Social Contribution
Our university supports and encourages activities that prioritize social contribution and contribute to social life in all its units within the framework of the vision of "contributing to society from universal knowledge." Activities and projects carried out within the framework of the Social Contribution vision are monitored by the Social Contribution coordinator. The coordination unit operating under the Rectorate consists of a coordinator, a deputy coordinator, and twelve members, and all units of our university carry out their activities through representatives under the coordination umbrella. The coordination organizational chart, as presented in the relevant documents, conducts social contribution projects and activities and monitors the work done. Within the scope of ongoing projects under the coordination, our university, which is specialized in the field of "Animal Husbandry" as a university, continues its work in collaboration with relevant institutions.
Our university provides support for social contribution activities through the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Department. In addition to our university's internal resources, it monitors national and international programs, primarily TÜBİTAK, Horizon EUROPE, and European Union (EU) support programs. In this context, support has been received from the Australian Government's Direct Aid Program aimed at strengthening women's employment. In addition to this support program, cooperation efforts have been initiated between our university and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The monitoring and improvement of our university's social contribution performance are periodically carried out by our Coordinator and the members specified in the organizational chart of the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (BAP) through interim reports and evaluation meetings related to the project.
The widespread impact of the studies conducted under the Social Contribution Coordination and the sustainability of projects that will increase social welfare based on social benefit emerge as a priority area. In this context, effective monitoring of the ongoing studies and especially providing various supports in terms of external resources create areas open to development. Increasing interest in European Union project supports, promoting necessary guidance, and training in project writing for planned projects are evaluated as areas open to development.
Center for Aging Studies Application and Research (YASAM):
· The Center for Aging Studies Application and Research (YASAM), operating under the Rectorate of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, is a multidisciplinary and academic organization determined by the decision of our university's Senate and the Official Gazette announcement of 2020 (Official Gazette No: 31168 dated 27.06.2020), conducting education-training and global activities in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Education, Health Sciences, Science, Literature, Economics, and Administrative Sciences.
· The aims of the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Center for Aging Studies Application and Research are to conduct effective research on aging, old age, and advanced age concepts that have gained importance at global and national levels in accordance with scientific ethical rules, to use the information obtained as a result of these studies in the creation of quality applied service models, to meet the accompanying needs and expectations, to facilitate aging with knowledge, and to build an active, meaningful, and development-oriented old age by creating a consultation platform with interdisciplinary, civil society organizations, and public institution managers.
· Additionally, the Center ensures that necessary measures are taken for the elderly to be open to innovations, lifelong learners, and lead an independent life, produces campaigns and volunteer-based projects to raise awareness about issues, risks, and situations that frequently affect the lives of the elderly, and ensures that young people avoid stigmatization towards the elderly. It aims to prevent negative attitudes and promote intergenerational solidarity.
The studies conducted by the Center for Aging Studies Application and Research are related to some of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals associated with the Center are as follows:
Health and Well-Being (Sustainable Development Goal 3): YASAM works to support the health of the elderly, prevent diseases, and promote healthy aging processes. The studies carried out by the Center in this direction contribute to the health and well-being quality goals by enhancing the quality of life of elderly individuals.
Education and Lifelong Learning (Sustainable Development Goal 4): YASAM promotes lifelong learning by offering educational programs and opportunities for the elderly. The studies carried out by the Center in this direction strengthen the knowledge and skills of the elderly, increasing their social and economic participation.
Social Inclusion and Equality (Sustainable Development Goal 5): YASAM strengthens gender equality and social participation by promoting the active participation of the elderly in social life.
Sustainable Urbanization and Livable Cities (Sustainable Development Goal 11): YASAM supports sustainable urbanization by focusing on urban planning and infrastructure development to improve the quality of life of the elderly in urban areas.
Social Protection and Poverty Reduction (Sustainable Development Goal 1): YASAM can reduce elderly poverty by developing social protection programs for the elderly and increasing their access to social protection systems.