North Cyprus university begins new academic year with AI focus

Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University has opened its 2026-2027 academic year with a ceremony highlighting artificial intelligence, academic growth and cooperation with public institutions.

Halkın Sesi reported that the ceremony and inaugural lecture were held at the Ömer Gültekin Conference Hall. The event included remarks from Rector Prof. Dr. Akın Cellatoğlu and a lecture by Prof. Dr. Uğur Batı.

Cellatoğlu said the university had more than 2,200 students and had reached an 85% occupancy rate in the 2026 YKS admissions examination, according to the report. He also said the institution’s academic structure included five faculties, one school, one vocational school and one graduate education and research institute, with 13 undergraduate and associate-degree programmes.

The rector described the university’s priorities as quality rather than quantity, artificial-intelligence transformation and social benefit. He said the institution planned to combine its health expertise with AI-supported diagnosis and personalised healthcare applications while keeping people at the centre of the process.

Cellatoğlu also said the university wanted to develop sustainable cooperation with public institutions and respond to regional needs, particularly in Güzelyurt. The report said he identified YÖDAK and YÖK standards, quality assurance and accreditation as central to the university’s growth.

Batı delivered the academic year’s inaugural lecture under the title Conversations with My Future Mind. The session addressed artificial intelligence and its potential effects on healthcare, education, the economy and daily life, as well as privacy, automation, employment and ethics.

Academic staff who were promoted or appointed during the 2025-2026 academic year were presented with academic gowns and plaques at the ceremony.