The Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN) is a platform established to increase cooperation and communication between universities in the Black Sea Region. This network was established by 12 countries during the 2nd Black Sea University Rectors Conference held in Constanta on July 12, 1998, and currently has over 120 member universities. BSUN operates with the aim of promoting information sharing among students, academic staff, and researchers in universities in the Black Sea Region, developing joint projects and programs, supporting research and innovation, improving the quality of education, and enhancing inter-regional cooperation.

The Executive Board of the Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN) met at Bogazici University on April 25, 2023. The meeting hosted by Bogazici University was attended by BSUN Board President Prof. Dr. Marian PREDA, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Eden MAMUT, Bogazici University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci INCI, Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah CUVALCI, and Sofia University Rector Prof. Dr. Anastas GERDJIKOV from Bulgaria.

Other members of the Black Sea Universities Network present at the meeting included Prof. Dr. Viorel BOSTAN, Rector of Moldova Technical University, Prof. Dr. Mykhailo ZGUROVSKY, Rector of Ukraine National Technical University, Prof. Dr. Alberto ZUCCONI, President of the Person-Centered Approach Institute (IACP) from Italy, Prof. Dr. Nikolaos THEODOSSIOU, President of SDSN Black Sea, Prof. Dr. Artan HOXHA, Rector of Tirana University, Dr. Armen DER KIUREGHIAN, President of the American University of Armenia, and Prof. Dr. Elmar GASIMOV, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School, who attended the meeting online.

The welcome speech of the meeting was given by Bogazici University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci INCI, who was elected as the President for the 2024-2026 term. Following the term President Prof. Dr. Marian PREDA's presentation on the activities and current status of the Black Sea Universities Network, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Eden MAMUT delivered a presentation highlighting the projects prioritized by the network.

KTU Rector Prof. Dr. CUVALCI, who attended the meeting on behalf of the university, provided information on joint projects currently being carried out between KTU and Black Sea countries. He also shared information about the R&D activities and projects carried out by researchers at their institution with the participants.

During the sessions organized within the scope of the meeting, members evaluated the contributions they will make to the projects to be produced within the Black Sea Universities Network and the benefits to be obtained from these projects. Projects to be produced on topics such as climate change, security, and digitalization were discussed, as well as the support that universities will provide. In the meeting, details of the BSUN Congress to be held next year were also discussed.

 

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