Hacettepe University attaches importance to strengthening inter-sectoral dialogue by bringing together representatives of different sectors such as the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and academia.

You can access the Hacettepe University 2023-2024 Sustainability Report here.

You can access the Hacettepe University 2024-2025 Sustainability Report here.

     

The conferences, collaborations and projects attended by Hacettepe University on sustainability are shown below.

Education and Hacettepe University Cooperation Protocol

With the cooperation protocol signed between Ankara Provincial Directorate of National Education and Hacettepe University, it is aimed to ensure cooperation and coordination between the parties in order to strengthen mutual institutional capacities in all areas deemed appropriate by the parties, especially in the areas determined as priority regarding the quality of education in educational institutions affiliated to the Ministry of National Education located within the provincial borders of Ankara.

Cooperation between institutions affiliated to the Ministry of National Education and higher education institutions serving in the field of education; It is an important strategic initiative to increase the quality of education in schools, as it will enable the development of mutual cooperation between these two levels of education, which are stakeholders, by sharing educational problems that arise at all levels.

There are kindergartens, kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education on Hacettepe University campuses that university staff can benefit from.

Collaboration between Hacettepe University and Duke University

An academic cooperation protocol was signed between our university and Duke University on July 26, 2024 for the implementation of the learning model developed within the scope of the Infrastructure Sustainability Learning (ISLe) Initiative project (https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/project/infrastructure-sustainability-learning-isle-initiative) carried out by Duke University Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability in Turkey.

The ISLe project, which aims to help experts and practitioners develop capacity for sustainable and resilient infrastructure by exchanging information and establishing solution-oriented collaboration, creates virtual communities of practice for sustainable infrastructure practitioners.

A sustainable infrastructure community of practice will be created using the Project ECHO model in line with a program designed in line with the United Nations Environment Program’s International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure under the leadership of Hacettepe University.

The main purpose of this program, which will be carried out in Turkey in cooperation with Hacettepe University Social Contribution Coordination and Lifelong Learning Center and with the participation of expert academics from other universities; To contribute to the construction of reconstructed infrastructures in line with sustainability principles by providing support to leaders, experts and practitioners carrying out reconstruction efforts in the regions affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake.

A cooperation protocol was signed between Hacettepe University and the University of New Mexico

With the cooperation protocols signed between Hacettepe University and the University of New Mexico in June 2024, our university has earned the right to be the implementer of the ECHO Project in Turkey.

The “Project ECHO: Hacettepe University” project, which will be carried out under the coordination of our University’s Social Contribution Coordinatorship, is planned to provide case-based training in areas determined according to social needs and to create a community of practice in this way.

About the ECHO Project:

• The ECHO Institute within the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is a pioneering telementoring and distance education program designed to develop and increase the workforce.
• Its main purpose is to increase the capacity to provide best-practice treatment to underserved people all over the world by removing the monopoly of knowledge.
• ECHO programs were launched in 2003 with a focus on hepatitis-C treatment. Today, it is carried out with more than 1,200 partners and participants from approximately 200 countries worldwide.
• To date, more than 5 million people have attended ECHO sessions, and more than 500 peer-reviewed articles have been published proving the program’s effectiveness.
• Conservative estimates suggest that more than 200 million patients worldwide have benefited from this treatment model.

Project ECHO’s Core Approach:

• Moving knowledge: A structure that moves knowledge instead of people.
• Democracy of knowledge: Providing equal access to all by democratizing knowledge.
• Solving complex problems: Increasing access to best practices in solving complex problems worldwide.
• An environment where everyone teaches and learns: A dynamic learning community where everyone contributes.
• Real-time, peer-to-peer, and experiential learning: Instant feedback and opportunities to learn together.
• Collaborative problem-solving: Developing practical solutions to problems through interdisciplinary collaboration.

For detailed information about the project, you can visit https://projectecho.unm.edu.

 

• Hacettepe University and Project ECHO Launch Sustainable Infrastructure Training for Earthquake Zone

In line with the agreement signed between Hacettepe University and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Centre, Hacettepe University has been recognised as a ‘Project ECHO’ centre. Within the framework of another cooperation protocol signed with Duke University, which is also a Project ECHO centre, a training and community development project on sustainable reconstruction of infrastructure in the earthquake zone was initiated.

The first training of the project titled ‘Infrastructure Sustainability Learning (ISLe) Community Training Program’ using Project ECHO infrastructure, which includes the titles “Introduction to UNEP’s 10 Principles”, “A case study on strategic planning in post-earthquake reconstruction” and “Creating a mind map centered on Principle 1 (strategic planning)”, was held on 30.10.2024 under the title “Introduction to Sustainability Principles: UNEP’s 10 Principles and Strategic Planning” was held on 30.10.2024 with the participation of academicians from Hacettepe University and Eskişehir Technical University and a total of 60 participants from USA, Bhutan, and Turkey.

 

Biosphere Traveler’s Nature and Museum Diary project successfully completed

The “Nature and Museum Diary of the Biosphere Traveler” project, which aims to raise the awareness of the participants about biodiversity, ecosystems and the learning opportunities offered by nature and supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 4004- Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program, has been successfully completed.

Within the scope of this project, which was implemented in cooperation with Hacettepe University, TÜBİTAK, Yahya Kemal Beyatlı and Mustafa Kemal Anatolian High Schools, with the participating students; A total of 56 activities were carried out on topics such as open/closed-ended experiments, simulation, augmented reality applications, scientific trips/field studies, nature/wildlife observations, educational games, stem, sports/arts, guess and explain with the eye, creative drama.

Within the scope of the project, students were enabled to establish a deep bond with ecosystems with the activities held in the fossil lands of Beşkonak, Kızılcahamam-Çamlıdere Geopark and the unique nature of Beytepe Campus. Through the trainings held at the Biosphere Museum, detailed information was gained about the formation processes of our planet, the functioning of ecosystems and sustainability principles. With the My Biosphere Journey Diary study, they were encouraged to develop their expression skills through the practice of journaling.

The trainings of the project were supported by 14 academic staff with expertise in ecology, entomology, hydrobiology, botany, ethnobotany, pharmaceutical botany, remote sensing systems, genetics, geology and paleontology. The Biosphere Traveler’s Nature and Museum Diary project was completed with the closing event held at the Biosphere Museum of our university on September 13. At the event, after the closing speech of the project coordinator Prof. Dr. Yasemin Saygı, a faculty member of the Department of Hydrobiology, an instrumental music concert consisting of Classical Turkish Music works was performed by the students of the Mustafa Kemal Anatolian High School Music Ensemble.

Then, the Biological Diversity Exhibition was opened at the Biosphere Museum. In the exhibition, some of the works realized by the students of the two schools participating in the project during the activities titled “Scientific Plant Illustration, From Rock to Fossil: I Observe, I Recognize, I Draw, From Nature to Herbarium in the Biosphere Museum, I Collect Insects” were presented to the guests and visitors.

Detailed information about the projects and events can be found at https://biyosferyolcusu.hacettepe.edu.tr/.

GAMEUP Erasmus+ Project: Entrepreneurial Skills of University Students

The Erasmus+ project ‘GAMEUP: Promoting Entrepreneurial Mindsets in European Universities Through Gamification’, which is carried out by Dr. Selay Arkün Kocadere within the Faculty of Education, in cooperation with HACETTEPE IDEAL, continues rapidly. The coordinator of the project, which is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies and the Department of Business Administration at Hacettepe University, is EDC Paris Business School, and the partners are Valencian International University and Gestionet and Innomate companies.

The GAMEUP project, funded on the basis that higher education institutions need to train entrepreneurial individuals for the European Union to succeed in global markets, aims to improve the quality of entrepreneurship education and create equal opportunities in the labour market by providing university students with tools and resources based on the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp, 2016). The first of the two project results is a Gamified Self-Assessment and Recommendation Tool that allows higher education students to assess their entrepreneurship competencies in line with EntreComp; the second is an Open Online Course based on case studies and EntreComp, which aims to improve higher education students’ knowledge and competencies in entrepreneurship.

Developments related to the project can be found on the https://gameupbizskills.eu/ web page.

Bilateral Agreement Introduction Meeting Between Hacettepe University and Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Di Bologna

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Hacettepe University successfully held the Bilateral Agreement Introduction Meeting with the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Di Bologna from Italy at the Congress and Cultural Center on the Sıhhiye Campus. The event aimed to introduce the scope of this new partnership to faculty members and students from various universities and relevant academic units at Hacettepe University, as well as to share specialized research in the fields of motion analysis and 3D planning.

The program began with opening remarks by Dean of the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Prof. Dr. Özlem Ülger and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sibel Aksu Yıldırım. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of this partnership in contributing to research in rehabilitation and medical technologies. Following these remarks, the Director of the Office of External Relations, Dr. Gül Deniz Demirel, delivered a presentation introducing Hacettepe University to the attendees. This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. Volga Bayrakcı Tunay from the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, who has collaborated closely with Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli in joint research projects and was instrumental in facilitating the agreement. She provided an overview of the partnership’s objectives and the progress made to date.

Distinguished researchers from Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Dr. Claudio Belvedere and Dr. Alberto Leardini, shared their expertise and research findings with the participants. Dr. Belvedere, who conducts research in medical imaging and personalized implants at the Movement Analysis Laboratory and heads the newly opened 3D Lab, presented on the institute’s history, mission, and recent developments in personalized implants and medical imaging. Dr. Leardini, Director of the Movement Analysis Laboratory and Head of the Research Line in Innovative and Prosthetic Surgery, delivered a presentation on 3D modeling and high-tibial osteotomy, providing valuable insights into clinical applications and research topics.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to discuss research topics in depth and explore future collaboration opportunities. This partnership, which our university highly values, opens new doors for innovative research in health and technology. Beyond the bilateral cooperation between the two institutions, the event also facilitated productive knowledge sharing among faculty and students from various disciplines, establishing a strong foundation for future joint projects.

           

5th Meeting of the EU COST WIRE (CA20127) Biorefinery Technologies was held in Istanbul on April 18-19, 2024

At the 5th meeting of the COST – CA20127 project titled ‘Waste Biorefinery Technologies for Accelerating Sustainable Energy Processes (WIRE)’, held in Istanbul on April 18-19, 2024, under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Selim L. Sanin from the Department of Environmental Engineering at Hacettepe University, it was proposed that one of the future meetings of the WIRE project should also be held in Turkey.

During the meeting in Istanbul, one of the keynote speakers, Prof. Dr. Ayşen Erdinçler, discussed waste-to-energy practices in the mega-city Istanbul and explained Istanbul’s approach to achieve sustainable development to international participants. Additionally, Assistant Professor Berat Z. Haznedaroğlu shared insights on Europe’s first carbon-neutral biorefinery plant, its guiding impact on the energy sector, and ongoing efforts in alternative product development with international participants. Furthermore, on second day expert speakers, Olcay Işın (UNIDO) and Murat Kuzulcan (ENERGROM), provided a comprehensive overview of bioenergy initiatives and financing processes in Turkey.

Academic Cooperation Agreement between Hacettepe and Eastern Mediterranean University

An Academic Cooperation Agreement was signed between Hacettepe University and Eastern Mediterranean University, aiming to develop, strengthen and encourage relations.

The Academic Cooperation Agreement between our university and Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), which aims to develop, strengthen and encourage relations, was signed by our Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. Our Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran, Dean of our university’s Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Uğur Sadioğlu and EMU administrators attended the ceremony.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran said the following in his speech at the signing ceremony: “As Hacettepe University, we want to strengthen our contact and relations with Eastern Mediterranean University and increase our cooperation. Hopefully, this step will be a first step that will lead to much better things in time. I would like to thank them again for their kind acceptance and hosting.”

EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç said, “I would like to express our happiness to see you here. Hacettepe University is one of the most successful educational institutions in Turkey. EMU is the only state university established by law in the TRNC. Therefore, the collaboration of these two institutions will allow us to set sail for new horizons. I attach great importance to this first step and we will move forward by setting new goals with this first step. We, as Eastern Mediterranean University, are very excited and proud to be in close institutional collaboration with you. I hope this signature will be auspicious and auspicious,” he said.

Within the scope of the Academic Cooperation Agreement, it is aimed to encourage joint research studies including academic and administrative staff exchange, to develop student exchange programs and/or programs providing dual diploma opportunities, to develop joint certificate and micro-qualification programs within the scope of lifelong learning services, to cooperate for publishing and/or cultural activities, to organize joint academic and scientific activities such as conferences, seminars, symposiums and congresses.

Incubation Center

Hacettepe Technopark Incubation Center provides services such as training, mentoring, consultancy, and networking that entrepreneurs need in their business establishment process. While free internet infrastructure and office facilities are provided to incubators, for which a very small rental fee is paid, they can also benefit from the kitchen, meeting rooms, and recreation areas that are open to common use. Many of our incubation companies, which we graduate after 36 months at most, grow and continue their activities by moving to offices within Hacettepe Technopark.

Hacettepe Technopark Incubation Center supports sustainability-oriented initiatives and projects. In addition, it collaborates with national and international organizations to develop solutions for sustainable development goals.

Of the companies within the Hacettepe Technopark, 62 of them operate within the 500 m2 Incubation Center area. In our incubation center, initiatives of academics and graduates of our university are also supported. The sectoral distribution of our incubators is Software 49%, Health 13%, Engineering 9%, Defense 5%, and Other 24%.

The Pre-Incubation Center, which is 176 m2 in size, has been serving since 2019, where entrepreneur candidates with business ideas in different fields such as software, electronics, games, cybersecurity, biotechnology are located. In our Pre-Incubation Center, 16 teams have the opportunity to work in the same environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely free of charge. There is also a prototyping depot. In the prototyping depot, candidates with a business idea can prototype their products with equipment as a three-dimensional printer, mini-CNC, mini lathe, etc. While there have been 32 teams in our pre-incubation center so far, 9 of them have been commercialized as graduates.

Contact:
Hacettepe Technopolis Technology Transfer Center
Universiteler Mah. 1596. Cad. Hacettepe Technopolis Sit.
6. Ar-Ge C Blok Apt. No: 6 C / 82 Cankaya / ANKARA
E-mail: info@hacettepeteknokent.com.tr
Tel: (312) 297 71 62 (pbx)