Approximately 250 researchers gathered at a workshop organized by Yıldız Technical University for the TUB BAP Collaboration Projects, which were launched under the umbrella of the Union of Technical Universities (TUB). During sessions held across 12 thematic areas, the first steps were taken toward establishing new collaborations for the development of joint R&D projects.

The Union of Technical Universities (TUB) BAP Collaboration Projects Workshop was organized by Yıldız Technical University. At the workshop, held online on June 29, approximately 250 researchers from TUB member technical universities came together with the goal of conducting joint research and developing projects.

Presentations by 35 researchers under 12 thematic headings 

Organized by the YTÜ Scientific Research Projects (BAP) Coordination Office, the workshop consisted of opening remarks, concurrent thematic sessions, and a closing evaluation session. Throughout the event, 35 researchers presented their work, and activities were conducted under 12 thematic headings. Each session was moderated by two experts in their respective fields.

The foundation for joint projects and consortia was laid

The workshop contributed to the development of interdisciplinary collaborations by bringing together researchers from technical universities on a single platform. Throughout the event, researchers had the opportunity to showcase their areas of expertise, laboratories, and research infrastructure; numerous bilateral meetings and multi-stakeholder project evaluations were held. Participants expanded their professional networks, and the first steps toward forming joint consortia were taken.

Concrete project proposals were developed during some sessions

During the closing session, recommendations were reported on how to make the event more efficient and sustainable, based on the moderators’ assessments. In particular, during the sessions titled “Sustainable Smart Transportation” and “Climate Change, Environment, and Biodiversity,” priority joint project topics were identified, and joint proposals were developed at the preliminary project note level.

The workshop addressed 12 thematic topics

The workshop emerged as an important platform for increasing joint scientific output within the Union of Technical Universities, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, and supporting the formation of larger research consortia on a national scale.

The thematic topics addressed during the workshop were as follows:

Green Growth and the Circular Economy
Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and Smart Systems
Disaster and Resilience Research
Energy Systems and Efficiency
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies
Biotechnology and Health Technologies
Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity
Sustainable Smart Transportation
Architecture, Design, and Spatial Innovative Solutions
Humanities and Social Sciences
Water, Food, and Ecosystem Sustainability
Space, Aviation, and Defense Technologies

YTÜ is currently serving as the chair of TUB

The Union of Technical Universities (TUB) was established under the leadership of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to strengthen cooperation among technical universities in Turkey in the fields of education, research, innovation, and R&D. The Union consists of Istanbul Technical University, Eskişehir Technical University, Gebze Technical University, Karadeniz Technical University, Middle East Technical University, Bursa Technical University, Erzurum Technical University, İzmir Institute of Technology, Konya Technical University, Yıldız Technical University, and İskenderun Technical University.

The Alliance aims to foster a culture of joint research among technical universities, increase interdisciplinary and inter-university project collaborations, strengthen the interaction between industry and academia, and contribute to Turkey’s scientific and technological production capacity.

Within the framework of the Union, the establishment of joint research centers, the development of joint courses and educational programs, the expansion of national and international R&D projects, the support of knowledge and experience sharing among researchers, the formation of joint consortia, and the more efficient use of the academic, technical, and infrastructure resources available at the universities.

Yıldız Technical University is currently serving as the chair of the Union of Technical Universities for the new term.