The Social Role of Science and Technology Evaluated at CIU
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Öztoprak, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Cyprus International University (CIU), emphasized the decisive role of a culture of scientific thinking in social development in his evaluation article written within the scope of Science and Technology Week (March 8–14). Öztoprak highlighted that science and technology are not only drivers of technical progress but also fundamental elements of quality of life and sustainable development.
Öztoprak stated that the scientific approach fosters skills such as curiosity, questioning, evidence-based evaluation, and learning from mistakes, while technology serves as a transformative force that carries this accumulated knowledge into every aspect of daily life. He pointed out that the digital transformation experienced across many sectors from healthcare to transportation, from education to agricultural production has brought significant gains in efficiency and accessibility. In particular, the supportive role of artificial intelligence in diagnostic processes, the analysis of climate data to predict disaster risks, and the effectiveness of smart city systems in energy management were identified as key dynamics of the modern era.
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Öztoprak stated: “Science and technology are not limited to knowledge produced in laboratory environments. Scientific thinking manifests itself in classrooms, decision-making processes, and every stage of daily life. Those who will shape the future are individuals who question and continue to learn.”
Öztoprak also noted that rapid technological transformation brings ethical and social responsibilities to the forefront. He emphasized that issues such as the protection of personal data, algorithmic neutrality, and the reliability of digital content should now be on the agenda not only of experts but of all individuals. He added that personalized treatment methods, environmentally friendly production models, and smart infrastructure systems will become more widespread in the future, and lifelong learning has become an inevitable necessity. It was also stated that CIU will continue to support scientific thinking through its research-oriented approach and interdisciplinary studies, and this vision will make strategic contributions both to students’ competencies and social development.