Celebrating its 23rd year, the “International ICT Seagulls” projects have been redesigned with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-supported processes. The aim is to encourage youth, academics, and all societal actors to develop ethical, sustainable, and innovative AI solutions. The design, continuous updating, and coordination of the project process are under the responsibility of Prof. Dr. Hayal Köksal. The project management is carried out by the “Association for Innovative Collaboration (YİMEDER)” and the “World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education (WCTQEE)—Türkiye General Directorate”.
Purpose
- To raise social awareness by addressing the benefits and potential risks of artificial intelligence.
• To develop innovative and feasible projects through interdisciplinary collaboration (=İmece).
• To integrate principles of sustainability, equality, and ethics into all processes.
• To teach youth and community members team-oriented problem-solving methods and the use of scientific quality tools, using the “İmece Circles” method, which won the World Bank Award in the 2005 Turkey Creative Development Ideas Competition. More than five thousand projects have been managed with this method so far.
Target Audience Categories
- K–12 students and teachers, including all pre-school organizations (ICT Seagulls)
• Associate, undergraduate, and graduate university students (Leading Seagulls)
• Young professionals, local entrepreneurs, experienced businesspeople, NGO representatives, and local governments (Community Seagulls)
(Participation of individuals with disabilities is encouraged in all categories. To realize this aim, Disability NGOs are most welcome.)
*Leading Seagulls → Re-designed for Universities.
Objective: To encourage students from all university faculties to collaborate creatively and scientifically to develop solutions to current global issues such as artificial intelligence and sustainable living. Projects are conducted within the 23-year-long collective action culture (Imece) of ICT Seagulls and the PDCA Mindset (Plan–Do–Check–Act), a quality cycle approach.
Participants and Team Structure of Leader Seagull Projects:
- Faculties:
o Faculties of Education (especially teacher candidates and educational technology departments)
o Faculties of Engineering and Technology (Computer, Electrical-Electronics, Food, Mechatronics, Environmental Engineering, etc.)
o Faculties of Architecture and Design (Sustainable Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture)
o Faculties of Science and Letters and Social Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, History, Literature, Archaeology, Philosophy)
o Faculties of Economics and Administrative Sciences (Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership, etc.)
o Faculties of Health Sciences (Public Health, Hygiene, Disability Studies, Elderly Care)
o Faculties of Fine Arts (Awareness through Art, Social Innovation Spaces)
o Other faculties and disciplines (Law, Communication, Sports Sciences, etc.)
Main Theme: *
Artificial Intelligence—Benefits, Risks, Ethics, and Use for Good.
*à Teams/Circles: 5–10 students, 1–2 academic advisors, preferably an external stakeholder (NGO representative, local administrator, artist, or engineer). Multidisciplinary teams between faculties are encouraged.
Suggested Sub-Themes by Category:
The list below presents the recommended sub-themes for different disciplines and projects.
Education and Learning:
• AI-supported teaching methods, learning analytics, and personalized education.
• AI applications are strengthening critical thinking and creativity against rote learning.
• Equal opportunities and accessibility in education (AI for students with disabilities or in rural areas).
Example: Faculties of Education, “AI-Supported Teaching and Ethical Boundaries”.
Environment and Sustainability:
• AI for combating climate change (energy optimization, waste management).
• Ecological data analysis, biodiversity conservation, and disaster early-warning systems.
• Green technology and AI solutions for “Smart Villages/Cities”.
Example: Engineering–Architecture Faculties: “Eco-Friendly AI Applications”, “Smart and Sustainable Living Spaces”.
Health and Human Well-Being:
• Ethical AI use in early diagnosis, telemedicine, and public health.
• Supportive technologies for the elderly and disabled.
• AI-based drug development and genomic research risk/benefit analysis.
Example: Medical and Health Sciencesà “Early Diagnosis and Health Equity through AI”.
Social Impact and Human Rights:
• Bias, discrimination, and justice issues in AI.
• Privacy, data security, and protection of personal rights.
• The impact of AI on labor, employment, and social justice.
Example: Social Sciences, Law: “AI and Rights/Justice in Society”.
Art, Culture, and Creativity:
• The role of AI in artistic production (music, painting, literature) and copyright issues.
• Digital preservation of cultural heritage and augmented reality projects.
• AI-assisted storytelling and intercultural dialogue.
Example: Fine Arts, Communication, History: “Raising Awareness through Art and AI”.
Science and Future Visions/Futurism:
• The future of AI in quantum computing, robotics, and space exploration.
• Limits of AI and human intelligence: Collaboration or competition?
• Long-term ethical compliance strategies for societies and AI.
Example: Computer Engineering, Space Sciences, Physics, Philosophy, Sociology: “Humans and Ethics in the 22nd Century”, “Key Issues in a Robotic World”.
Project Process and Steps
- Registration and Initial Training (3 Months: Nov–Dec 2025 and Jan 2026)
o Teams are formed and they register; initial training dates and locations are set with Coordinator Prof. Hayal Köksal.
o Training on the history of Informatics Seagulls, sustainable living principles, and project management (delivered by H. Köksal via Zoom or in person).2. Planning and Data Collection (2 Months: Jan–Feb 2026)
o Teams perform problem analysis and literature reviews. Planning marks the first step of the PDCA cycle using quality tools.
o Continuous communication with the coordinator ensures guided project development.3. Project Development (3 Months: Mar–May 2026)
o Teams complete the remaining three steps of the PDCA cycle: Do, Check, and Act, using quality tools.4. Mentorship and Support (Optional, ongoing throughout the process):
o Academics, engineers, artists, and NGOs provide mentorship.5. Presentation Sharing (1 Month: June 2026)
o Projects are presented in PPT format along with a short film, website, or blog.
o Projects are exhibited and evaluated by jury members.6. Evaluation (2 Months: July–Aug 2026)
o 50% Peer Evaluation (by other teams).
o 50% Jury Evaluation (international jury).7. Award Ceremony, Outputs, and Dissemination (2 Months: Sept–Oct 2026)
o Categories include “Best Interdisciplinary Project,” “Most Creative AI Solution,” and “Special Award for Social Impact,” etc.
o Successful teams receive certificates at an online ceremony or at international conventions.
o Selected projects are published as a Ready-to-Implement Project Booklet and digital catalog.
Evaluation Criteria
- Creativity and innovation
• Interdisciplinary approach and contribution to imece culture
• Ethical, social, and environmental impact
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Compliance with Total Quality Management principles
Application and Dates
- Registration and project applications: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (via YİMEDER).
• For registration forms and details, contact Prof. Dr. Hayal KÖKSAL.
hayal@yimeder.org.tr or hayal@hayalkoksal.com or koksalhayal@gmail.com
+90 212 341 26 02 or +90 532 373 8487
- For more info, please visit the web page of the project: bilisimcimartilar.com/En