Our Faculty Member Completed an Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching at a University in Portugal
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir from the Department of Software Engineering successfully completed the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching program between May 4–8, 2026 at Portalegre Polytechnic University (IPP) in Portugal, as part of the International Erasmus Week. The event was held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence, Creativity and Learning in a Global World" and brought together academics from various countries to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on education, research, and academic cooperation.
Throughout the program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir actively participated in all academic, administrative, and cultural events, and fulfilled his teaching assignment — the primary objective of the mobility — in its entirety.
May 4, 2026 — Institutional Presentations and Cultural Integration
On Monday morning, Dr. Demir attended the official opening program. During the institutional presentations session, he had the opportunity to introduce the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Department of Software Engineering at Karabük University in detail. At the "International Tastes" networking lunch, he served saffron Turkish delight from Safranbolu, sharing a unique piece of our local culinary heritage with academics from around the world. In the afternoon, he attended Portuguese language and culture sessions and later participated in the "Peddy Paper" event to explore the city of Portalegre.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir during the Karabük University institutional presentation
May 5, 2026 — Campus Visits and Historical Excursions
On Tuesday, the group toured the university's incubator for cultural and creative businesses (C.Bip), the School of Education and Social Sciences, the schools of Health, Technology, Management, and Design, as well as the BioBIP bioenergy incubator. During these visits, valuable insights were gained into the institution's infrastructure and ongoing projects. In the afternoon, a cultural excursion was organized to the medieval village of Marvão and the Roman ruins of AMMAIA.
Serving saffron Turkish delight from Safranbolu at the International Tastes lunch
Campus visit at Portalegre Polytechnic University
May 6, 2026 — Teaching Assignment and Museum Visits
On Wednesday, the primary goal of the mobility was fulfilled with the teaching assignment. Dr. Demir delivered a lecture titled "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Functional Brain Connectivity Analysis" to undergraduate students. The session covered the fundamentals of functional brain connectivity and explained how AI techniques can be applied in the analysis and diagnosis of patient data. The session was highly productive, successfully providing students with both a conceptual understanding and practical insights into this interdisciplinary field. In the afternoon, the Museu da Tapeçaria (Tapestry Museum) and the Museu Municipal were visited, and the day concluded with an official dinner held at the Claustros do Convento de Santa Clara.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir during his teaching assignment
With students at Portalegre Polytechnic University
May 7–8, 2026 — Elvas Campus, Campo Maior Visit, and Departure
On Thursday, the group visited the School of Biosciences (Escola Superior de Biociências) in Elvas. Following lunch, they travelled to Campo Maior to explore the Coffee Science Centre and participate in an engaging coffee workshop. On the morning of Friday, May 8, Dr. Demir took the transfer to Lisbon International Airport to begin his journey back home.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir at Portalegre Polytechnic University
Reflecting on his experience, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir stated: "I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a multicultural academic environment where the role of artificial intelligence in higher education was actively discussed. Not only did I gain valuable experience teaching foreign students in my specific field of expertise — AI and brain signal analysis — but I also contributed to the international recognition of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Department of Software Engineering at Karabük University. I am confident that the connections and dialogues established with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds will pave the way for new inter-institutional projects and collaborative partnerships in the near future."
We congratulate Asst. Prof. Dr. Sait Demir for successfully representing our university on the international stage and wish him continued success in his academic endeavors.