The symposiums organized last year by the Hacettepe University Social Responsibility Research and Application Center (HÜSSAM) play an important role in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The field experiences of experts and civil society organizations revealed at the symposiums “Social Responsibility Studies and Crises in Health” held on May 21, 2024, and “Hearing Health for All” held on March 3, 2025, with the aim of increasing the social contribution of universities, will reach a wide audience through the book prepared. The book Social Responsibility Studies Through the Examples of Health Crises and Hearing Health, which emphasizes the interdisciplinary perspective of social responsibility studies within an ethical framework, has been published as an open-access e-book by Hacettepe University Press.
Social responsibility initiatives are approached with an interdisciplinary approach
Social Responsibility Initiatives with Examples of Health Crises and Hearing Health emerged as a result of activities shaped by HÜSSAM's approach that social responsibility initiatives should be approached with an interdisciplinary approach and their content should be enriched. The book approaches health crises and hearing health from medical, ethical, social, cultural, and managerial perspectives and aims to raise awareness and a sense of responsibility among individuals.
Not just a volunteer activity, but an academic field of study
Prepared under the editorship of Semra Şahin, Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şengül İnce, Faculty Member at the Faculty of Communication, Social Responsibility Studies with Examples of Health Crises and Hearing Health takes a comprehensive look at the topics of health crises and hearing health. The studies included in the book emphasize that social responsibility studies are not merely volunteer activities; they are an academic field of study that must be conducted in accordance with ethical principles, in a sustainable manner, and in coordination with public mechanisms.
Prepared with contributions from valuable participants from different disciplines and institutions, the book highlights current issues in health crises and hearing health. Reviews of the book note that it paves the way for solutions and collaborations to address these issues.
Structure and Contributions
The book is organized into three main sections:
Section 1: Emergencies in Health and Case Studies: This section discusses historical and contemporary global health crises and the social responsibility activities conducted during these periods, including Hacettepe University’s recent experiences.
Section 2: Perspectives from Communication and Health Sciences: While focusing on hearing health, this section also evaluates the role of communication and ethical principles in social responsibility during health crises.
Section 3: Vulnerable Groups in Health and Their Needs: This section addresses the specific needs of groups such as women during disasters, the cognitive requirements of older adults, individuals with special needs, and the CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) community.
The book project has many stakeholders
The book Social Responsibility Studies with Examples of Health Crises and Hearing Health was produced with the participation of many stakeholders. Prepared with the support of the Rectorate of Hacettepe University, the study benefited from the contributions of expert academics as well as civil society organizations such as the Engelsiz Hacettepe Community, the Association of Child Development and Educators, and the Turkish Confederation of the Deaf.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şengül İnce, one of the book's editors, made the following assessment about the work:
“The book is of strategic importance not only in identifying current problems but also in providing structural solutions for policymakers and health professionals. At the same time, this book is expected to guide experts and researchers in the context of social responsibility.”
