The XIII. ERPA International Education Congress, hosted by the Graduate School of Education at Kastamonu University, brought together academics, researchers, teachers, and students from Turkey and various countries. The opening program of the congress, which addressed current studies and new approaches in the field of educational sciences, was held on September 23, 2026, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center.  

The opening program was attended by our Vice-Rector and Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı; Acting Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Sakarya University and President of the ERPA Association, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Çalışkan; our academic and administrative staff; academics; representatives from public institutions and non-governmental organizations; and students from different cities.

In the congress held both online and face-to-face, current research in educational sciences, new educational approaches, digitalization in education, the impact of artificial intelligence on educational processes, and changing teacher roles are being discussed. 

The program, which started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, continued with the screening of the ERPA promotional film and our University's promotional film. Then, the students of the Department of Musicology at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design performed a music recital.  

The Main Theme of the Congress is "Artificial Intelligence in Education"

The opening speech of the congress was delivered by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Çalışkan, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Sakarya University and President of the ERPA Association. Expressing his satisfaction with our university hosting the congress, Prof. Dr. Çalışkan said that ERPA congresses have brought together academics from different cities and countries for 13 years.  

Stating that the main theme of this year's congress is "Artificial Intelligence in Education," Prof. Dr. Çalışkan expressed that the impact of artificial intelligence on education, learning, and teaching processes, as well as assessment and evaluation approaches, will be discussed. Prof. Dr. Çalışkan, who stated that approximately 200 papers were submitted to the congress and 161 were accepted, noted that the program included invited talks, panels, special sessions, and scientific presentations on different themes. 

Emphasizing that ERPA is not just a congress where research is presented, Prof. Dr. Çalışkan stated that the congress is a scientific platform where knowledge and opinions are shared, and new research and collaborations emerge, and he wished that the congress would lead to new academic collaborations and lasting friendships. 

Speaking at the program, our Vice Rector and Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, expressed his pleasure in hosting the participants at our University. 

Mentioning the historical and cultural significance of Kastamonu, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı drew attention to the city's special position in terms of the Western Black Sea region. Stating that Kastamonu has a deep-rooted history in the field of education, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said that the opening of Abdurrahmanpaşa High School, the first state high school in Anatolia, was one of the important milestones in the city's educational history.

Stating that Kastamonu offers a different experience to its visitors with its history, culture, human values, traditions, and customs, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı expressed that academics visiting the city within the scope of the congress would have the opportunity to closely learn about the city's historical and cultural heritage.  

Reminding them that our university has completed its 20th year, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı pointed out that the historical roots of our university go back even further. Referring to the past of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "The 20th year is visible on the plaque; however, when we delve deeper, we find the roots of our Faculty of Education in Darülmuallimin, and when we go even further back, we reach a much older accumulation in the educational history of Kastamonu."

Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı, mentioning the work of the Graduate Education Institute, stated that the new structure formed by the merger of different institutes has initiated a new working period in the administration of graduate education processes.

After Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı's speech, plaques and certificates of appreciation were presented to Acting Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, Head of the Health, Culture, and Sports Department M. Sena Aygül, and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı for their contributions to the congress. 

The first presentation is by Prof. Dr. Alipaşa Ayas

Following the presentation of the document, the first presentation of the congress was delivered by Prof. Dr. Alipaşa Ayas, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bilkent University. Prof. Dr. Ayas, in his presentation titled "Teaching and Educating in a Changing World: Digitalization, Competencies, New Roles," evaluated the role of teaching in a digitalizing world, the competencies educators should possess, and the changing roles of teachers. 

After the presentation, the question-and-answer session began. A certificate of appreciation and a plaque were presented to Prof. Dr. Alipaşa Ayas, who answered the participants' questions. 

The XIII. ERPA International Education Congress will continue for two days with invited talks, panels, special sessions, and scientific presentations on various themes. On the last day of the congress, a tour program will be held to introduce the historical and natural beauties of Kastamonu to the participants.