Author: ela.tuncer

As part of the project activities, another valuable event was organized to enhance the connection between academia and local authorities while promoting sustainability awareness. In this context, representatives from Kartal Municipality participated in the course as guest speakers and shared their experiences on environmental management and sustainable urban practices. During the sessions, participants were informed about the municipality’s ongoing efforts toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment, including waste management strategies, recycling initiatives, green urban planning and community awareness projects. Discussions also highlighted the importance of individual and collective responsibility in protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact. Students gained practical insights into how local governments contribute to environmental sustainability and the green transition through policy implementation and public engagement. The role of municipalities in fostering environmentally conscious communities was emphasized as a key component of sustainable development. Such collaborations with public institutions are planned to continue in line with the project’s objectives, supporting students in understanding real-world sustainability challenges and solutions. We would like to thank Kartal Municipality and all participating representatives for their valuable contributions and for sharing their knowledge and experiences with our students.

As part of the project activities, another important event has been carried out to strengthen academia–industry collaboration. In this context, FİGES participated in the course as a guest company. During the sessions delivered by Dr. Sebahattin Babür, the implementation and importance of Digital Twin applications in modern manufacturing were comprehensively discussed. Participants were provided with both theoretical insights and practical perspectives on how digital twin technologies contribute to the green transition and sustainability goals of the industry. The integration of digitalization with environmental efficiency was a key focus, offering students a deep dive into current industrial trends. Such industry-integrated activities are planned to continue in line with the project’s objectives. We would like to thank the entire FİGES family, especially Dr. Sebahattin Babür, for their valuable contributions and for sharing their expertise with our students.

As part of the project activities, another important event has been carried out to strengthen academia–industry knowledge. In this context, our students first visited our manufacturing workshop where they had the opportunity to observe production processes on-site. This was followed by a hands-on additive manufacturing workshop. During the sessions, participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of additive manufacturing technologies, their current application areas and their role in modern production processes, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable manufacturing approaches and the integration of digitalization into production systems. In the practical phase of the workshop, students produced their own additive manufacturing parts, gaining their first hands-on production experience. This enabled them to directly observe the relationship between material selection, manufacturing methods and part performance, from design to final product. This practice-oriented training not only allowed students to transform their theoretical knowledge into practical skills but also enhanced their awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies. In line with the project objectives, similar hands-on and industry-integrated activities are planned to continue in the upcoming phases.

As part of the project activities, another important event has been carried out to strengthen academia–industry collaboration. In this context, Infotron participated in the course as a guest company. During the sessions delivered by Infotron experts, recent advancements in advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial applications, and their integration with green transition processes were comprehensively discussed. Participants were provided with both theoretical insights and practical perspectives on the implementation of sustainable manufacturing approaches in industry. Current trends at the intersection of digitalization and environmental sustainability were also highlighted. In addition, sample components produced by Infotron were presented to the students, allowing for hands-on examination. Students had the opportunity to closely analyze parts manufactured using different production techniques and gained valuable insights into the relationship between material, manufacturing methods, and performance. Such industry-integrated activities are planned to continue in the upcoming phases of the project, in line with its objectives. We would like to thank the entire Infotron family, especially Serhan Akın and Hazal Erdinç Canbay.

Members of Todor Kableshkov University of Transport and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Miglena Slavova and Dr. Iliyan Slavov, visited our university between 23–27 February within the scope of the Erasmus+ Teaching Mobility program.

During their visit, they were guest lecturers in the Project Management and Engineering Ethics course conducted by Dr. Doruk Gürkan (Department of Mechanical Engineering). The academics delivered lectures on hydrogen fuel cells to Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering students, sharing current developments in sustainable energy systems.

This visit contributed to the internationalization efforts of our university and provided valuable academic experience for our students. Our students, who gained important insights into project management, expressed their satisfaction with the event. We also extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated staff of our Erasmus Office for their valuable support.

Erasmus+ Jean Monnet project “Green Transition and Sustainability – GRAST” has held its opening lecture, officially marking the start of the project. The project brings together sustainable energy systems, advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics and environmental sciences through an interdisciplinary approach, in line with European Union’s 2050 carbon neutrality target and European Green Deal. Within the framework of addressing both green and digital transitions, the project will provide comprehensive knowledge on European Union’s sustainability and green transition policies to both students and practitioners. Aiming to strengthen interaction among academia, industry and policymakers, the project will offer flexible learning opportunities through courses delivered in the fall, spring and summer semesters, thereby contributing to international cooperation in the field of green sustainability in Türkiye.

Project Team: Doruk Gürkan, Fahriye Enda Tolon, Egemen Sulukan, Hüseyin Kaygısız, Özgür Yurtsever

The kick-off meeting organized within the scope of the Jean Monnet Actions, supported by the European Union, was held online on 11 December 2025.

The meeting took place via the Jean Monnet Community – Microsoft Teams platform and began with informative presentations by officials from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). During the meeting, topics such as the implementation processes of Jean Monnet projects, reporting obligations, visibility rules and examples of good practices were discussed.

On behalf of our university, Dr. Doruk Gürkan, a faculty member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, participated in the meeting within the scope of the Jean Monnet Module Project titled “GRAST (Green Transition and Sustainability)”, for which he serves as the project coordinator.

The GRAST project aims to enhance awareness and develop academic capacity by addressing the European Union’s Green Deal, green transition and sustainability policies through an interdisciplinary approach.

Dear Istanbul Gedik University Members,

Great news for our academic and administrative staff, as well as students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of European Union (EU) legislation and take advantage of international education opportunities! The application process for the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year started on September 5, 2024.

This scholarship program offers a significant opportunity for individuals aiming to specialize in EU matters through master’s or research programs in EU countries. The program is designed to cover approximately 190 individuals, with the following allocation:

• Public Sector: 50%
• Universities: 30%
• Private Sector: 20%

Comprehensive information about the application process and details can be found on the websites of the European Union Presidency (www.ab.gov.tr) and the Jean Monnet Scholarship Program (www.jeanmonnet.org.tr). The deadline for applications is November 5, 2024.

We wish you success!
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND ERASMUS COORDINATORSHIP

The kick-off meeting of “Green Transition and Sustainability (GRAST)” project, coordinated by Istanbul Gedik University, was successfully held and introduced at our university. Implemented within the scope of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module, the project aims to provide interdisciplinary education and to establish a research infrastructure focusing on sustainability, green transition, and European Union policies. Within this framework, the university elective course to be offered will be available for student selection starting from the spring semester.

During the meeting, the project scope, objectives, work packages, timeline, and the responsibilities of the partners were discussed. In addition, views were exchanged on the educational activities to be carried out throughout the project, stakeholder engagement, dissemination, and visibility activities. The kick-off meeting contributed to establishing a strong coordination framework among academic and administrative staff as well as students, and marked an important initial step towards the successful implementation of the GRAST project.

Project Team: Doruk Gürkan, Fahriye Enda Tolon, Egemen Sulukan, Hüseyin Kaygısız, Özgür Yurtsever

Our university has been awarded support European Commission for a teaching modüle project under Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module, focusing on European Union studies!

Our academic team, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Doruk Gürkan, Prof. Dr. Egemen Sulukan, Asst. Prof. Dr. Fahriye Enda Tolon, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgür Yurtsever, and Lecturer Hüseyin Kaygısız, has achieved a high evaluation score with the project titled “Green Transition and Sustainability” (GRAST).

Through this project:

• Comprehensive courses will be offered on key European Union policies and integration topics, such as green transition, advanced manufacturing methods, biomass, robotics, and more.
• Knowledge and awareness of the EU among our students and young professionals will be enhanced.
• A strong bridge will be established between the academic community and policymakers.

This achievement represents an important step for both our university and our country in the field of European studies.

We also extend our gratitude to the representatives of our Erasmus Office for their invaluable support throughout the project process.

Further details and updates about the project will be shared soon!