EPOKA University participated in the 7th International Staff Week, hosted by the University
of Tuscia (UNITUS), Italy, from 8–12 June 2026 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence,
Inclusion and Sustainability in Higher Education.”  Our university was represented by Dr.
Sadullah Yılmaz, MSc Morena Shima, and MSc Sümeyra Uyurca, who attended keynote
speeches, thematic workshops, networking sessions, and discussions focusing on artificial
intelligence, internationalisation, Erasmus+ mobility, sustainability, and innovation in higher
education.
One of the highlights of the Staff Week was the keynote address delivered by Antonella Sberna,
Vice-President of the European Parliament. In her inspiring speech, she emphasized the
European Union’s continued commitment to investing in education through future funding
programmes and underlined the strategic importance of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the
future of higher education, research, and international mobility. She highlighted AI as a key
driver of innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive education, stressing its growing role in
strengthening European cooperation and enhancing the quality and accessibility of learning
opportunities across higher education institutions.
Throughout the week, participants attended a rich programme of keynote speeches, panel
discussions, workshops, and institutional presentations covering topics such as the ethical use of
Artificial Intelligence in education, Erasmus+ opportunities, internationalisation strategies,
double degree programmes, sustainability, and inclusive educational practices. One of the
highlights of the programme was a demonstration of an advanced human-like
conversational AI developed by AI.Anima and presented by Dr. Luigi Foscale, providing
participants with practical insights into emerging AI technologies and their potential
applications in higher education. The programme also provided excellent opportunities for
networking and establishing new collaborations with representatives from universities
worldwide.
Participation in the Staff Week enabled EPOKA University to strengthen its international
partnerships, exchange institutional best practices, and explore new opportunities for future
collaboration in education, research, and Erasmus+ projects. The knowledge and experience
gained during the mobility will contribute to the University’s ongoing efforts to promote
internationalisation, develop innovative projects, expand academic cooperation, and support the
effective integration of Artificial Intelligence into higher education in line with European
priorities.