UK-Türkiye Higher Education Dialogue: Advancing Internationalisation and Sustainable Development for Higher Education

In partnership with Istanbul Technical University
17 June 2025 | Istanbul Technical University, Ayazağa Campus

The British Council, in collaboration with Istanbul Technical University (ITU), is proud to host the second UK–Türkiye Higher Education Dialogue. This high-level forum brings together academic leaders, policy makers, and internationalisation experts from Türkiye, the UK, and beyond to explore new frontiers in global higher education.

This year’s Dialogue focuses on how higher education institutions can foster impactful internationalisation strategies and align academic collaborations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through four dynamic panel discussions, the forum will explore themes such as institutional leadership, joint degrees, artificial intelligence, and SDG-driven research.

Key Themes

  •  Leadership for Global Engagement
  • How university leadership can shape internationalisation strategies aligned with global goals.
  • Joint Degrees and SDG-Aligned Partnerships
  • Exploring scalable models of international joint and dual degree programmes that contribute to sustainable development.
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Internationalisation
  • The role of AI in redefining transnational education and innovative teaching practices.
  • Developing Research with SDGs
  • Sharing successful UK–Türkiye research collaborations addressing sustainability challenges.

Objectives

  • Create ecosystems for collaboration and knowledge exchange
  • Promote SDG-aligned education and research models
  • Build capacity for international joint programmes and certifications
  • Influence policy and institutional practices for global engagement

Expected Outcomes

  • Publication of a detailed report with insights and policy recommendations
  • Follow-up workshops and networking opportunities
  • Strengthened UK–Türkiye higher education partnerships

Programme – 17 June 2025 (Tuesday)

Venue: Istanbul Technical University, Ayazağa Campus

Time

Activity

Details

9.00 – 10.00

Registration and networking

10.00 – 10.45

Opening remarks:
Gill Caldicott, Country Director Türkiye, British Council
Prof. Nigel Holt, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Aberystwyth University
Prof. Hasan Mandal, Rector, Istanbul Technical University
Setting the Context: Ayşen Güven MBE, Director Education, British Council

10.45 – 11.30

Panel 1

35 min discussion
+ 10 min Q&A

"Developing Research with SDGs"

Sharing best examples of UK-Türkiye joint research with a strong focus on SDGs
How are your institutions aligning research priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals?

Panellists:
Assoc. Prof.   Ayşe Başak  Kayıtmazer, Department of Chemistry, Boğaziçi University
Assoc. Prof. İmge Akçakaya Waite, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Istanbul Technical University
Dr. Haniyeh M Karbasi, Senior Lecturer in Low Carbon Architecture, University of Liverpool
Moderator: Prof. Barış Alpaslan, Vice President of the Committee of Experts on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals at the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO

11.30 – 11.45

Tea break and networking

11.45 – 12.30

Panel 2

 35 min discussion
+ 10 min Q&A

“University Collaborations, Real-World Impact”
How can joint degree programmes advance the SDGs and build resilient international partnerships?
Integrating SDG goals in academic mobility, research collaboration, and curriculum design.
What are the new joint models?

Panellists:
Prof. Emrah Acar, Director at ITU Centre for Excellence in Education, EELISA European University ITU Project Coordinator, Istanbul Technical University
Prof. Tuncay Döğeroğlu, Founding Rector of Eskisehir Technical University
Prof. Nigel Holt, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Aberystwyth University 
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Emine Görgül, Istanbul Technical University

12.30 – 13.30

Lunch

13.30 – 14.15

Panel 3

35 min discussion
+ 10 min Q&A

“Universities as Global Actors: Leadership Perspectives on SDG-Aligned Internationalisation"

Exploring the strategic role of higher education institutions in advancing global goals.
What does SDG-oriented internationalisation look like?

Panellists:
Prof. Hasan Mandal, Rector, Istanbul Technical University
Prof Mahmut Aydın, Rector, Samsun University
Prof. Oya Güneri, Vice Rector, TED University
Nick Slade, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor International and External Affairs, University of Worcester
Moderator: Ayşen Güven MBE, Director Education, British Council

14.15 – 14.30

Tea break and networking

14.30 – 15.15

Panel 4

35 min discussion
+ 10 min Q&A

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Internationalisation: Redefining Transnational Education Partnerships and New Ways of Teaching
Can AI help institutions expand global reach without compromising academic quality or cultural context?

Panellists:
Prof. Oguzhan Gunduz, Director at Centre for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Application and Research (NBUAM), Marmara University
Assoc. Prof. Onur Behzat Tokdemir, ITU Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Application and Research Center Deputy Director, Istanbul Technical University
Dr Sara Turner, Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience, Nottingham University Business School
Moderator: Ayşe Deniz Özkan, İstanbul Aydın University

15.15 – 16.15

Wrap up / Closure

Ayşen Güven MBE, Director Education, British Council
Dr Betül Bulut Şahin,
Faculty Member at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, TED University

17.00 – 18.30

Student Gathering

Post-graduate Student Gathering with UK Universities
Each university will have their stands, students will be informed beforehand; they can come and ask questions to experts from the UK.

Participating Institutions

  • UK Universities: University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Hull, Royal Holloway University of London, Aberystwyth University, Ulster University, University of Nottingham, University of Lincoln, University of Worcester.
  • Turkish Universities: Istanbul Technical University (ITU), TED University, Eskisehir Technical University, Boğaziçi University, Samsun University and others.