The History and Mission of Uskudar University
Uskudar University, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a distinguished institution known for its emphasis on behavioral sciences and health. The university was officially established in 2011 by the Human Values and Mental Health Foundation (İDER), but its roots trace back to the NP Group’s psychiatric hospital founded in 1998. This connection underscores Uskudar University’s strong focus on mental health and neurological sciences.
The inception of Uskudar University was driven by a mission to provide education that integrates science with human values. The founder, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, envisioned an institution where modern scientific approaches would be harmonized with ethical considerations to address complex issues related to mental health and society at large. This vision reflects in the university’s motto: “A Different World University,” which signifies its commitment to creating an academic environment that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters critical thinking and innovation.
Since its establishment, uskudar university has grown rapidly both in terms of infrastructure and academic offerings. It boasts multiple faculties including Medicine, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Communication Sciences, Health Sciences as well as a Vocational School of Health Services. These faculties offer diverse programs aimed at equipping students with comprehensive skills necessary for their professional careers while instilling a deep understanding of ethical practices.
One unique aspect of Uskudar University is its dedication to interdisciplinary research particularly focused on brain studies and behavioral sciences. The university houses advanced research centers such as the Neuropsychopharmacology Application & Research Center (NPFUAM) which conducts pioneering research contributing significantly to neuropsychiatric fields globally. In addition, collaborations with international institutions enhance their research capabilities further promoting innovative discoveries.
Moreover, Uskudar University’s mission extends beyond academics into societal contributions through various community engagement initiatives aimed at improving public mental health literacy across Turkey. By organizing seminars workshops conferences they actively involve themselves raising awareness about crucial topics like substance abuse stress management neuroscience among others thereby fulfilling their role as a socially responsible educational entity.



