From 11 to 14 May 2026, the Academy of Arts and New Technologies, AANT, took part in the International Staff Week hosted by Özyeğin University, OzU, in Istanbul. Representing the Academy were Gianna Angelini, Scientific Director and Head of Internationalisation, and Rossana Quarta, General Director of AANT, who joined a programme focused on academic cooperation, mobility and the evolving future of higher education.
Organised by OzU’s International Exchange and Partnership Programs Office, the week brought together representatives from universities and international offices to exchange experiences, best practices and collaboration models. The programme included partner presentations, structured networking sessions, thematic workshops, roundtables and a partner fair, creating a dynamic setting for the development of new institutional relationships.
During the opening sessions, Özyeğin University presented its academic model, strongly oriented towards research, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and global impact. For AANT, the exchange with OzU and the other participating institutions offered an opportunity to explore educational and organisational approaches that connect learning, applied research, industry relations and internationalisation.
A key focus of the programme was the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in higher education. The keynote session, “The New Era of Higher Education: Research, Innovation, and Impact”, opened a discussion on the major changes currently reshaping universities: from learning and assessment processes to the need to train professionals who can use AI critically, ethically and responsibly. These themes are closely connected to AANT’s ongoing work on contemporary languages, emerging technologies and the creative skills of the future.
The programme also included a workshop at MakersLab/OpenFab, dedicated to maker culture, digital fabrication and prototyping processes. The lab presented how 3D modelling, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, biomaterials and collaborative design can become part of educational pathways in design, engineering, gastronomy and innovation. This dimension is particularly close to AANT’s identity, which has always been rooted in the dialogue between arts, design and new technologies.
Another central moment of the week was the session dedicated to best practices in student and staff mobility. Participants discussed common challenges and possible solutions to improve welcome processes, communication, orientation and integration: from incoming student onboarding to peer support programmes, as well as digital tools designed to make information more accessible and encourage greater autonomy.
Alongside the academic activities, the week also included moments dedicated to Turkish culture and to the city of Istanbul, including workshops on marbling and woodblock printing, a session on Turkish coffee culture, social activities and a guided city tour. This experiential dimension strengthened the intercultural value of the programme, turning mobility into an opportunity for dialogue, connection and shared learning.
AANT’s participation in the International Staff Week at Özyeğin University is part of the Academy’s broader internationalisation strategy, developed through partnerships, exchanges and shared projects.