Turkish Scientist Rıfat Atun Becomes Dean at Harvard University

Cyprus-born Turkish academic Prof. Dr. Rıfat Atun, renowned for his work in global health systems, has been appointed as the Dean for Education and Innovation at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, becoming the first Turkish academic to hold this position in Harvard's history.

Historic Appointment at Harvard University

Turkish academic Prof. Dr. Rıfat Atun has been given an important administrative role at Harvard University, making history as the first Turkish academic to be appointed to a deanship position at Harvard.

New Role and Area of Responsibility

Prof. Dr. Rıfat Atun has begun his work as the Dean for Education and Innovation within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and will direct the development of the university's educational programs and the integration of new technologies into educational processes.

Appointment Process and Schedule

The appointment decision was announced to the public by Harvard University on July 1, 2026, and the successful scientist officially started his new role on August 1, 2026.

International Scientific Studies

Internationally recognized for his successful work in the field of global health systems, Prof. Dr. Rıfat Atun also serves as a member of the International Scientific Advisory Board of the Health Institutes of Turkey.