As part of the 60th National Library Week, celebrated under the theme of sustainability and advocacy, the ITU Mustafa İnan Library organized a Wikimarathon (Edit-a-thon) on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Computer Laboratory No. 1, Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ITU Ayazağa Campus, Maslak, Istanbul.

The event aimed to enrich Wikipedia entries related to libraries, librarians, and librarianship. During the session, participants received training on how Wikipedia operates, its fundamental editing rules, and the process of creating and improving entries. The practical component of the event allowed attendees to create and edit Wikipedia entries, thereby increasing the visibility of professional terminology, libraries, and professional associations.

Link: http://kutuphane.mozaik-test.itu.edu.tr/duyurular/2024/03/19/kütüphane-vikimaratonu

Events hosted by ITUGINOVA

ITU GINOVA is an innovative hub at Istanbul Technical University that focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups in the technology sector. By providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ITU GINOVA aims to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that drives technological advancement and economic growth. Insupport of SDG 4.3.2 – Public Events for Lifelong Learning, ITU GINOVA, Istanbul Technical University’s innovation and entrepreneurship center, delivers free educational programs open to both ITU students and the wider public. In 2024, ITU GINOVA, the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship center, organized several free and open educational events to promote entrepreneurial thinking and technological literacy among students and the wider public

GINOVA launched the Jump Start: Quick Start to Entrepreneurship Certificate Program for the 2024-2025 Fall semester on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The program began with the lecture "Introduction to Entrepreneurship" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adnan Veysel Ertemel and provided participants with practical skills to test business ideas, design experiments, develop business models, and prepare for investor presentations.

Participants engaged in advanced topics such as Design Thinking and Technology Commercialization & Licensing Strategies, and gained hands-on experience through the Experiment Design workshop to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). The program concluded with project presentations to a jury and preparation for Demo Day through the Preparing the Venture for Investment workshop. Asynchronous modules guided by Koray İnan, GINOVA Advisory Board member, complemented the training.

The Jump Start Program was organized in two separate sessions during the academic year. The first session hosted 62 participants (including 52 from ITU and 10 out of ITU participants), while the second session attracted a larger group with 152 participants (including 142 from ITU and 10 out of ITU participants).

As part of the GINOVA Town Hall Seminar Series, Kadir Bulut, Coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Factory at İsbank, met with students on February 14, 2024, at ITU Ayazağa Campus. The seminar focused on the concept of “Next-Generation Entrepreneurship”, which emphasizes developing innovative ideas and designs that create social impact. Discussions explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, highlighting the new opportunities it brings for startups and innovation.

The session also included an interactive segment where students shared their entrepreneurial ideas and exchanged perspectives on how AI technologies can be leveraged more effectively.

The MAR-LSD Learning Station training, conducted as part of the "Organization Development Project FY2023" by ITU Center for Excellence in Education (ITU MEM) and the Faculty of Maritime, was held online with 40 participants.

Training of Trainers (ToT): Learning Station Training for PMI Turkey Mentors

The ITU MEM delivered a Learning Station Training to an experienced team of mentors from Project Management Institute Turkey (PMI Turkey). The first session of the three- part online program was held on 24 April 2024, with feedback sessions completed on 3 July 2024. A total of 35 participants attended in the training. The program introduced the Learning Station model, emphasizing learner-centered approaches and enabling mentors to share knowledge and experience effectively. Its modular and flexible structure allows practical application in various areas of project management, including planning, implementation, and process monitoring, aligning with ITU’s digital transformation roadmap.

Link: https://mukemmeliyet.itu.edu.tr/2024/07/03/itu-memden-pmia-ogrenme-istasyonu-egitimi/

Training of Trainers (ToT): Learning Station Program (University of Strathclyde)

Within the British Council’s UK–Türkiye Connect4Innovation Program, the ITU Center for Excellence in Education (MEM) delivered a Learning Station Training at the University of Strathclyde.

Held on 29–30 April 2024, the two-session program introduced ITU’s Learning Station Model, developed in line with the university’s digital transformation roadmap. A total of 14 participants attended the training, where they explored innovative, learner-centered approaches and designed their own Learning Stations.

Link: https://mukemmeliyet.itu.edu.tr/2024/04/30/itu-mem-strathclyde-universitesinde/

Platform Urbanism EELISA Summer School

The EELISA Summer School on Digital Platforms was held on August 5th and 7th, 2024 at ITU Ayazağa Campus. The program introduced participants to digital platforms in an international and multidisciplinary environment, covering platform urbanism, AI-based urban analysis, and the impact of platformisation on urban life. The school included lectures, guest speakers,lab sessions a site visit, a case study, a hands-on exercise, and teamwork activities, following the ITU Innovative Learning Stations Model.

A total of 12 participants from ITU and out of ITU attended the summer school. Participants who successfully completed all modules received a Certificate of Attendance along with 6 ECTS.

Link: https://eelisa.eu/events/eelisa-summer-school-on-platform-urbanism/

The learning station model: Co-creation with students and stakeholders as a practice for knowing, thinking,feeling, and doing for SEFI Members

The SEFI Annual Conference workshop on 4 September 2024 at ITU showcased the Learning Station (LS) model as an innovative approach to teaching and learning. Participants explored hands-on activities demonstrating how the LS model enables modular learning environments, learner-centered practices, and interactive knowledge co-creation. The session included 16 attendees from outside ITU.

The 3rd Industry–Academia–Student Meeting, organized by ITU Faculty of Mines in collaboration with TETHYS: Trans-Eurasian Gateway – EIT RawMaterials, was held on October 22–23, 2024, at the ITU Ayazağa Campus İhsan Ketin Conference Hall.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the Turkish mining sector, academia, and students, fostering discussions on sustainable mining, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. ITU students had the opportunity to meet representatives from leading mining companies in Turkey and Europe, exchange ideas, and explore career opportunities.

Throughout 2024, the ITU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering organized a series of Technology Seminars as part of its 250th Anniversary activities. Held at different times during the year, the seminars brought together distinguished academics and industry experts to share the latest developments in mechanical engineering, robotics, and manufacturing technologies.

Among the featured speakers were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Özcan from Bilkent University, who presented “From Hard to Soft: Nature-Inspired Miniature Robots”; Dr. Cem Berk Şenel, ITU alumnus, who discussed “Simulation of the Chicxulub Asteroid Impact and the Cretaceous–Paleogene Mass Extinction”; and Prof. Dr. Yusuf Altıntaş, ITU graduate and Director of the Manufacturing Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, who delivered a seminar on “Digital Machining.” These lectures are still avaliable in faculty youtube channel.

These events provided valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals to explore innovative approaches, exchange knowledge, and strengthen academic and industry connections. Also, all seminars were broadcast live through ITU’s official streaming platform, reaching a wide audience and allowing students, researchers, and industry professionals to follow the events online.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyLQMPZ4EiA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5S35gfpUyQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SOKpOQz6jk

Events hosted by Student Clubs

In line with SDG 4.3.2 – Public Events for Lifelong Learning, student clubs at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) play a key role in extending free, skills-based education beyond the classroom. In 2024, more than five student clubs organized open events that reached hundreds of participants from ITU and public.

The ITU Food Engineering Club organized a career talk with MANE Aroma and Fragrance Company on Wednesday, December 25, at the ITU Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. The event featured R&D Manager Aslıhan Büyüktaş and Procurement Manager Senem Önder, who shared their professional experiences in the flavor and fragrance industry.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion about career paths and innovations in the sector while enjoying a unique candy tasting session, adding a sweet note to the event.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_4GrUMcuv/?igsh=ZWRpMThsMjcwa3o%3D

R&D Summit by ITU Chemical Engineering Club

The R&D Summit, organized by the ITU Chemical Engineering Club, took place on April 15–16, 2024, at the KMB Building, ITU Campus. The event brought together ITU students and R&D professionals from leading companies across various industries, providing a platform to explore innovative research, career opportunities, and industry trends.

The summit featured interactive activities, company booths for networking, and refreshments in the foyer area, creating an engaging and collaborative environment. The event was open to all students and free of charge.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WKxnUsySg/?igsh=MXg2N28xZzgxdmY2Yw%3D%3D

Cross-Sector Summit by ITU Chemical Engineering Club

The 32nd Sector Days, organized by the ITU Industrial Engineering Club, took place on November 13, 2024, at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, ITU. The event focused on the theme “Sustainability in Industries”, exploring the importance of sustainability across the Food, Technology, Pharmaceutical, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sectors.

Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi (ITU) hosted the 25th World Korea Forum on August 14–15, 2024, at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, Ayazağa Campus. The forum brought together international scholars, policymakers, and representatives from global organizations to discuss peace, cooperation on the Korean Peninsula, and the search for a new international order.

The event featured sessions on international relations, security, technology, socio- economic developments, and higher education in the age of globalization and AI.

A new episode is released every Wednesday on the university’s official YouTube channel, highlighting ongoing research initiatives aligned with ITU’s vision of shaping the future.

The series features eminent faculty members from diverse disciplines, including aerospace, space sciences, artificial intelligence, physics, and chemistry. Each session provides in-depth insights into their research projects, areas of specialization, and notable achievements. Designed as an educational resource, the talks aim to engage university students as well as high school students who are beginning to explore academic and professional pathways in science and technology.

In 2024, ITU Continuing Education Center (SEM) provided a total of 96 community educational events within 41 public programs on professional development, art and foreign language education that are open to general public. A total of 4714 people not affiliated with our university attended these lectures and events. The number of programmed professional development events and their participants increased considerably, by means of our widespread online learning education approach. New