The fourth meeting of the Union of Technical Universities, which brings together Turkey’s 12 leading technical universities, was hosted by Erzurum Technical University. Chaired by YTÜ Rector and TÜB Chair Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, the meeting addressed the 2026 BAP processes, the shared use of research infrastructure, and digital integration among universities.   

The fourth meeting of the Union of Technical Universities (TÜB), established on February 5, 2025, to strengthen scientific collaboration among higher education institutions and enhance national research capacity, was held at Erzurum Technical University. The meeting, which focused on developing academic collaborations between universities, integrating R&D processes, and more efficiently utilizing existing laboratory infrastructure, brought together the rectors and administrators of Turkey’s leading technical universities.  

Technical university administrations gathered in Erzurum 

The meeting, which addressed strategic topics aimed at contributing to national technology and science policies, was chaired by Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, Rector of Yıldız Technical University and current TÜB Chair.   

Hosted by Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Rector of Erzurum Technical University, the meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar, Rector of Bursa Technical University; Prof. Dr. Adnan Özcan, Rector of Eskişehir Technical University; Rector of Gebze Technical University Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, Rector of İskenderun Technical University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Duruel, Rector of Istanbul Technical University Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Rector of İzmir Institute of Technology Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran, Rector of Karadeniz Technical University Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, Rector of Konya Technical University Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik, Rector of Sivas Science and Technology University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kul, and Acting Rector of Middle East Technical University Prof. Dr. Ender Ciğeroğlu attended.    

2026 BAP processes and digital integration 

During the meeting, while the current status of education and research activities conducted within TÜB was evaluated, the 2026 project planning under the Scientific Research Projects (BAP), processes aimed at making the research infrastructures of member universities available for shared use, and the current status of the TÜB Code Network Alliance Project within the scope of digitalization efforts were discussed.  

A Strategic Collaboration Model in Higher Education

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, YTÜ Rector and TÜB Chair Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik noted that the Union of Technical Universities has quickly become an important platform in terms of institutional collaboration in higher education, a culture of joint research, and a technology-focused development vision. Highlighting that TÜB serves as a strategic framework that strengthens the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure, and human resources among research universities, Eyüp Debik emphasized that the collective action of technical universities is of critical importance for Turkey’s scientific production capacity.

Collaboration on a shared calendar and infrastructure 

Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, Rector of YTÜ, who also delivered a detailed presentation at the meeting, highlighted the alliance’s future goals and strategic vision. Stressing the importance of transitioning to a common academic calendar for graduate education to ensure coordination in educational activities, Debik noted that a centralized “TÜB Digital Platform” would be established to reduce bureaucracy. He also stated that the goal is to elevate academic interaction to the highest level through a series of joint conferences organized in 12 different thematic areas to be determined by member universities.

Sharing steps to accelerate integration in research and development processes, Debik stated that multidisciplinary strategic projects, to be established with the participation of at least three universities under the 2026 BAP Collaboration Projects, will be supported. Emphasizing that concrete outcomes such as high-impact international publications and new prototypes are expected from these projects, Debik noted that the equipment and laboratory capacities of the universities will be made available to all members through a shared web portal.

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Debik also addressed digitalization and the entrepreneurship ecosystem, stating that the “Code Network Alliance” project would centralize software and code sharing in a common pool and develop joint procurement mechanisms to reduce costs.

During the presentation, which also discussed alternative names such as "TUB Global" in line with the Alliance’s internationalization vision, as well as the Joint Accelerator and Entrepreneurship Program, requests regarding new memberships to the Alliance were evaluated.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on how the strategic decisions taken would further deepen inter-university cooperation, along with expressions of goodwill.

About the Union of Technical Universities (TÜB)

The Union of Technical Universities (TÜB) was established on February 5, 2025, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Higher Education Council, with the aim of strengthening scientific collaboration among higher education institutions and enhancing Turkey’s research capacity. Initially formed with the participation of 11 technical universities, the association reached a 12-member structure by the end of 2025 with the inclusion of Sivas Science and Technology University.

TÜB aims to increase the sharing of academic knowledge among technical universities, encourage the joint use of research infrastructure, support interdisciplinary project development, and further advance Turkey’s scientific production capacity.

Within the alliance, activities are carried out regarding joint research projects, Scientific Research Projects (BAP) processes, R&D collaborations, the sharing of laboratory infrastructure, digital transformation applications, and the development of qualified human resources.

With its strong academic expertise and engineering experience, the Union of Technical Universities positions itself as a strategic collaboration platform contributing to Turkey’s vision for science, technology, and high-value-added production.