Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Science Communication Office hosted a highly engaging event at the “OMU House of Science, Art and Culture” to introduce its AI-powered smart transportation solutions to the public. Titled “The Era of AI in Traffic: Special Crossing Times for the Disabled, Elderly, and Children! The Green Light Recognizes You—But How?”, the event featured OMU Faculty of Engineering Department of Civil Engineering faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Metin Mutlu Aydın, who presented, demonstrated, and answered audience questions. The event held at the downtown OMU House of Science, Art and Culture attracted significant public attention.
The session was moderated by the OMU Science Communication Office Academic Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur and attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz. Deputy General Manager of SAMULAŞ, Hande Yenice, was also among the attendees.
Coordinated by the Higher Education Council (YÖK) Science Communication Office, the “Science Café” was held simultaneously on 27–28 June in all 81 provinces and at over 150 universities across Türkiye. With its extensive reach and high participation, it stands as the largest Science Café event in the world.
As part of the Samsun leg of this massive initiative, OMU’s Science Café focused on the role of artificial intelligence in the sustainability of smart cities. The spotlight was on the “Development of a Tracking-Based Intelligent Pedestrian Crossing Signal System” project, created by OMU faculty and students.
Using radar sensors to detect pedestrian presence in real-time, the system can identify elderly and disabled pedestrians and adjust crossing times accordingly. This homegrown technology enhances pedestrian safety while also enabling more environmentally friendly and seamless traffic management. The project has already received the AUS Türkiye Academic R&D Award and is currently in the testing phase at several locations in Samsun. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that the R&D phase is ongoing and the system will soon begin contributing to daily urban life.
In response to a question, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that Samsun certainly ranks among Türkiye’s top five cities in terms of smart urban infrastructure. He highlighted that 78 intersections are currently monitored via camera systems and that smart technologies are enabling quicker response times to incidents. He added that in the near future, systems currently used only in tunnels to detect accidents and unusual events will become common on regular roadways.
He also humorously noted, “As a civil and transportation engineer who dislikes paving stones, I prefer asphalt sidewalks,” emphasizing that this is especially important for parents with strollers and individuals with disabilities. He mentioned that some municipalities are already working in this direction and that OMU is collaborating with them.
The event drew participants of all ages and professional backgrounds. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın answered questions on sustainability, cybersecurity, potential misuse, and technical issues with sincere engagement. Attendees expressed particular appreciation for the university and YÖK for organizing such a meaningful event in a central location.
Teacher Ümmühan Kasimi said,
"It was a truly productive event. We loved the venue. The topic selection and the expertise of the speakers were excellent. Everything was explained in a clear and friendly manner. We would love to collaborate further. We hope this knowledge will be brought to our schools and shared with our students."
Mechanical engineer Kürşat Aydemir emphasized the importance of Science Cafés, saying,
"They greatly facilitate direct communication between scientists and the public and help identify the root causes of societal problems. Everyone should attend these events—only then can we make meaningful progress from the ground up."
Filiz Kavakçı, Mukhtar of Ulugazi Neighborhood and a key supporter of the event, expressed her satisfaction:
"We were delighted that the Science Café event was held in one of our neighborhood’s most cherished venues. Our professors conveyed the topics in an easily understandable way. It was a highly beneficial gathering. We hope to see more of these events."
Tamer Demirci, a local confectioner who attended with friends, shared:
"We were really impressed by both the venue and the content. We would love to see our university organize similar events in high schools as well. It would be very valuable for our children to benefit from this kind of knowledge."
Real-time updates and content sharing were conducted via social media throughout the event. TRT News will air the Science Café sessions as a weekly TV program, featuring a different university each week. OMU’s session on AI-powered smart transportation solutions will be among those broadcast.
The event aims to raise awareness on sustainable urban transport, social inclusion, and digital transformation.
Ondokuz Mayıs University’s Science Communication Office was inaugurated on 12 May 2025 by YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, and Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın. The first Science Café event held after the official opening featured a scientific project writing workshop for students of OMU Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.
The Office’s first off-campus event took place on 30 May 2025 in Kurtahmetli Village, Çarşamba, bringing together scientists and local farmers to address the pressing issue of the brown marmorated stink bug. The aim was to transfer scientific knowledge directly to the field and foster collaborative, solution-oriented approaches.
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