Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), in line with Türkiye’s development goals, carries out various levels of collaborations with public institutions, local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. These national partnerships play a strategic role in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), knowledge sharing, strengthening human resources, and enhancing social impact.
Through projects conducted with institutions such as TÜBİTAK, YÖK, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of National Education, and KOSGEB, KTU contributes significantly to sustainability, particularly in the areas of Quality Education (SDG-4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG-3), and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG-9).
In addition, joint projects and initiatives developed with local stakeholders such as Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trabzon Technopark, and the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA) strengthen the university’s role in regional development and social contribution. Through social responsibility projects, R&D activities, entrepreneurship support programs, and vocational training, KTU achieves impactful results at the local level.
In 2024, KTU signed numerous cooperation protocols in education, research, social contribution, health, and safety. See national protocols.
Within the framework of protocols signed with Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, the Landslide Application and Research Center aims to cooperate in disaster risk reduction, search-and-rescue drills, and in-service training. The Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences also offers postgraduate and certificate programs to support the professional development of municipal staff, while contributing academically to real estate valuation and zoning practices. More details.
To promote lifelong learning among individuals aged 60 and over, KTU launched the Tazelenme University Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services (General Directorate of Disabled and Elderly Services). The program enhances access to knowledge for the elderly, combats social exclusion and loneliness, and acts as a social support mechanism to prevent age-related vulnerabilities. Protocol document.
On May 23, 2024, the KTU Landslide Application and Research Center conducted field studies in Rize-Güneysu in collaboration with the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion. A detailed technical report was subsequently prepared on the incident. Read more.
Similarly, field studies were conducted in Gümüşhane city center on the same date, focusing on mass movements. Read more.
KTU and Akçaabat Municipality signed a protocol to research the medicinal potential of Aronia berry, known as a “superfruit.” The protocol was signed by KTU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI and Akçaabat Mayor Osman Nuri EKİM. The project will be carried out with the Drug and Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center (ILAFAR). Read more.
KTU academics, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Can ALTUNIŞIK (Civil Engineering) and Prof. Dr. Volkan YILDIRIM (Geomatics Engineering), were selected to the “Türkiye National Risk Shield Model Scientific Board” established under the auspices of the Presidency. Both academics had previously contributed to the TÜBİTAK–AFAD “Disaster Management Scientific Support Board” following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake.
KTU contributed to Türkiye’s second astronaut Tuva Cihangir ATASEVER’s Suborbital Research Flight on June 8, 2024. The IVMERAD device, originally developed by METU IVMER with TÜBİTAK support, was revised with KTU’s collaboration for the Galactic 07 Mission and integrated into a specially designed flight suit for space use. Read more.
On December 19, 2024, a consultation meeting was held at the Maçka Altındere Natural Trout R&D Center within the framework of a protocol between KTU and the Directorate General of Nature Conservation and National Parks on the “Production and Stocking of Natural Trout.” Read more.
The Department of Geomatics Engineering and the Trabzon Branch of the Chamber of Survey and Cadastre Engineers jointly organized a panel on “Smart Cities and Cadastre,” which drew significant participation. Read more.
Within Earthquake Week, KTU organized a panel titled “Türkiye’s Earthquake Reality and Future Recommendations” to raise awareness of earthquake risks and highlight necessary precautions. The event was hosted at the Osman Turan Cultural and Convention Center in collaboration with KTU’s Earthquake and Structural Health Research Center, Landslide Research Center, and Environmental Problems Research Center. Read more.
On February 7–8, 2024, the 6th AYMEP meeting was held at the AFAD Presidency, bringing together university disaster management centers across Türkiye. KTU was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat GÜNAYDIN, Deputy Director of the Earthquake and Structural Health Research Center. Read more.
