Istinye University and global analytics leader SAS are making a breakthrough in the field of data science with their collaboration. The SAS Data Science training program, which will be offered for the first time at a university in Turkey, stands out as an initiative contributing to the democratization of data science education. The program aims to add value to students by investing in data science, one of the most prominent professions of the future, and to contribute to employment opportunities.
The impact of technology and artificial intelligence in the future, where some professions are expected to disappear, continues to be discussed. The number of workers in certain jobs will decrease, and many job fields will disappear, while the demand for jobs in artificial intelligence and data science will increase. Many workers will need to adapt to this change and develop themselves in fields such as data science and artificial intelligence literacy. According to the "Future of Jobs 2025" report by the World Economic Forum, areas such as cloud computing and big data will emerge in the coming years. There will be increasing demand for Big Data Specialists, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Experts, Digital Transformation Experts, Software and Application Developers, Database and Network Specialists. In light of current sector needs, Istinye University is collaborating with global analytics leader SAS to undertake a meaningful initiative in data science education with a mission aimed at the future.
The SAS and Istinye University collaboration is breaking new ground in Turkey.
The ISU-SAS Data Science Training program, which is the first of its kind in Turkey, is an initiative that contributes to the accessibility and democratization of data science education. Professor Dr. Erkan İbiş, Rector of Istinye University, emphasized the social responsibility impact of the collaboration during the program launch, stating, "We prioritize the use of artificial intelligence and data science for universal human values." The training program will provide participants with a broad analytical spectrum ranging from statistical analysis to artificial intelligence and machine learning. In line with the vision of Istinye University and SAS, the program aims to guide developments in artificial intelligence and data science while prioritizing contributions to society and human values.
The Data Science Training program starts in February.
The ISU-SAS Data Science Training, designed as an introductory course, will begin in February. Participants are expected to complete the training within three months, and a "ISU-SAS Participation Certificate" will be awarded at the end. To register for the program, participants must fill out the registration form under the "SAS Data Science Training" section on the Istinye University Continuing Education Center website. The training will continue without a time limitation based on student demand and the academic calendar, and if there is demand, a second module for advanced-level training will be provided. Istinye University plans to offer extensive training opportunities to students and young professionals by providing easy online access via SAS "e-learning" platforms. The training will be conducted in English, ensuring that students can compete internationally. The partnership between SAS and Istinye University aims to develop global market competencies and train the data scientists of the future, with a vision that ranges from individual development to sectoral growth.
"Data science literacy will become as critical a skill as literacy in the near future."
For SAS, this initiative is strategically positioned as an investment by increasing the number of individuals who can use SAS solutions in the field of data science. Istinye University, on the other hand, aims to strengthen its technology-focused educational approach by training qualified graduates in innovative and in-demand fields. It is expected that the demand for data science education will spread through the collaboration. Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of SAS Education Services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, highlighted the growing sectoral need in data science, saying, "Data science literacy will become as critical a skill as literacy in the near future." Additionally, this initiative aims to reach a wider audience on a regional scale and develop more educational collaborations, extending beyond Turkey. In the long term, this initiative will help individuals with analytical skills make a strong start in the business world, contributing to sectoral development.
Collaboration and data science were discussed at the launch event.
At the launch event held on January 15th at Istinye University's Vadi Istanbul Campus, all details of the training program were shared. Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of SAS Education Services and Academic Programs for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, gave a presentation on SAS's innovative educational solutions and analytical applications. A panel was also held during the promotional meeting, moderated by Dr. Yasemin Yücel Karasu, where Professor Dr. Erkan İbiş, Rector of Istinye University, Rasim Eğri, General Manager of SAS Turkey and Central Asia, and Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of SAS Education Services and Academic Programs, answered questions.
"Data science is a driving force for countries' economic and sectoral transformations."
Rasim Eğri, General Manager of SAS Turkey and Central Asia, stated, "Data science is not only a field shaping individuals' career journeys but also a driving force for countries' economic growth and sectoral transformations. This collaboration with Istinye University will both add value to young people and enable us to invest in the professions of the future by training individuals with analytical skills. As SAS, we continue to prioritize accessibility and innovation in education."
"Our goal is to train qualified human resources equipped with the knowledge and skills required by current sector needs."
Professor Dr. Erkan İbiş, Rector of Istinye University, stated, "Data analysis education directly contributes to Istinye University's digitalization goals. The data science and artificial intelligence sector grows by more than 30% each year, and this growth is expected to continue in the next five years. In this context, training qualified experts in data analysis and artificial intelligence will allow our students to respond to the sector's demand. Our goal is to train qualified human resources equipped with the knowledge and skills required by current sector needs."
The combination of SAS's data science expertise and Istinye University's innovative, data-driven approach has laid a strong foundation for the training program. SAS and Istinye University aim to make a strong investment for the future by prioritizing accessibility, quality, and innovation in education. This collaboration represents an important step in training the data-driven leaders of the future.
About SAS:
SAS is a leader in analytics. SAS helps customers worldwide transform data into intelligence with innovative software and services. SAS serves its customers worldwide with the philosophy of "THE POWER TO KNOW."
ISU-SAS Data Science Training Registration Form:
To register for the training program, participants must fill out the registration form under the "SAS Data Science Training" section on the Istinye University Continuing Education Center website: