Under the Auspices of the Council of Higher Education: Applications Now Open for the Free "Data Analysis School" Training Program

A publicly available and free “Artificial Intelligence School” taught by globally renowned professors from Turkey’s top universities.

There are no prerequisites for applying to the program. Applicants from various disciplines and professional backgrounds can apply until September 7, 2025.

Launched under the auspices of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the Data Analysis School is coordinated by Marmara University Institute of Population and Social Research, with contributions from Turkey’s leading research universities: METU (Middle East Technical University), ITU (Istanbul Technical University), and Boğaziçi University.

Professors from Turkey’s most prestigious universities will provide free and open-access artificial intelligence training to everyone.

The Data Analysis School aims to accelerate the flow of knowledge between academia, the public sector, and the private sector by combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fields of data analysis, statistics, and artificial intelligence—contributing to Turkey’s scientific productivity.

This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the development of qualified human resources and enhance the research ecosystem, thereby laying the groundwork for innovative solutions that will increase Turkey’s global competitiveness.

- Six-Module Training Content -

The Data Analysis School will begin on October 1, 2025, and run until April 24, 2026. The training will be conducted online and will consist of six modules:

• Basic Statistics
  This module will equip participants with statistical literacy, forming the foundation of scientific thinking and research design. Skills in data-driven reasoning, graphical representation, and analytical interpretation will be developed.

• Panel Data Analysis
  Aimed at understanding and applying complex models that involve time and individual effects. Participants will gain the ability to build and interpret panel data models using the R programming language.

• Psychometrics
  Focused on the reliability and validity of psychological and social measurement tools. Applied measurement analysis will be carried out using modern modeling techniques such as Rasch and Item Response Theory (IRT).

• Computational Social Sciences
  This module will teach participants how to structure data-driven social research using techniques such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), network analysis, and spatial analysis. Practical analyses will be conducted using Python.

• Digital Humanities
  Participants will gain quantitative analysis and interpretation skills in fields such as history, literature, philosophy, art history, and linguistics through digital archives, text mining, data visualization, and digital mapping.

• Artificial Intelligence
  Focused on supervised and unsupervised learning models, generative AI tools, and Large Language Models (LLMs), this module will offer AI-assisted analysis applications using social data.

The curriculum has been designed by subject-matter experts and combines theoretical foundations with hands-on analysis, allowing participants to not only gain knowledge but also apply it effectively in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and developing innovative solutions.

- No Prerequisites for Application -

Participation in the program is completely free, and there are no prerequisites for application.

The program is open to participants from various disciplines and professional backgrounds, including:

• Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students

• Academics and independent researchers

• Public sector professionals working with data

• Analysts and specialists in NGOs and the private sector

• Anyone working with data or seeking to develop their skills in this field

• Individuals aiming to apply analytical approaches in decision-making processes

- Application Process and Evaluation -

Applications can be submitted online until September 7, 2025, by filling out the online application form available on the official website and social media accounts of the Marmara University Institute of Population and Social Research.

Official Website and Social Media Accounts of Marmara University Institute of Population and Social Research:

X: @NSA_PSR, Instagram: @nsa_psr, Linkedin: Nüfus ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Enstitüsü (NSA_PSR), Websitesi: https://nsa.marmara.edu.tr/

During the evaluation process, candidates’ academic qualifications, grade point averages (GPAs), English reading comprehension levels, and the statement of motivation included in the application form will be taken into consideration.
Application results will be announced on September 15, 2025.