European Funding for Our University Students’ ‘Digital Participation Laboratory’ Project

At our university, the project titled “Digital Participation Lab: Experience, Follow Up, Improve,” which aims to strengthen young people’s digital participation, has been awarded a grant under the European Solidarity Corps 2026 Solidarity Projects (ESC30) program.

Selected from Among 665 Projects

Having met the eligibility criteria, the project was selected for funding from among 665 projects and made it into the top 44. The project is mentored by Dr. Kandemir Atçeken, a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at our university, and led by Buse Nur Bircan, a Ph.D. student in Political Science. The project team includes Public Administration undergraduate students Tuğçe Doğru, Muhammet Emin İgüs, Muhammet Köse, Zerrin Azra Özer, Mert Peşmen, Mahir Üzgeç, and Emine Yılmaz.

Observations and Recommendations on Urban Life Will Be Shared

Over the course of this eight-month project, the goal is for young people to directly experience digital participation mechanisms in Mersin, share their observations and recommendations regarding urban life with relevant institutions, and follow up on feedback processes.

At the end of the project, plans include the preparation of a Digital Participation Map, a Digital Participation Guide, and an evaluation report highlighting the young people’s experiences. The goal is to develop the young people’s active citizenship skills and strengthen communication between institutions and young people.

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