in metropolitan cities. Through the communication network on the platform, farmers can share information with each other and with experts.
Targiz, which can be used at different stages of production from field to greenhouse, from pre-planting to harvest, is intended to contribute to efficiency and cost management in agricultural production.
Kangal dogs are protected by scientific studies
The genetic and breed characteristics of Kangal dogs, known for their strength, endurance and protective features, are protected by studies carried out at Sivas Cumhuriyet University.
At the University's Kangal Dog Application and Research Center, studies are carried out to transfer the characteristics of Kangal dogs to future generations. The aim of the center is to raise dogs in accordance with their breed characteristics, monitor their development and examine them scientifically. It was reported that two Kangal cubs were born at the center this year.
Welcoming visitors who want to get to know Kangal dogs closely, the center also attracts the attention of international visitors.
Turkish makam music meets artificial intelligence
Sakarya University academics developed a local artificial intelligence prototype, taking into account the characteristics of Turkish makam music.
The system, developed on more than a hundred makams and dozens of modes, can produce melodies suitable for Turkish makam music. The prototype presents the works used when creating melody as a source list, allowing the artificial intelligence to monitor which sources it uses in musical production.
The work, which is still at the prototype stage, is aimed to contribute to the meeting of traditional Turkish music with digital technologies and to carry the cultural heritage to the future through artificial intelligence.
