UK-Türkiye Internationalisation in Higher Education Dialogue

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), proudly hosted the second UK–Türkiye Higher Education Dialogue. This high-level forum brought together academic leaders, policy makers, and internationalisation experts from Türkiye, the UK, and beyond to explore new frontiers in global higher education. See the photo album of the event.

This year’s Dialogue focused 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 explored 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.