Innovative Steps for the Future of Forests: Sustainable Solutions Discussed at Istanbul Forest Innovation Week

The 4th International New Generations and New Trends in Tourism Congress, organized in collaboration with Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Kodolányi János University in Budapest, University of Trento, University of São Paulo, and Varna University of Management, was held at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences. The congress brought together researchers, academics, and industry representatives working in the field of tourism, creating a multifaceted scientific platform to discuss new generations and evolving tourism trends. Topics such as the future of tourism, sustainable development, digital transformation, preservation of cultural heritage, and new tourism models were comprehensively addressed.

Organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture, in collaboration with FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and UNFF (United Nations Forum on Forests), the Istanbul Forest Innovation Week brought critical issues to the agenda such as sustainable forest management, disaster response, climate change adaptation, and digital forest technologies.

Rector of Namık Kemal University, Prof. Mümin Şahin, paid a visit to Prof. Bahri Şahin, Rector of Istanbul Gelisim University, at his office. During the meeting, the two university leaders discussed potential collaboration opportunities and possible joint initiatives in academic fields.

The 3rd International Short Film, Video, and Photography Symposium—supported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Directorate General of Cinema—was held on October 24–26, 2025. The event’s organizing committee included Asst. Prof. Emre Doğan, Chair of the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), and Res. Asst. Dr. Eda Türkay, a research assistant from the same department.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) took its place at ICEF Berlin 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious international education fairs. Held in Germany’s capital, Berlin, this major event brought together educational institutions, consultancy firms, and sector professionals from all around the world. Representing Istanbul Gelisim University at the fair were Head of Public Relations and Promotion Department Asst Prof. Bülent Deyirmenci, Head of Support Services Department İbrahim Acarer, and Director of International Student Affairs Umedjon Haitmurodov.

Opening Ceremony was held at the Mehmet Akif Ersoy Conference Hall on the Avcılar Campus with the participation of academics, students, administrative staff, and many guests in a vibrant atmosphere. Many distinguished figures from public institutions and organizations took part in the protocol. The opening speeches were delivered by Minister of Trade Prof. Ömer Bolat, IGU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Abdülkadir Gayretli, and IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin. In their speeches, they emphasized Türkiye’s economic goals, the strategic importance given to education, and the university’s international vision.

Istanbul Gelisim University Technology Transfer Office (IGU TTO) participated in the 1st Innovation and Science Festival organized by Avcılar Municipality, showcasing the university’s innovative projects. The Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ZİHA) project displayed at the IGU TTO stand attracted great interest from visitors.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) hosted an important event that brought together the international academic community. Organized in collaboration with Kastamonu University and USBED, the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences Education was held this year in Istanbul. The event began with an opening ceremony held on the Istanbul Gelisim University campus. Bringing together scholars from around the world, the conference aimed to strengthen academic collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of social sciences. This year, the conference welcomed 190 participants from 24 countries and featured the presentation of 108 scientific papers.

Organized by the Avcılar Municipality, the “Technology and Innovation Festival” brought together leading institutions and companies from the technology world. During the festival, innovative projects and the latest technological developments were shared with participants. IGU TEKMER (Gelisim University Technology Center) also participated in the event with its affiliated companies, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest advancements in technology and innovation. The products of BİLİMTECH ELECTRONICS, a company developing a Search and Rescue Drone and a Kamikaze Drone used in the defense industry, attracted significant attention.

Aiming to strengthen international academic collaborations, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) hosted an 11-member delegation of scientists and professors from Uzbekistan. During the visit, both sides discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation, knowledge exchange, and potential future joint projects, particularly in the field of health.