The “3rd Club Best of Awards Ceremony,” where the works brought to life by our students throughout the 2025-2026 Academic Year with dedication, creativity, and team spirit were crowned, and which marked the closing of the “2026 Art Tunnel,” was held. Our student clubs, which stood out throughout the year with events, projects, and social responsibility activities, were rewarded in 21 different categories, crowning their achievements. Reflecting the productivity of our student clubs and the value they add to university life, the ceremony was held with intense interest and great enthusiasm.

At the ceremony held on Wednesday, May 20, at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center, our Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe, our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil and Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, and our Dean of Students Assoc. Prof. Gamze Alptekin presented awards to our successful student clubs. During the night, the efforts and achievements demonstrated by the clubs throughout the year were met with applause. Hosting the closing of the Art Tunnel, the ceremony revealed a strong reflection of solidarity among students and club culture.

Organized by the Department of Nursing as part of the "Nursing Week" celebration events, an event titled "Nursing Empowered by the Light of Innovation" was held on Thursday, May 14, between 10.00-13.30 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall, located in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In collaboration with the Department of Architecture at Istanbul Kültür University and the Association of Children Resisting Epilepsy, the workshop titled “An Accessible Future for Children” was held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as part of Disability Awareness Week.

The event took place around the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus and brought together architecture students from IKU as well as students from various public and foundation universities.

Participants experienced accessibility challenges firsthand by using wheelchairs to navigate ramps, elevators, revolving and standard doors, and pedestrian sidewalks.

Accessibility is not merely a technical matter; it is directly connected to empathy, awareness, and human dignity.

By experiencing barriers that often go unnoticed in daily life, participants gained firsthand insight into why accessible environments are essential. Following the field experience, they joined workshop sessions with moderators to discuss the challenges observed and develop possible solutions.

Within the scope of the 2025 call for the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program—administered by the TÜBİTAK Directorate of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes (BİDEB)—six student projects prepared under the auspices of the Istanbul Kültür University Faculty of Education have been awarded funding. 

Conducted under the mentorship of faculty members from various departments within our Faculty of Education, these projects focus on current and socially significant topics such as special education, psychological counseling, social integration, peer bullying, and artificial intelligence. This achievement, which fosters our students' active participation in scientific inquiry, also holds significant value in terms of strengthening our faculty's research and project culture. 

The projects awarded funding are as follows:

-  The project titled “The Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction in the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Use for Psychological Counseling Purposes on the Mental Well-being of University Students,” conducted by students Buğra Özgeldi, Azra Aybike Güven, Ayşe Kaya, and Hatice Nur İrem, under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Hatice Leblebici;
-  The project titled “A Comparison of the Language, Social Integration, and Educational Experiences of First- and Second-Generation Syrian Students in Turkey,” conducted by Canan Türkmen, under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Hatice Leblebici;
-  The project titled “The Use of Evidence-Based Practices in Support Special Education Services,” conducted by students Barış Can Doğan, Eyyüp Enes Dalyan, Mümin Sencer Yılmaz, and Şeref Kuzey under the supervision of Faculty Member Assist. Prof. Sima Mart;
-  The project titled “The Impact of a Maternal Education Program on Protecting Children with Developmental Disabilities from Sexual Abuse,” conducted by students Nisanur Habanoğlu and Zehra Erdenci under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Fidan Güneş Gürgör Kılıç;
-  The project titled “Preventing Peer Bullying in Middle School: An Examination of the Effectiveness of a Drama-Based Group Intervention,” conducted by students Sudenaz Akbaba, Nisa Obenek, and Şilan Şimşek under the supervision of Res. Assist. Dr. Didem Varol;
-  The project titled “Seeing the Unseen: Identifying Peer Bullying Among Students with Special Needs Through Social Stories,” conducted by students Emir Ali Sayım, İbrahim Ortan, Emre Candan, and Firdevs Duran Sadebıyık under the supervision of Res. Assist. Fatih Yüzbaşıoğlu. 

We congratulate our supervising faculty members and students who contributed to these projects, which have qualified for support from TÜBİTAK, and we wish them continued success.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MOBİGEN) at Istanbul Kültür University hosted an "Alumni Panel," moderated by Assist. Prof. Pelin Özfiliz Kılbaş.

The panel featured the following speakers: Sahra Aras, Customer Manager, and Deniz Öztürk, Planning Specialist, from Genera Diagnostik; Simay Sarıyıldız, Embryologist at BHT Clinic Tema Hospital; and Özlem Çolak, Quality Manager at SGS Supervise Gözetme Etüd Control Services.

During the event, our alumni shared their career journeys, fields of work, and industry experiences with the students, while also offering advice regarding the transition into professional life and career planning. Attracting significant interest from the students, the panel concluded in an interactive and productive manner following a question-and-answer session.

Organized in collaboration with the Performing Arts Club and the Turkish Art Music Choir at Istanbul Kültür University, the “Devr-i Daim III – Singing Together” concert brought together students, alumni, and members of the IKU community on Monday, May 18, 2026, in the front garden of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

The event was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil and concluded with a collective performance of the İzmir March in celebration of the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day on May 19.

One of our academics from the Department of Business Administration, Assist. Prof. Didem Kayalıdereden, participated in various academic activities in Lecce, Italy, between May 1-14, 2026, within the scope of the European Union-supported SAFI3 project. Representing Istanbul Kültür University in the project, in which our university is among the partners, Assist. Prof. Didem Kayalıdereden gave lectures at Università del Salento and attended the IGCKM 2026 International Conference, where she presented her study titled “Digital Payment Platforms as a Coping Mechanism Against Inflation: The Case of Türkiye.”

Focusing on sustainability, social responsibility, and interdisciplinary research methodologies, the SAFI3 project aims to develop inter-university academic collaborations, strengthen a shared research culture, and increase international knowledge exchange in the field of sustainable development. These academic activities carried out within the scope of the project partnership are intended to contribute to Istanbul Kültür University’s international collaborations and new partnerships.

The academic contacts established are expected to lay the groundwork for new collaborations in terms of joint publications, research projects, and student-academic mobility.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Program of Child Development organized a “Seminar on Privacy Education and Awareness Against Abuse in the Preschool Period.” Held at INNSide within the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus, the seminar featured Educator and School Principal Ece Üstgel, along with Educator, Author, and School Principal Eser Ünalan Şenler, as speakers. During the event, which attracted significant interest from our students, valuable insights were shared regarding the importance of privacy education during the preschool years, child protection, fostering awareness against abuse, and appropriate intervention methods. 

Finding direct answers from experts to their questions on the subject, the participants gained greater awareness regarding child development and safety.

As part of the lecture series organized by the Department of Architecture within the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Kültür University, renowned architect Han Tümertekin met with students and academics on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 15.00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall on the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

In his talk titled “Two Continents, One Island,” Tümertekin shared insights into Istanbul’s architectural identity as a city bridging two continents, the spatial experiences of both sides of the city, and selected works from his own architectural practice.

Having taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard Graduate School of Design, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and ESA Paris, Tümertekin received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004 and was honored with the Mimar Sinan Grand Award in 2024.

The event attracted strong interest from both students and academics.

A seminar themed “Profession of the Future: Logistics” was held for the students of Bakırköy Nüket Ercan Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School with the participation of our Head of the Department of International Trade and Finance, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kaya Yaşar, and one of our academicians, Res. Assist. Nesrin Özbay. The seminar, held on Thursday, May 21, attracted great interest from the students of the school’s Logistics and Justice departments.

Within the scope of the presentation, the course contents of the Department of International Trade and Finance, double major and minor opportunities, internship and career opportunities, and the social and academic facilities offered by our university were conveyed to the students in detail. During the event, which aimed to contribute to the professional development of the students, information was also provided on the future of the logistics sector and its career potential.

The Department of Basic Education organized a graduation dinner for senior students on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Held after years of shared learning, collaboration, and memories, the gathering brought students and academics together for an enjoyable evening filled with conversations and reflections ahead of graduation. Participants had the opportunity to celebrate their academic journey and share the excitement of new beginnings.

The event stood out as a warm and meaningful occasion that strengthened the sense of belonging within the department.

As part of the “Environmental Education in Early Childhood” course taught by Assistant Professor Ebru Aydın Yüksel, the Preschool Teaching Program within the Department of Basic Education organized a technical trip to Florya Atatürk Forest on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11.00.

The event aimed to help teacher candidates experience environmental education practices in a natural setting, develop awareness of nature-based learning in early childhood education, and reinforce their field knowledge through hands-on applications.

During the trip, students carried out the activities and projects they had developed throughout the semester in a real-world environment, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical experience. The role of environmental education in early childhood learning was explored through various activities, and the event concluded successfully with active student participation.

Organized by the Department of Psychology, the “Alumni Panel” was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11.00 in the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall located in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. Clinical & Organizational Psychologist Damla Şevval Erkent, Clinical & Organizational Psychologist Beyza Nur Atagün, and Clinical Psychologist Elif Köroğlu participated in the event as speakers. Sharing their career journeys, our alumni answered questions and informed our students about career opportunities.

Faculty members and students from the Department of Basic Education came together for a picnic at Florya Atatürk Forest on May 19, 2026, following the practical activities conducted as part of the “Environmental Education in Early Childhood” course.

Held in a natural setting, the event gave students and academics the opportunity to spend time together, socialize, play games, and enjoy shared experiences. The gathering strengthened social interaction within the department and fostered a stronger sense of belonging.

Filled with memorable moments and meaningful conversations, the picnic became an enjoyable and memorable experience for both students and academics.

Organized by the Program of Construction Technology of IKU Vocational School, the “AKÇANSA Technical Visit” event was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Within the scope of the visit, cement production processes, production line technologies, sustainability practices, and the current dynamics of the sector were examined on site. While reinforcing their theoretical knowledge with field experience, our students also had the opportunity to gain valuable information from experts in the field.

The Program of Opticianry brought our students together with Switzerland-based Optiswiss, one of the world’s leading brands in the sector, on Thursday, May 21, 2026. At the event, where Kadir Avşar, Eda Zorlu, and Şefik Savcıoğlu from Optiswiss participated as speakers, innovations in optical lens technologies, the understanding of quality, and sector experiences were shared with our students.

Held on Monday, May 18, as part of the "IE2401-Introduction to Industrial Engineering" course offered by the Department of Industrial Engineering, this seminar featured two of our alumni: Yaren Tezener and Zeynep Ceren Söğüt, as guest speakers.

In collaboration with Istanbul Medeniyet University, Altınbaş University, and Biruni University, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Istanbul Kültür University will organize the “II. Student Conference” on Thursday, June 4, between 10.00 and 17.00 in Seminar Halls B-501 and B-502 at the Küçükçekmece Campus.

The conference aims to support students’ academic development through interdisciplinary presentations and academic discussions.

The Technology Transfer Office will organize an event titled “Patentnovation 2026: From Electronic Systems to the Patent Ecosystem,” where innovative ideas developed in the field of electricity and electronics and how they gain value through patent, innovation, and technology commercialization processes will be discussed. The event, where Barış Kurt, General Manager of Kuantum Patent Inc., will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, June 3, at 14.30 in the multi-purpose hall on the 2nd floor of the Ataköy building on the Bakırköy Campus.

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics will organize a talk with the participation of the Asia and Europe provincial representatives of the Turkish Dietitians Association in order to celebrate the first professional day of senior students and discuss the details of the professional law. The event, where Specialist Dietitians Emel Unutmaz Duman and Pınar Uslu will be speakers, will be held on Friday, June 5, at 13.00 in the B1 seminar hall of the Bahçelievler Campus.