The "Türkiye Violence Map Report" was published by the Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Justice and Crime Psychology Laboratory.

The article titled “The Development of Thermoresponsive Multifunctional Chitosan Films Suitable for Food Packaging”, which is one of the outputs of the IKU BAP 2102 numbered research project supported by our university and conducted by Nihal Sarıer, was published in the journal “Polysaccharides” in the Q1 category.

Nihal Sarıer said the following about the content and importance of the article: “With the global food packaging market to increase from 418 billion dollars to 763 billion dollars by 2032, the demand for sustainable, multifunctional packaging materials is at an all-time high. Addressing this urgent need, we have developed chitosan-gelatine-based films infused with lavender oil (LO) and oleic acid (OA). These bio-based films combine thermal regulation, antimicrobial defence and antioxidant protection in a single structure, making them ideal for protecting perishable products such as meat and dairy and frozen products against temperature fluctuations during transportations and storage. The films also have UV light blocking properties to protect photosensitive fats, vitamins and likewise elements from degradation, while reduced water vapor transmission rates and hydrophobic surfaces have the capacity to combat moisture-induced spoilage in ready-to-eat meals and snacks.

Beyond food, there are versatile application possibilities for packaging for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agricultural purposes (e.g. seed protection). These films can replace conventional plastics, in line with circular economy goals. They minimize dependence on synthetic polymers and preservatives. While challenges such as industrial scalability require further study, this innovation marks a transformative leap towards next-generation packaging, balancing ecological responsibility with improved food safety, longevity and logistical flexibility. These films represent a leap towards a new generation of active packaging that addresses consumers’ demands for freshness, safety and sustainability while overcoming logistical challenges in global food systems. Future research and industry partnerships could unlock even broader applications!”

This project, conducted by Nihal Sarıer (IKU), Anıl Eloğlu (IKU) and Emel Önder (ITU) have both national and international patent applications. For further information, the full study is available at “Sarier, N.; Eloglu, A.; Onder, E. The Development of Thermoresponsive Multifunctional Chitosan Films Suitable for Food Packaging. Polysaccharides 2025, 6, 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides6010017” @MDPIOpenAccess.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe, and Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil, visited Istanbul Gedik University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kesik in his office on Wednesday, March 5, and held a meeting on bilateral cooperation.

The "Iron Women: The Power of Women in Welding Art" project, developed in collaboration with Istanbul Kültür University, Istanbul Gedik University, and the Women’s Association in Business World, and supported by the General Directorate of Civil Society Relations under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, has been successfully completed. The project's closing ceremony and cocktail reception took place on Wednesday, March 5, hosted by Istanbul Gedik University.

In collaboration with Salento University and Istanbul Kültür University, the symposium "IL Diritto Alla Salute & the Right to Health" was held in Lecce, Italy, on March 1, 2025. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including the Italian Deputy Minister of Justice, the Undersecretary of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, the Rector of Salento University, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Salento University, the Mayor of Lecce, and the Chief of Police of the Puglia Region. Featuring a diverse range of speakers—including lawyers, economists, and professionals in the field of agriculture—the symposium addressed key issues such as "Climate, Environment, and Ecosystem," "Health, Sports, and Access to Care," and "Food Safety and Agriculture" from the perspectives of Turkish and Italian practices. Representing Istanbul Kültür University, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil, along with Faculty of Law academicians Assist. Prof. Özge Sırma Gezer, Assist. Prof. Yasemin F. Saygılar, and Attorney Ayşen Önen, participated as speakers.

Istanbul Kültür University Art Gallery (IKUSAG) unveiled the painting exhibition "Anatomy of the Apple" by painter and academician Pınar Partanaz on Thursday, March 6, as part of the fourth event of the 2024-2025 art season. The exhibition, organized in honor of March 8 International Women's Day, opened with speeches by Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe and Pınar Partanaz.

The exhibition examines the relationship between the female body and space in terms of identity and freedom. In the artist's works, the individual's effort to create their own space and their existential journey take center stage, while the apple symbol serves as a visual representation of both freedom and social limitations. Inviting the audience to reflect on identity and boundaries, the exhibition presents a powerful narrative where art and thought intertwine. You can visit the "Anatomy of the Apple" exhibition, interpreted from a unique perspective, at IKUSAG in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus until April 2, 2025.

The "Network-2" dinner was organized by the Istanbul Kültür University Alumni and Members Association (IKUMED) on Thursday, February 27, at the Kültür College Alumni Club to strengthen connections among our alumni. The event, which saw high participation, began with a speech by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe. During the gathering, alumni shared their thoughts and experiences, and discussions were held on potential initiatives to support the university.

Head of the Business Development, Industrial, and Sectoral Relations Unit (IGESIB), Lecturer Selen Çeliköz, visited Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Assoc. Prof. Murat Mücahit Yentür in his office. During the meeting, held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, discussions were held regarding planned training programs within our university, as well as additional training opportunities for the future.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School organized a panel talk titled “The Adventure of Paper Across Geographies” on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 15.00 in lecture hall 1A01 at the Bakırköy Campus İncirli building. The historical and scientific journey of paper was presented to the participants in the event, where Prof. Dr. Dursun Koçer, Head of our Department of Physics, was the speaker.

Prof. Antonio Trimani, who works in the field of Video and Film Directing at the Frosinone Academy of Fine Arts Department of Audiovisual Languages, visited our Department of Radio, Television and Cinema as part of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility. Prof. Trimani held discussions with our Head of Department Assoc. Prof. Perihan Taş Öz and Vice Head of Department Assoc. Prof. Bilgehan Ece Şakrak on cinema education, curriculum preparation processes and international collaborations.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School Program of Public Relations and Publicity organized a panel talk titled “Evolution of Media Relations: Traditional to Digital” on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 13.00 in lecture hall 1A01 of the Bakırköy campus İncirli building. At the event, where Murat Aşık, President of Spica Communication Agency, participated as a speaker, topics such as developments in the media industry, the differences of the digital world and the journey of brands to digital platforms.

The "White Coat Wearing Ceremony" was organized by the Istanbul Kültür University Faculty of Health Sciences on Wednesday, March 5, at 13:00 in the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.

Istanbul Kültür University Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design organized a seminar titled “Interior Design in the New Media Age: New Media and Digital Content Production Areas” within the scope of “IÇM0814 Degree Project Research” course. Prof. Dr. Nurhan Yel, one of our academicians from the Department of New Media and Communication, participated as the speaker in the seminar held on Thursday, March 6 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. Prof. Dr. Nurhan Yel addressed the characteristics of new media and digital content production, spatial requirements and studio design. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Nurhan Yel explained how modern media production environments are shaped and the key elements to consider in design processes.

The seminar, which attracted great interest from students, offered participants a different perspective by providing important information about the design processes in the field of new media.

The Psychology Club organized an event titled “Living with Cancer: Small Hearts, Big Hopes” on Monday, February 17, in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. During the session, which featured Clinical Psychologist Zeynep Yazıcı from the Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer (KAÇUV) as a speaker, the foundation was introduced, and students were encouraged to raise awareness about the fight against cancer.

The Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Department of Architecture organized a conference titled “Two Jobs in the City Center” on Thursday, March 6 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Bakırköy Campus Ataköy building. At the event, where Architect Can Çinici participated as a speaker, discussions were held on architectural projects in the city center.

The “Origami Workshop” was organized by the Istanbul Kültür University Department of Common Courses in cooperation with the Design Factory. The event, which aimed to introduce students to the Japanese art of paper folding, enhance their art-aesthetic perception and encourage them to explore different cultures, was hosted by the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus on Tuesday, March 4.

Origami artist Chieko Adachi, who attended the workshop as a guest, taught participants the basic techniques of origami. Our students, who experienced the intricacies of this unique art firsthand, had the opportunity to develop their creative thinking skills and improve their dexterity through origami.

The event, organized in recognition of art as a cultural bridge, attracted great interest from students. Istanbul Kültür University will continue to support students' artistic and cultural development through activities from various disciplines.

The "1st National Aviation Council" was organized by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on Thursday, February 27, hosted by the Turkish Civil Aviation Academy. Representing our university, Lecturer Evren Yılmaz, Head of the Program of Flight Operations Management at the Vocational School, attended the event. At the council, which was held for the first time in our country, the 10-year strategic roadmap shaping the future of the aviation sector was announced. Additionally, challenges faced by the aviation industry were evaluated, and important solution proposals were discussed.

Istanbul Kültür University Design Factory organized the “Project Management Office (PMO) Training” specifically for entrepreneurs on Friday, March 7, 2025. The training, conducted by Assist. Prof. Zeynep Gergin from Head of our Department of Industrial Engineering, was open to entrepreneurs selected for the Design Factory and was held with a limited quota. Participants gained comprehensive knowledge of project management processes, strategic planning, and productivity enhancement techniques.

Throughout the training, interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises were conducted. Entrepreneurs gained new perspectives on managing business processes more effectively and had the opportunity to better understand the critical role of the PMO in businesses.

The Design Factory will continue to organize innovative training sessions and workshops to support entrepreneurs.

Furkan Şanlı, Beyza Portakal and Müge Özkan, our alumni of the Department of Architecture, won the “Equivalent Award” in the “Hopa City Center Idea Project in the Context of a Coastal Settlement” competition organized by Hopa Municipality. We congratulate Architect Furkan Şanlı, the team representative, along with team members Architect Beyza Portakal, Architect Bilge Kardelen Bekiroğlu and Architect Müge Özkan, and wish them continued success.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School held an Erasmus+ program introduction meeting for students on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 in the 1A01 amphitheatre of the İncirli building on the Bakırköy campus. The event, featuring Erasmus+ and Exchange Programs Senior Specialist Miray Akaydın from the IKU International Relations Unit as a speaker, was moderated by Vocational School Erasmus Coordinator Assist. Prof. Kübra Öztürk.

During the event, information was provided about the Erasmus+ program, which offers internship opportunities and has a positive impact on students' careers.

Prof. Dr. Ali Ertürk, a member of the Faculty of Aquatic Sciences at Istanbul University, visited our university upon the invitation of the Department of Communication and Design and delivered a talk titled “Understanding Ecology: Living Things, Nonliving Things, and the Relationship Between Them” on Thursday, February 27. Students who attended the talk gained in-depth knowledge of the fundamental concepts and scope of ecology. They also had the opportunity to discuss pressing environmental issues such as mucilage, ecological diversity, climate change, and animal rights.

In collaboration with the Program of E-Commerce and Marketing and the Marketing Club, a talk titled “Artificial Intelligence Awareness: Marketing-Oriented Productive Artificial Intelligence Usage” was organized on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 13:00 in the 4A01 amphitheatre of the İncirli building on the Bakırköy campus. Mert Efe Anğın, the event’s speaker, discussed the potential applications of artificial intelligence and its mutual influence with marketing.

The IKU Dance Club attended the "Equal Voices of the Sector Award Ceremony" hosted by Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa on Friday, February 28, 2025, as special guests and delivered their performances.

In cooperation with the Women and Social Research Unit (İKÜ-KAD) and the Yanındayız Association, a talk titled “March 8th International Women's Day Gathering: Masculinity is Changing, Society is Transforming” will be held. The event, where Bülent Gürcan from Odak Group, Selen Okay Akçalı from the Yanındayız Association and Saltuk Karayalçın from Kurtan Group of Companies will be the speakers, will take place on Monday, March 10, at 10:00, in the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center at the Bakırköy Campus Ataköy building.

In cooperation with the Performing Arts Club and the Department of Communication Arts, an interview session titled “Growing up with Art - Rising with Responsibility” will be organized to convey to young people the importance of art and the requirements that will lead them in their future lives in terms of the sense of responsibility it provides to the individual. The event, where T&D Works Founders Elif Koman and Reyhan Youssef will be the speakers, will be held on Monday, March 10, at 12:00 PM, in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Bakırköy Campus Ataköy building.

The Department of Psychology will organize an event titled “From Addiction to Freedom: Cognitive and Emotional Transformation” to raise awareness among students about the types, causes, effects and treatment methods of addiction. The event, where Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist Specialist Dr. Sabri Yurdakul will be the speaker, will take place on Monday, March 10 at 13.00 in the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In cooperation with the Department of International Trade and Finance and the Department of International Relations, an event titled “A Life Story: Being Born a Girl” will be organized. The event, where EWORA (European Women Rectors Association) Honorary Founding President Prof. Dr. Gülsün Sağlamer will be the speaker, will be held on Monday, March 10, at 13.00 at the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall.

IKU Design Factory will organize a panel talk titled “Law 101 for Entrepreneurs” to inform students about entrepreneurship law. The event, where Legal Karadağ Law Founder Zülküf Karadağ will be a speaker, will be held on Monday, March 10, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, in the Design Factory at the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building.

The International Relations Club will organize a trip to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye on Tuesday, March 11, to provide students with insights and hands-on experience related to their field of study.

The Leadership and Management Club will host a talk titled “Not One Day, But Women Every Day” to encourage greater female participation in leadership and to raise awareness about gender equality. The event will feature journalist Funda Karayel and lawyer & academic Belma Eren İlbay as speakers and will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 13:00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.

The Program of Opticianry will organize an event titled “Top Segment Brands” to support students' career planning process. The event, where Elit Glasses Training Officer Gülsüm Yapar will be a speaker, will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 13.00 at the Bakırköy campus İncirli building.

The Department of International Trade and Finance will host a titled "Radiant Women" in celebration of March 8 International Women's Day. The event, featuring Emel Pırlanta Board Member Gül Yetkin as the speaker, will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 13:30 in the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall.

In cooperation with IKU Youth Office and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, a training titled “CV Preparation and Interview Techniques” will be organized to guide participants on professional and effective CV preparation. The event, where IKU Human Resources Manager Tülay Kaya will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 13.00 at Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Department of Turkish Language and Literature will organize a conference titled “Türkiye in the Years When the National Anthem Was Written” in order to commemorate our National Anthem, which is the symbol of our nation’s love for independence, the great heroism shown by our nation in the face of impossibilities, and our nation’s struggle for liberation with determination and sacrifice. The event, where one of our academicians Lecturer İsa Kocakaplan will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 13.00 at the 4th floor multi-purpose hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In the theatrical performance “Timeless Women” which will be organized by the Fine Arts Application and Research Senter, the life stories of women who broke new grounds in the history of the Republic and were beyond the era they lived in will meet with art lovers. The “Timeless Women” performance, prepared and presented by Researcher & Writer İlknur Güntürkün Kalıpçı, will be held at Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center on Wednesday, March 12 at 20.00. The “Timeless Women” exhibition will also be open to visitors before the show.

In cooperation with the Department of International Trade and Finance, and the Department of International Relations the “Societal Gender Equality Workshop” will be organized within the scope of “March 8, International Women’s Day”. The event, which will be organized under the titles of “Dating Violence Table”, “Social Policy Table”, “Education Table”, “Economic Violence Table” and “Women’s Poverty Table”, will be held on Thursday, March 13 at 13.00 on the mezzanine floor of Küçükçekmece Campus.

Orchestra IKU will give a “Factory Acoustic” concert with the theme “Turkish Pop’00” on Thursday, March 13 at 14.00 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Our esteemed professor, Prof. Dr. Atilla Özalpan, Founding Chair of MOBIGEN, will be commemorated on the 13th anniversary of his passing with a special event. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Ozan Kocadağlı from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, the event will feature Assist. Prof. Neslihan Gökmen İnan from Koç University and Attorney Yıldız Tuğçe Erduran as speakers. It will take place on Friday, March 14, at 3:00 PM in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.