A Cultural Heritage–Focused Joint Documentary by IGU and the University of Hilla, Iraq

Assoc. Prof. Hatice Merve Bayram, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Health Sciences, has been awarded First Prize within the scope of the 2025 Scientific Article Awards of the Pınar Institute. The Pınar Institute encourages high-quality studies that contribute to science and society in the fields of sustainable food, health, nutrition, and agriculture through these awards.

The Youth in the Age of Production (GÜÇ) Program, announced to the public by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to usher in a new era in Türkiye with its comprehensive structure and multidimensional approach to youth employment. The program seeks to provide approximately 3.5 million young people with employment and social security within three years. Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Career Guidance Application and Research Center Deputy Director, Asst. Prof. Kenan Akpınar, shared his evaluations of the program.

Within the scope of the previously signed cooperation protocol between Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and the University of Hilla (Babylon – Iraq), strong steps were planned in many areas, including student and academic exchange, joint symposia, scientific projects, workshops, and the Gelisim Film Academy. In line with this vision, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and the University of Hilla have joined forces to bring Babylon, one of the most magnificent civilizations in history, to the screen. Directed by internationally award-winning director Asst. Prof. Ahmet Bikiç, the documentary project actively involved students from both universities at every stage of the production process. Currently in production, the documentary “Babylon” blends the mysteries of the ancient city with the modern world’s vision of sustainability.

Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU) paid a technical visit to Balparmak, one of the leading organizations in the gastronomy world, in order to crown the education protocol signed between the two institutions with academic projects. The delegation, consisting of IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Head of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Prof. Aslı Albayrak, and Asst. Prof. Mehtap Çerkez Uçar, evaluated joint R&D activities and upcoming-term events during the visit.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) continues to provide exam-period support to help students carry out their academic work more efficiently during finals week. The Health Sciences Library, located in the A Block Rectorate Building and open 24 hours a day on weekdays, will offer hot soup starting from 5:30 p.m. The library will be open on Saturdays between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and will be closed on Sundays. The Central Library, which is open until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, will operate between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the exam period.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Application and Research Center has signed an important collaborative research agreement with Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd., a company operating in Tokyo, Japan, in the fields of neuroscience and biomedical research. This agreement strengthens the university’s international scientific network while paving the way for innovative studies in neuroscience.

Muhammet Saymaz, Board Member of the Türkiye Technology Team (T3) Foundation and Secretary General of TEKNOFEST, visited Istanbul Gelisim University to receive information about the university’s technology-oriented projects and strategic initiatives. During the meeting held as part of the visit, topics such as technology and technological developments, the projects carried out by the university, TEKNOFEST 2025 achievements, and potential areas of collaboration were discussed. The meeting was attended by IGU Board of Trustees Chairman Abdülkadir Gayretli, IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, Head of the Department of Public Relations and Promotion Asst. Prof. Bülent Deyirmenci, and Faculty Member of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences Jumaev Ergash.

Istanbul Gelisim University proudly welcomed Sezer Dirican, the MasterChef 2025 champion and a graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at Istanbul Gelisim Vocational School. During his visit, Dirican shared his experiences in the field of gastronomy with students and took part in a meaningful and unforgettable reunion with the IGU family that contributed to his championship journey.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) brought its students studying in the field of media directly into the heart of the industry. Within the scope of a technical visit organized on December 29, 2025, students from the IGU Television Journalism and Programming Department and the IGU New Media and Communication Department had the opportunity to examine the professional workings of the media sector on-site at ATV. The visit, attended by Research Assistant M. Erman Balak from the IGU New Media and Communication Department, enabled students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through practical experience.

Organized by the Turkic World Youth Council Club operating within Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), the event titled “The Sound of Roots, the Rhythm of the Future” was held with the aim of bringing together the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Turkic World with contemporary art and technology. During the event, traditional musical motifs were blended with modern artistic approaches, offering university students an innovative and dynamic perspective.