10.10.2026 15:32
An important role has been given to Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Rıfat Atun at Harvard, one of the world's most prestigious universities. Cyprus-born Atun was appointed Dean of Education and Innovation at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In his new role, Atun will manage educational strategies and will also lead the integration of artificial intelligence and new technologies into educational programs.
A historic appointment has taken place at Harvard University, one of the world's leading higher education institutions. Cyprus-born Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Rifat Atun has assumed the role of Dean of Education and Innovation at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. With this appointment, Prof. Dr. Atun has earned the title of the first Turkish academic to hold a deanship at Harvard.
HE WILL LEAD HARVARD'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND STRATEGY
Within the scope of his new role, Prof. Dr. Rifat Atun will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's degree-granting graduate programs, as well as its non-degree educational portfolio, including certificates, executive education, and professional development.
Atun will also continue to lead the Advanced Learning Academy, which includes executive education, short courses, micro-credentials, and summer programs. One of the main components of his remit will be reviewing the school's existing educational programs and creating a new multi-year education strategy.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO EDUCATION
According to a statement by Harvard, Atun will pioneer an innovation culture aimed at designing, testing, and scaling new learning models that leverage artificial intelligence and new technologies. At the same time, he will manage processes for developing new strategic collaborations with university-internal and international institutions.
Atun, who completed his medical education at the University of London as a Commonwealth Scholar, earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Imperial College London. Serving as Professor of International Health Management at Imperial College London between 2006 and 2013, Atun also provided consultancy to global organizations such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the G20.
OTHER FIRSTS IN HIS HARVARD CAREER
Prof. Dr. Rifat Atun's first achievement at Harvard is not limited to this appointment. Atun had previously also earned the title of the first full professor in the field of global health systems at Harvard University. Atun, who has more than 500 scientific publications, currently serves as director of the Health Systems Innovation Lab.