Turkey launches strategic program to train 3,000 tech researchers

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has announced the 'Turkey Strategic Technology Human Resources Program,' an initiative aimed at training approximately 3,000 young researchers at the doctoral level over the next five years. The program seeks to strengthen Turkey's technological independence and global competitiveness.

In the first year, 550 doctoral students will be admitted across 23 research universities. The program focuses on critical expertise areas, including Information Technology, Hardware and Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems. A key feature of the model is the integration of education and academic employment; selected researchers will be employed as research assistants while pursuing their doctoral studies.

YÖK President Erol Özvar stated that the goal is to develop the scientists who will create the technologies of the next 10 to 20 years, moving the success seen in the defense industry into fields like AI, cybersecurity, and chip technology.