Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst
TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker attended the meeting titled “Scientific Cooperation Among Academies of Sciences in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Region and Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Reforms,” held in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The declaration issued at the conclusion of the meeting was shared with the public.
The meeting, which marked the third gathering of the presidents of the national academies of sciences of BSEC member countries, aimed to strengthen regional scientific cooperation and assess the impact of artificial intelligence on science policies. The opening of the meeting was conducted by Prof. Dr. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly; and Merve Safa Kavakcı, Deputy Secretary General of the BSEC. Dr. Abdülkadir Taşdelen, Advisor to the President of TÜBA, also attended the meeting.
“Science is the most powerful way to build trust and cooperation among nations”
Speaking at the meeting, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker emphasized that scientific cooperation is one of the fundamental elements that strengthen dialogue and trust among countries. Prof. Dr. Şeker noted that artificial intelligence is not merely a technical field, stating that it is transforming nearly every stage of the research process. He stated that data collection, analysis, modeling, and interdisciplinary knowledge integration have been reshaped by artificial intelligence.
Recalling that large and complex datasets have emerged in fields such as climate change, public health, energy transition, food security, and disaster management, Şeker noted that artificial intelligence makes it possible to analyze these data more quickly and effectively.
“Artificial intelligence can serve as a common platform for regional scientific collaboration”
President Şeker noted that the Black Sea basin is home to strong scientific institutions and shared research areas, and stated that artificial intelligence could provide a platform to deepen regional collaboration. Noting that machine learning and data analytics contribute across a wide range of fields—from climate and environmental research to health sciences, and from agriculture to disaster risk management—Şeker emphasized that the development of early warning systems, in particular, would play a critical role in reducing loss of life and property.
TÜBA President Şeker also offered some recommendations in his speech for institutionalizing regional cooperation. He emphasized the need to develop shared datasets, open science platforms, and standardized data infrastructure. Additionally, he noted the importance of establishing a regional network for young scientists working in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as increasing academic mobility through summer schools and joint research programs. Şeker also stated that forming thematic working groups on artificial intelligence and science policies would strengthen regional capacity.
The Emphasis on "Responsible Artificial Intelligence’”
In his speech, Şeker also addressed the risks of artificial intelligence, noting that data quality, access inequalities, and non-transparent algorithms could undermine scientific trust. Emphasizing the need to adopt a “responsible artificial intelligence” approach, Şeker stated that the principles of scientific integrity, transparency, accountability, privacy, and social benefit must serve as the foundation.
Reminding the audience that science academies provide scientific advisory services to governments through their independent structures, Şeker noted that academies play a critical role in developing evidence-based policies and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
Şeker concluded his speech with the words, “The future of artificial intelligence will be shaped not only by algorithms but also by institutions, ethical values, education, and collaboration.” The meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for new partnerships and research programs that will strengthen scientific collaboration in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) region.
President Şeker and Assistant Professor Abdülkadir Taşdelen visited Prof. Dr. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and presented her with copies of the works recently published by TÜBA: Science Diplomacy, The Istanbul Museum of the History of Islamic Science and Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Law and Digitalization in Law.
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