Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) was awarded the Higher Education Council's (YÖK) “Contribution to Local Development” award due to its contributions to local and regional development through its work in the field of animal husbandry.
At the 2026-2027 Academic Opening Ceremony held at the Presidential Complex, the award was presented to MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar and project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seher Yastıoğlu by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar.
“Scientific knowledge should add value to the producer's labor”
After the award, Rector Dalgar stated that it is crucial for universities to connect the knowledge they produce with the needs of society, which is decisive in strengthening regional development.
Expressing that they carry out their work in animal husbandry with this understanding, Dalgar said:
“Scientific knowledge should add value to the producer's labor. The fact that a research helps our producers make the right decisions and that a business uses its resources more efficiently are concrete examples of science's contribution to development. As MAKÜ, we care about the knowledge we produce finding a response in the field and contributing to the welfare of our region. We see the award we received as a reflection of the bond we have established between science and production and the joint effort we have put forth for this purpose.”
Contribution from Burdur to Turkey's animal husbandry ecosystem and development
Emphasizing that scientific knowledge and production experience should be evaluated together in developing Turkey's potential in animal husbandry, Dalgar continued:
“Our goal is to transform the knowledge and experience we have developed in Burdur into a lasting value that increases Turkey's productivity and competitiveness in animal husbandry. The way to achieve this is to bring the needs in the field to the research agenda and to deliver scientific results to producers with applicable solutions. We want the solutions we develop in our region to also guide different regions with similar needs.”
“We see regional development as a long-term responsibility”
Rector Dalgar stated that the award increases their responsibilities for new studies and noted:
“We see regional development as a long-term responsibility. While seeking solutions to the current needs of producers, we must also develop the necessary knowledge and competencies for the future of animal husbandry. We will continue to connect our scientific studies with the needs of society, support sustainable production, and contribute to the development of our country. I would like to thank our academics, students, and all stakeholders who contributed to this success.”
At the ceremony, MAKÜ was represented by Rector Dalgar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seher Yastıoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damla Bilecen Şen, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Kübra Ertan, Student Senate President Merve Öztürer, and students Tuğçe Çeküç, Ayberk Oturak, and Sema Fatma Eren.
