A ‘2.7 Billion’ Contribution to Research

Continuing its activities without slowing down on the axis of entrepreneurship, innovation, and contribution to society, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has carried out 365 research-based projects over the last 7 years. Focusing on artificial intelligence, technology, and university-industry cooperation, the total budget for these projects has reached 2.7 billion liras. While a total of 73 patent applications were made in various fields such as software, computer technologies, electronics, and health, IUE ranked second in Izmir and 12th in Turkey in the overall rankings, which include state universities, for the number of techno-enterprise companies established with the support of TUBITAK. IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu pointed out that the research conducted at the University translates into social benefit, technological development, and economic value, stating, “We will further strengthen our University's pioneering role in the regional and national innovation ecosystem.”

Having left 25 years behind in its educational journey, which began on April 14, 2001, as the Aegean region's first Foundation University, Izmir University of Economics has reaped the rewards of its strategic work focusing on projects, technology, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.

ENTERED THE TOP 300 IN THE WORLD

According to data from Times Higher Education, a UK-based higher education evaluation platform, IUE ranked among the top 300 universities in the world in the categories of ‘Gender Equality’ and ‘Climate Action’. IUE also succeeded in ranking among the top 400 universities in the world in the categories of ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’, ‘Reduced Inequalities’, and ‘Partnerships for the Goals’.

RECEIVED THE 'OSCAR' OF HIGHER EDUCATION

At the THE Awards Asia, often referred to as the Oscar of Higher Education, Izmir University of Economics won first place in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’ category. Organizing meetings aimed at spreading the research culture across Izmir, IUE provided direct access to 1,065 participants through 27 events over the past year.

RANKED FIRST IN TURKEY FOR CLIMATE ACTION

IUE also came to the fore with its projects aimed at reducing the negative effects of climate change and its collaborations expanding into the international arena. According to the 2025 University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report announced by the Council of Higher Education (YOK), IUE ranked first among foundation universities in Turkey in the ‘Climate Action’ category and 7th in the general ranking.

“KNOWLEDGE DID NOT REMAIN IN THE LABORATORY”

IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu stated that the growth momentum the University has achieved recently is the result of a long-term and determined vision. Expressing that they view education, research, entrepreneurship, and social contribution as a holistic development model that feeds into each other, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu said, “The knowledge produced at our University did not remain confined to laboratories or academic publications. It directly reflected onto technology, industry, the economy, and the solution areas needed by society. Our strong performance in research-based projects, our patent applications, our techno-enterprise companies, and the successful results we have received from international evaluation bodies show that our University is being closely followed on a national and global scale.”

“WE ARE SPREADING THE RESEARCH CULTURE”

Emphasizing that these achievements must be sustainable, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu continued as follows: “We attach great importance to spreading the research culture to all departments of our University, supporting our students' innovative ideas from an early stage, and strengthening the mechanisms that will transform academics' scientific production into social benefits. As a University, we are building a structure that transforms the knowledge it produces into enterprises, patents, technology, and employment. Our rapid rise in recent years is a natural result of accurate strategic planning, a strong academic staff, the dynamism of our students, the close cooperation we establish with the sector, and our corporate culture that centers on innovation. We will continue to maintain this momentum by increasing it in the upcoming period. We will further expand our sphere of influence extending from Izmir to Turkey, and from Turkey to the world.”

SOME EXAMPLE PROJECTS

- The ‘Firewall’ Project, developed by Izmir University of Economics faculty members Prof. Dr. Celalettin Kozanoğlu and Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar to prevent forest fires from spreading over large areas by extinguishing them in a short time, this project was entitled to receive a patent. The firewall, which can be applied to surround transformers, thermal power plants, hospitals, public buildings, or settlements, especially in areas close to forests, will be able to spray water up to 150 meters.

- Head of the Department of Food Engineering Prof. Dr. Nazan Turhan, Department of Industrial Design faculty member Prof. Dr. Murat Bengisu, Faculty of Engineering Laboratory Specialist Zehranur Tekin, and Design Studies PhD Candidate Burcu Akdağ Çağlar succeeded in doubling the shelf life of fruit, meat, and fish products using natural packaging obtained from orange peels. Developed to reduce plastic use, the natural packaging also received a patent.

- A ‘smart textile’ product with sensor features was developed at Izmir University of Economics to contribute to the early detection of breast cancer, which is very common in women. A patent application has been made for the smart textile product completed by Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering Prof. Dr. Diaa Gadelmavla and Biomedical Engineering students Mehmet Ali Dalgıç and Israa M. F. Abdullah Alhammoodi.