The future of artificial intelligence and education was discussed at INER CONGRESS 2026

The ‘IV. International 21st Century Education Research Congress (INER CONGRESS 2026)’ held under the auspices of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) was completed with a comprehensive program that brings together science, technology, and art. Approximately 450 academics, researchers, and educators attended the congress held under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Education: Designing the Learning Ecosystems of the Future’.

During the three-day congress, digital transformation in education, artificial intelligence applications, ethical approaches, psychosocial effects, and future learning models were addressed from multiple perspectives. Within the scope of the congress, 160 scientific papers, 6 poster presentations, and 49 international exhibition works were presented to the participants.

The Scientific Congress Opened with Art

The opening program of the congress began with a special concert that blended the scientific atmosphere with art. The classical music concert performed by Italian guitarist Davide Sciacca and Japanese soprano Sachika Ito received great acclaim from the participants. The event added a cultural richness to the international identity of the congress.

“A Human-Centered Approach in Education Must Be Preserved”

In her opening speech, Prof. Dr. Firdevs Savi Çakar, the Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Education, stated that education is experiencing not only a technological but also a pedagogical and social transformation in the age of artificial intelligence.

Dean Çakar emphasized the importance of evaluating this process from a human-centered perspective, noting that artificial intelligence-supported learning systems offer new opportunities to the world of education. She expressed that INER CONGRESS has become an important platform that strengthens international academic collaborations, growing since 2023, and highlighted that this year's organization was carried out with the contributions of 12 universities' faculties of education.

The Digital Age and Human Relations Were Discussed

Presentations by expert academics at the congress highlighted artificial intelligence, digitalization, inclusive education, and value-oriented teaching approaches.

The Cultural Richness of Burdur Was Introduced

In addition to the scientific sessions, social events organized also added color to the congress. Participants had the opportunity to closely explore Burdur's historical and natural beauties, especially the İnsuyu Cave and the ancient city of Sagalassos.

In the evaluations made at the end of the congress, it was stated that INER CONGRESS 2026 contributed significantly not only to academic knowledge sharing but also to the development of international collaborations, intercultural interaction, and strengthening common visions for the future of education.