The ERA-Chair Spectroscopy@IKU Project, being implemented at Istanbul Kültür University (IKU), holds the distinction of being the first project in Türkiye to receive funding from the European Research Agency (ERA) under the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) ERA-Chairs Programme within the Horizon Europe Framework. The project underwent the first on-site monitoring visit by the EU Project Offıcer Dr. Karina Firkaviciute on February 3.

During the visit, Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, Project Coordinator and Vice-Rector of IKU, along with ERA Chair Prof. Dr. Rui Fausto and his team, provided detailed briefings on the progresses achieved so far regarding the implemenation of the project. The already achieved goals and the project’s implementation have collected the most favorable opinion of the EU Officer, who highlighted the fact that the Spectroscopy@IKU implementation can already be classified as an example of success.

The “Women’s Energy, Türkiye’s Energy” project was implemented in collaboration with Istanbul Kültür University, the Ministry of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Türkiye and Reges Elektrik.

As part of the project, which aims to increase women's employment in the energy sector, applications have opened for the “Energy School for Women” program, which will be held from April 10 to May 10, 2025.

Organized by the Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Fine Arts Application and Research Center (GSUAM), Merih Akçam “Life and Talisman Relationship” exhibition was opened on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 15.00 at IKU Art Gallery (IKUAG) in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The opening ceremony attracted great interest from art enthusiasts, and the artist’s works, which invite people to discover their inner journey through ancient symbols and talismans, were highly appreciated. Akçam, offered the audience not only an art experience but also a journey of inner discovery with her works that visualize the deep meanings of life by blending ancient knowledge with modern thought. Emphasizing that talismans and symbols are powerful tools that shed light on the individual to this day, the exhibition encouraged visitors to think from a different perspective.

The exhibition, which deals with symbolism from a modern perspective, and attracted great interest, can be visited until February 25, 2025.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) held the first Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Board Meeting to protect academic knowledge and enhance intellectual property management. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in the Senate Room of the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building, was attended by members of the Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Commission, as well as representatives from the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The meeting, held under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, Chairperson of the Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Coordinatorship (FSMHK) Board of Directors and Vice Rector, also included Prof. Dr. Asiye Gül, Assist. Prof. Okay Işık, Assist. Prof. Öznur Şengel, Assist. Prof. Alp Ayan, Lawyer Raife İmren Öner Topaloğlu, and TTO Manager Cüneyt Genç as board members. 

During the meeting, the intellectual property application processes, Istanbul Kültür University's current work in this field and the processes to be carried out under the new regulations were discussed. Opinions were exchanged on ensuring the effective management of patent applications and improving the overall efficiency of the process. The meeting also included information on updated legislation, with an emphasis on the need for the university to adopt a more systematic approach to managing intellectual property. New patent applications and the progress of existing ones were evaluated, and feedback from the board members was received. 

Istanbul Kültür University continues to work diligently to support scientific research and protect innovative projects. The Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Board aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the process by meeting regularly to strengthen our university's academic foundation in intellectual property and encourage innovation.

The 5th Ordinary General Assembly of the Istanbul Kültür University Alumni and Members Association (IKUMED) was held on Sunday, January 26. The IKUMED Board of Directors, convening under the leadership of our Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and IKUMED President, Dr. Bahar Akıngüç Günver, exchanged ideas on organizing more programs to bring our graduates together more frequently.

IKU Underwater Club (IKUSAT) will organize a trekking event in Yuvacık, İzmit on February 8-9, 2025, to bring members together and encourage socialization.

The Animal Protection and Sustenance Club will organize a fundraising bazaar on Friday, February 14, at the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building, B1 floor, stand area, to support the clinical and food needs of our little friends on our campuses.