A cooperation protocol aimed at improving urban transportation systems has been signed between Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKÜ) and Gaziantep Transportation and Information Services Inc. (GAZİULAŞ).

The signing ceremony, held in the HKÜ Rectorate Senate Hall, was attended by HKÜ Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan, GAZİULAŞ General Manager Aykut Çakıroğlu, HKÜ Secretary General Ümit Şahnaoğlu, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şafak Tercan, a faculty member from the Department of Civil Engineering at HKÜ’s Faculty of Engineering.

Within the scope of the signed protocol, it is planned to conduct data analysis studies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance urban transportation services. In addition, scenario and simulation studies related to transportation systems will be carried out using big data analytics and digital twin technologies. The cooperation will also include the development of smart mobility solutions and the implementation of field tests.

Furthermore, the protocol envisages collaboration in areas such as undergraduate and postgraduate thesis studies, internship programmes, technical training, and joint academic publications. It also aims to support joint project development and implementation activities targeting national and international funding sources, including TÜBİTAK, the European Union, and development agencies.

“We Aim to Transform Our Academic Knowledge into Urban Projects”

HKÜ Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan evaluated the protocol and emphasised that it represents an important step in strengthening university–city cooperation.

“Bringing together the knowledge-production capacity of universities with the needs of cities is of great importance for sustainable development. Through this cooperation with GAZİULAŞ, we aim to transform our academic expertise into projects that will contribute to the development of urban transportation systems. We believe that the joint studies to be conducted in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data, and smart transportation technologies will provide significant benefits both for our students and for the city’s transportation infrastructure,” she said.