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17.2.1 Relationships to support the goals
Ege University has a leading role not only in education and research but also in sustainability and environmentally friendly approaches. In this context, a comprehensive sustainability policy has been established in parallel with the SDGs. The sustainability vision of Ege University, as outlined in these plans and policies, is implemented in cooperation with national and international institutions, local and national governments, and communities.
Ege University, with its strong academic staff, carries out many collaborations with regional NGOs and the government for SDG policies. Over 170 academics from Ege University serve on the commissions and boards of more than 250 governments and national and international NGOs, assuming strategic roles in developing policies and strategies, modeling possible futures, monitoring, and reporting interventions.
Ege University has been providing GreenMetric data since 2014 and has been the National Coordinator and the Steering Comitee of the GreenMetric since 2024.
GreenMetric, an open platform for participation by prestigious universities worldwide, evaluates universities across various areas, including energy and climate change, water resources management, transportation, and education. Led by GreenMetric, the rankings are conducted annually, ranking universities based on their environmentally friendly practices.In this context, Ege, whose remarkable achievements in the GreenMetric rankings over the past decade have been both raising environmental awareness and building sustainable campuses, has been appointed as a coordinator by the University of Indonesia (UI), GreenMetric's executive, in 2024, in partnership with BEUN. This means the two universities will jointly serve as GreenMetric Türkiye National Coordinators. This prestigious role is determined annually as part of the GreenMetric platform, which aims to raise global awareness of universities' environmental awareness.
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), a global knowledge and solutions network supported by the United Nations, is an organization established to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement through science-based solutions by mobilizing universities, research institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector worldwide. Ege University has been a member of the network since 2014 and supports its work, particularly in its efforts to create systematic change in the field of sustainable development by fostering a "science + policy + practice" alliance. Click for networks and members map.
Ege University is a member of ECHE Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe
The European Energy Research Association, of which our university is a member, is the largest energy research community in Europe. The membership-based, not-for-profit association brings together 250 universities and public research centers in 30 countries. EERA's joint research programs cover all low-carb on technologies and systemic and collaborative issues.
Ege University is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the world's largest collaboration network, serving SMEs, large companies, and researchers who want to establish international collaborations, with more than 600 member institutions and more than 3000 expert employees in more than 60 countries.
Ege University is a member of the European University Association (EUA)
The European Energy Research Association, of which Ege University is a member, is the largest energy research community in Europe. The membership-based, not-for-profit association brings together 250 universities and public research centers in 30 countries. EERA's joint research programs cover all low-carbon technologies and systemic and collaborative issues.
Ege University is a member of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) A general framework agreement for collaboration between the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) and Ege University was signed by Mr Stefano DOMINIONI, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and Director of the IEIC, and the university's representatives.
Ege University is a member of the Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN)
Ege University is a member of the Turkic Universities Unıon (TÜRKÜNİB). Orhun Program is a student and faculty mobility program carried out among TÜRÜNİB member universities.
Ege University is a member of the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE)
Ege University is a member of the Association of Universities for Textiles (AUTEX)
Collaboration of Ege University and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye
Ege University senior management and academics are members of the “Izmir Bay Scientific Committee”, which has been established and coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. As a research institution supporting data-based decision making, Ege University takes part in the scientific committee to identify the problems and challenges of Izmir Bay (Northern Aegean, Türkiye), develop evidence-based policies and strategies, model possible future scenarios with and without intervention, monitor and report the results of implemented actions, and also develop applicable scientific solutions for the ecological restoration and water quality improvement of the bay. This mission is considered a strategic step in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); in particular, SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 - Climate Action, and SDG 14 - Life Below Water are being carried out through inter-institutional collaboration coordinated by the Ministry within the scope of the rehabilitation of Izmir Bay, protecting marine ecosystems, reducing the pollution burden, and strengthening the sustainable blue economy approach. In this context, a meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Ms. Fatma Varank, saw significant participation from Ege University, showcasing its scientific expertise and solution-oriented approaches. The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ersan, Vice-Rector of Ege University, along with academics from the Faculty of Fisheries and Faculty of Science, specializing in environmental sciences, marine ecology, wastewater treatment technologies, and sustainability.
Scientific Committee’s 15-Point Action Plan for Izmir Bay announced by Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak
The Izmir Bay Scientific Committee has developed a 15-point urgent and short-term action plan to address the increasing environmental challenges in the Gulf of Izmir. The plan, prepared after on-site assessments of wastewater treatment plants and connected stream systems by the Scientific Committee members, was announced on behalf of the Committee by Ege University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak. The declaration took place following the “Breath Mobilization” meeting held on October 7, 2024, chaired by Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Fatma Varank.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQdLEgZnC1o
Ege University is continuing to increase cooperation between NGOs and universities with the " CoCreAid Kit 4.0 " project
Within the scope of The CoCreAid Kit 4.0 project, a digital platform will be created for co-creation projects between higher education institutions (HEIs) and non-governmental organizations. The CoCreAid Kit 4.0 project will have a direct impact on social engagement by fostering collaboration between NGOs and HEIs. This will address social challenges and the needs of citizens while providing inclusion. Partners of the project
The project meeting: Representatives from NGOs;
- Aegean Management Consultants Association (EGEYDD),
- Biodesign Research Association,
- Izmir Industrialists and Businessmen Association (İZSİAD),
- EGEKOBİDER,
- Izmir Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen,
- Aegean Automotive Association (EGOD),
- Aegean Young Businessmen Association (EGİAD),
- Izmir Businesswomen Association (İZİKAD),
as well as many university representatives attended the project meeting.
As part of the project, separate User Guides were published for Higher Education Institutions, NGOs, and Citizens prepared by Ege University academics.
A collaborative initiative developed by Ege University together with various partner institutions
The signing ceremony for the project, titled “Artificial Intelligence and UAV-Supported Autonomous Plant Health Detection and Precision Spraying,” developed in collaboration with Ege University and several partner institutions, was held under the 2023 call of The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) TEYDEB-1711 Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Program.
The ceremony on January 15, 2024, was attended by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Ege University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak, along with rectors from other universities, company representatives, and researchers whose projects were selected for funding.
Ege University-NGO strategic collaboration on Climate Change Adaptation
Ege University-NGO strategic collaboration on Climate Change adaptation: Ege University-Society for Urban Ecology (SURE) partnership: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Urban Coastal Districts in Izmir
The project was implemented in partnership with the Society for Urban Ecology (SURE), an Austria-based non-governmental organization, under the coordination of the Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture. The opening meeting of the project, supported by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey within the scope of the “IPA II – Climate Change Adaptation Grant Programme”, was launched on January 22, 2024, at Ege University.
The meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Bektaş, Deputy Head of the Climate Change Presidency of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change; Society for Urban Ecology representative Prof. Dr. Cristian Ioja, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture Department of Landscape Architecture faculty member Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Coşkun Hepcan, and European Union (EU) Türkiye Delegation Representative Özge Gökçe Aktaş attended the event.
This transnational project enhances regional adaptive capacity to climate change by combining scientific assessment and community engagement. It supports climate resilience through sectoral vulnerability analysis and nature-based adaptation planning. The consortium includes academic and civil society partners from Türkiye and Romania, and the Austria-based NGO SURE. Focusing on the coastal districts of İzmir, the project evaluates exposure to key climate hazards—heatwaves, urban flooding, and storm surge-induced coastal flooding. It identifies vulnerability hotspots and co-develops nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure and ecosystem-based adaptation. In addition, nature-based adaptation strategies are being developed to reduce disaster risks while increasing public awareness and stakeholder engagement. The project, along with capacity-building initiatives on climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions for stakeholders, including local authorities, universities, NGOs, municipalities, and communities, also delivers training and awareness programs for all. Results will contribute to EU Green Deal priorities and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The project was completed in June 2025.
https://iklim.gov.tr/kiyi-ilcelerimizi-iklim-degisikligine-direncli-hale-getiriyoruz-haber-4209
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2fEVQxoNzv/
Ege University (EU) held on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development: Tackling Challenges, Exploring Solutions Joint Seminars: – Coolbration with the EU, SDEWES and IPCC-Working Group III
Hosted by Ege University and coordinated by the EU Sustainability Office, the Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Seminars was held on 28 May 2024 in collaboration with the International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and TÜBİTAK – The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye.
Ege University had the honor of hosting Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şiir Kılkış, Vice-Chair of Working Group III of the IPCC, and Prof. Dr. Neven Duić, President of the SDEWES Centre, along with distinguished academics and experts.
This thought-provoking and insightful event brought together academics, professionals, and students from diverse disciplines, forming a platform to explore the critical role of universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing climate action and renewable energy. The program was part of the EU – SDEWES – IPCC Joint Seminar Series.
In their keynote speeches, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şiir Kılkış (IPCC), Prof. Dr. Neven Duić (SDEWES), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Göknur Şişman Aydın – The Sustainability Coordinator of Ege University – and Dr. Hasan Sarptaş from the EU Solar Energy Institute highlighted the collective journey towards sustainability and underscored the vital roles of climate action, renewable energy, and higher education institutions in this process.
Throughout the seminars, experts and academics from various institutions, as well as passionate students, engaged in stimulating discussions covering a wide range of topics – from the importance of clean energy in achieving the SDGs to inter-university collaboration models. The sessions also addressed advocacy and effective communication strategies, emphasizing their importance in advancing sustainability and strengthening universities' roles in global climate action.
Beyond identifying key challenges, the event also illuminated promising pathways toward a more sustainable future. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, the seminars deepened participants' understanding of the complex interconnections among climate change, the clean energy transition, and the broader sustainable development agenda.
Ege academics continue to share their knowledge and experience with the public through non-governmental organizations..
At the regular congress of the Turkish Lung Cancer Association (TAKD), academics from Ege University were appointed to key roles. The Turkish Lung Cancer Association continues its work as a specialist association that brings together medical doctors working in the field of lung cancer and other thoracic tumors, who are undergoing specialist training in these fields, as well as medical doctors specializing in other related specialties. The association creates a platform for relevant specialties to work together to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer, which is increasingly prevalent both in our country and globally, particularly in diagnosis and treatment, similar to current practice. The association's goal is not only to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to the national problem of lung cancer and other thoracic tumors, but also to ensure the dissemination of this approach nationwide and to engage in all kinds of educational and research activities on the subject.
https://ege.edu.tr/a-2760/ege_universitesi_fen_fakultesi_60__donem_mezunlarini_ugurladi.html
