Exemplary step in university-industry cooperation

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and 'Philip Morris/Sabancı', one of the leading institutions of our country, signed a cooperation protocol in order to produce projects that will contribute to the development of the industry and to increase the areas of employment for students. Thanks to the cooperation, which sets an example for university-industry integration and is targeted to last for 3 years, Izmir-based national and international projects for technological research will be prepared. The protocol signed by IUE Rector, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Philip Morris/Sabancı Factory Director Antonio De Marco and Corporate Relations Director Zeynep Güney Altıntaş will provide students with many advantages.

THEY WILL USE THE MODERN FACILITY IN TORBALI

Students studying at IUE Faculty of Engineering will conduct experiments and research using Philip Morris/Sabancı's modern facility in Torbalı, and complete their graduation projects with the help of experts in their fields. IUE students will also be given priority in terms of internship, and experienced managers of Philip Morris/Sabancı will conduct guest lectures at the University and convey their knowledge to the students. The two institutions, which will join forces to organize various trainings and create certificate programs, will organize seminars and conferences with broad participation.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND OUR CITY

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Philip Morris/Sabancı facilities, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar stated that they attach great importance to cooperation in terms of self-development of students by getting to know the business world before they graduate.  Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “We implemented the concept of 'Campus Izmir', the first model of university-city integration in Turkey. All of Izmir is our campus and all institutions in our city are potentially our stakeholders. We added a new one to the qualified collaborations we have made recently. In addition to the projects carried out by the University, the number of projects carried out only by IUE academics within the scope of university-industry cooperation has reached 36. All these are opportunities for both our students and our city.”

THEY START BUSINESS LIFE ONE STEP AHEAD

Prof. Dr. Aşkar continued as follows: “Theoretical education is very important, and we are already one of the universities in Turkey that do this best. We also provide our students with all the technological infrastructure and laboratory support they need. However, we have to provide areas where our students can put their knowledge into practice and improve themselves. The cooperation with 'Philip Morris/Sabancı', one of the leading institutions of our country and a leader in the international arena, is very important in terms of making these a reality. Our students, who get to know the sector before they graduate, will already be ahead of their peers in business life.”

WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT

Addressing the importance of university-industry cooperation in terms of sustainability at the signing protocol ceremony, Philip Morris/Sabancı Corporate Relations Director Zeynep Güney Altıntaş said, “These collaborations are extremely important both for students, the sustainability of the tobacco industry, which is the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people in our country, and for an organization like us that draws its strength from its employees. We are always ready to support in raising qualified people in this field with our facilities using advanced technology and with our international experience.”

DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION IS AN IMPORTANT PRIORITY

Stating that he is proud to cooperate with IUE, Philip Morris/Sabancı Factory Director Antonio De Marco stated that the development of the region is an important priority. Antonio De Marco said, “We create an important value for students who will benefit from this valuable cooperation. I believe that all these experiences will play an important role in the development of our region. In addition to the pioneering facilities of IUE, students will have the opportunity to train themselves in an international network by gaining practical experience at PHILSA, one of the largest and best production facilities of Philip Morris International.”