Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, a faculty member of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Kadir Has University, is a member of the Security and Foreign Policies Council of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and actively serves in this role.
Collaboration for SDG Best Practice
COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITIES
Kadir Has University (KHAS) maintains an active and constructive dialogue with local, regional, and national authorities by offering research-based insights, expert consultation, and strategic recommendations in fields related to its academic and scientific strengths.
Through its institutional collaborations, advisory memberships, and joint initiatives, the University contributes to the development and execution of public policies designed to address pressing social, economic, technological, and environmental issues.
KHAS’s involvement includes preparing expert reports for public institutions, taking part in various ministerial and municipal working groups, conducting joint R&D and policy projects, and organizing professional development programs for public administrators and decision-makers.
These efforts reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting transparent, inclusive, and evidence-driven governance, while reinforcing the bridge between academia and the public sector.
A selection of collaborative projects and expert contributions carried out with government partners during the reporting period is outlined below.
Contribution to the Turkish Higher Education 2030 Vision Document
Kadir Has University Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ali SINAĞ, contributed to the preparation process of the “Turkish Higher Education 2030 Vision Document” coordinated by the Council of Higher Education (Yükseköğretim Kurulu – YÖK).
During the official presentation of the roadmap, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar announced key structural and policy reforms that will shape the future of Turkish higher education. Among the highlighted priorities were:
- Introducing structural reforms that will enable students to graduate within three years,
- Allowing students to take future-year courses during summer terms,
- Expanding the workplace-based practical education model across universities,
- Establishing the Türkiye–Syria Friendship University in Damascus, and
- Revising admission quotas for specific programs, including pharmacy, dentistry, and other health-related fields.
Through the involvement of experts such as Prof. Dr. Ali SINAĞ, Kadir Has University’s Vice Rector, this strategic vision aims to strengthen the adaptability, quality, and international competitiveness of Turkish higher education by 2030.
COLLABORATION WITH GOVERNMENT
Kadir Has university actively engages in policy-focused research in collaboration with government bodies to promote social and economic development.
KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY & ISTANBUL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ EYUPSULTAN MUNICIPALITY PROJECT: AGRICULTURE 4.0 POLICIES APPLICATION AND RESEARCH CENTER
As part of the Istanbul Development Agency’s 2021 Innovative Istanbul Financial Support Program (TR10/21/YEP/0126), the Agriculture 4.0 Policies Application and Research Center was established in February 2022. The project, led by Eyüpsultan Municipality in partnership with Kadir Has University, has been operating at the Eyüpsultan Municipality Göktürk Additional Service Building since May 2022.
The center aims to enhance sustainable agriculture in Istanbul by increasing the added value in local agricultural areas through pilot studies focusing on technology-supported development and sustainability. It fosters knowledge-intensive production in the agricultural sector and brings together universities, NGOs, government agencies, producers, and food entrepreneurs through information and communication technologies. The overarching goal is to develop policies and practices that facilitate Turkey’s integration into the Agriculture 4.0 process.
In line with these objectives, a workshop led by Kadir Has University was held on May 3–4, 2023, with the participation of academics, institutions, entrepreneurs, and volunteers to evaluate ideas, solutions, and policy recommendations for sustainable and technology-based transformations in urban agriculture and the food sector.
Throughout 2024, the project continued its activities, focusing on extending pilot implementations, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and disseminating research outputs and policy recommendations developed during the earlier phases. The ongoing collaboration underscores the University’s sustained contribution to promoting innovative, technology-driven, and sustainable agricultural practices within Istanbul and beyond.
KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY & ISTANBUL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY/MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: DESIGNHUB-IST
Located inside the grounds of Kadir Has University, the DESIGNHUB-IST Design, Education, and Application Centre is an active organization committed to developing projects, services, and applications that bring significant value to Istanbul’s design scene.
In keeping with our primary goal of elevating the status of creative industries in the country’s design sector, the DESIGNHUB-IST operates as a physical hub as well as a digital platform, providing a range of services to businesses engaged in design-related activities, particularly those developing into design hubs, mostly in Istanbul. Working in the more general field of interior design, our main goal is to support the development of high-end designs in areas like lighting, acoustics, and evidence-based/user-oriented design.
By means of our center, which serves as a platform for cooperative design research between academic institutions, government agencies, and the commercial sector, we aim to promote practical projects and knowledge sharing, promoting multidisciplinary service models. By working together, we hope to improve the nation’s service delivery system and quality of life while meeting a range of needs.
It is important to clarify that the information contained in this publication, which was created as part of the Istanbul Development Agency-sponsored “DESIGNHUB-IST Design, Training, and Application Center” Project, does not represent the opinions of the Ministry of Development or the Istanbul Development Agency. The project’s benefactor is the only one with content accountability.
URBAN DATA DASHBOARD
Kadir Has University’s Istanbul Studies Center and the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) have partnered to carry out the project “Empowering Civil Society and Municipalities for Data-Driven Participatory Gender Equality Policies.” The project is purposefully crafted to meet the pressing demand for easily obtainable information regarding gender disparities and how they are distributed at the local community level, particularly in the areas of İzmir and Balıkesir. The primary goal is to emphasize the importance of making decisions based on data, and this goal is successfully achieved by visualizing the data on an interactive platform.
By encouraging more cooperation and partnership between CSOs and local government entities, the project hopes to increase advocacy efforts within civil society organizations. Women’s CSOs have a platform to express new, varied, and concrete demands for urban governance based on gender equality when geographical and urban evidence is provided. This gives these CSOs the ability to take part in advocacy work and informed engagement that promotes gender equality, which in turn promotes good change and social progress.
As part of the project’s comprehensive efforts, gender-sensitive neighborhood-level datasets were meticulously compiled for both of the project cities. These datasets encompassed a wide range of critical indicators, including average household size, marital status, educational attainment, population density, access to preschool education, health services, and the availability of public transportation services. In order to facilitate the monitoring of gender inequalities across geographic distributions, thematic and synthesis maps were created.
For more detailed information and access to these invaluable resources, you are encouraged to visit the following link: https://map.kent95.org/#. This online platform offers a wealth of insights and data-driven tools that can shed light on the gender disparities within these neighborhoods, fostering informed decision-making and promoting equality and inclusivity.
Kadir Has University (KHAS) and BEDAŞ Collaborate on R&D
Kadir Has University continues to form partnerships with key players from various sectors for R&D activities. KHAS has recently entered into a comprehensive collaboration with Boğaziçi Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş. (BEDAŞ), covering areas from joint R&D projects to internship programs.
According to the protocol signed by KHAS Rector Prof. Dr. Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz and BEDAŞ General Manager Murat Yiğit, the two institutions will conduct joint R&D projects focused on the energy sector and participate together in projects funded by external sources such as Horizon Europe and TÜBİTAK. Additionally, KHAS students will have the opportunity to intern at BEDAŞ, and KHAS will offer discounts on master’s and Ph.D. programs to BEDAŞ employees.
Collaboration Offers Opportunities for KHAS Students and BEDAŞ Employees
Described by KHAS Rector Prof. Dr. Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz as “an important step for all stakeholders in university-industry cooperation,” this collaboration offers multiple advantages for both KHAS students and BEDAŞ employees, beyond R&D activities. Under the protocol, KHAS students who meet the necessary criteria will be eligible to participate in short- and long-term internship programs at BEDAŞ.
To support the education of engineers needed in the energy sector, a BEDAŞ representative will join the Academic Advisory Board in departments such as Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Management Information Systems, and Computer Engineering at KHAS to share their expertise.
Together, the two institutions will organize events like conferences and symposiums on scientific, technological, and technical advancements. BEDAŞ experts will also give seminars at KHAS, bringing practical knowledge to the classroom, while KHAS academics will conduct seminars and training at BEDAŞ.
Special discounts on tuition fees will be offered to BEDAŞ personnel who meet KHAS’s admission requirements and wish to pursue a thesis-based master’s or doctoral program at KHAS. If their thesis topic is funded by organizations such as the European Union or TÜBİTAK, the tuition fee discount could reach 100%, fully covered by the university.
FATIH MUNICIPALITY & KHAS SURVEY PROJECTS
During the initial phase of the project, which has been collaboratively undertaken by Istanbul Fatih Municipality and Kadir Has University since 2022, the primary objective is to address the renovation and maintenance of a total of 70 buildings. These specific structures, identified by the Municipality, are systematically documented within a dedicated database. This project represents a concerted effort to eliminate any gaps in data pertaining to the buildings within the region and to establish a comprehensive address planning database.
Prior to the commencement of the survey activities in this region, a comprehensive three-dimensional scanning process was conducted for all the previously identified buildings. Three-dimensional scanning can be likened to an X-ray for buildings, offering an intricate view of the structures with all their intricate details. Subsequently, on a parcel-by-parcel basis, survey work was diligently carried out at each location where the scanned buildings are situated, and the acquired data was methodically integrated into the Municipality’s database.
Out of the 70 surveys originally slated for completion, a significant milestone has been reached with the successful completion of 39 surveys. The ongoing efforts are directed toward finalizing the remaining surveys for the remaining islands and parcels, ensuring that this important database is both comprehensive and up-to-date.
In the unfortunate event of a disaster, such as building damage or demolition, it becomes essential to access the historical records and information related to the buildings on that island parcel. This underscores the crucial importance of conducting building surveys, which are being diligently pursued by public institutions. The ongoing efforts to complete these missing surveys play a pivotal role in ensuring that vital historical data about these structures is readily available for reference and decision-making in times of need.
On 2 August 2023, in the evaluation meeting on “Surveying, Restitution and Restoration Studies of Immovable Cultural Heritage in Istanbul Province” held under the chairmanship of Istanbul Governor Davut GÜL in the meeting hall of Istanbul Governorship AFAD, Fatih Mayor Mehmet Ergün Turan mentioned the surveying studies we carried out and said that it is the first university among universities to undertake such a project.
TRAINING FOR YOUNG WOMEN SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS AT KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY AND ISTANBUL METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY
Another notable example is our partnership with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) on a project to train and employ young women in the tech industry. This initiative, the “Program to Train Female Software Developers,” was launched by IBB’s Human Resources and Training Department. It aims to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic by training and employing 100 female software developers in the information technology sector.
Through this project, Kadir Has University provides 500 hours of intensive training to selected female candidates with associate or bachelor’s degrees who wish to pursue careers in IT. The program includes courses in “Career in the Informatics World,” “Introduction to Computer Programming,” and 450 hours of “Applied Computer Programming” over a 15-week period, taught by faculty from our Management Information Systems department.
Our Vice Rector and R&D Resources Director, Prof. Dr. Hasan Dağ, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the university’s White Doves Scholarship Program, which supports talented students facing financial challenges, particularly young women. This project reflects our commitment to policy-focused initiatives that foster equal opportunities in education and employment, advancing Turkey’s goals in both social and economic spheres.
Detailed information about the Program to Train Female Software Developers:
100kadinyazilimci.istanbul & https://www.khas.edu.tr/en/khas-and-istanbul-metropolitan-municipality-join-forces-to-train-young-female-software-developer
KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY & SILIVRI MUNICIPALITY FREE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAM PREPARATORY COURSE
In order to better prepare Silivri students for the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) and to increase equality of opportunity in education, a free university preparation course was implemented in cooperation with Silivri Municipality and Kadir Has University. In the university preparation course held at Kadir Has University Selimpaşa Campus, 122 students consisting of high school seniors and high school graduates received free education. 21 students were admitted to engineering faculty, 12 students to faculty of health sciences, 1 student to faculty of law, 5 students to faculty of nursing, 18 students to faculty of science and literature, 19 students to faculty of architecture, 15 students to faculty of business administration, 8 students to faculty of communication.
International Law of the Sea Summer Academy 2024
In 2024, the KHAS International Maritime Law Summer Academy was held between 22 July and 8 August 2024 at Kadir Has University Cibali Campus, in collaboration with DEHUKAM (National Center for the Law of the Sea, Türkiye) and the National University of Singapore Centre for International Law (CIL-NUS).
The Summer Academy once again brought together judges from international courts, distinguished academics, and practitioners working in the field of international law. The program provided advanced training on the law of the sea and maritime law, combining theoretical lectures with practical case studies and interactive sessions. All courses were delivered in English by experts from leading international institutions.
The 2024 program included three intensive weeks covering key topics such as:
- Maritime Zones under National Jurisdiction, Marine Scientific Research, and Offshore Renewable Energy;
- Freedom of Navigation, Marine Pollution and Environmental Protection, Maritime Delimitation, Illegal Fishing, and Dispute Settlement Mechanisms;
- Climate Change and the Oceans, Human Rights at Sea, Ship Liability and Salvage, and Developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding Autonomous Ships.
Distinguished lecturers included figures such as Prof. Dr. Yücel Acer (DEHUKAM), Prof. Dr. Suzette Suarez (Hochschule Bremen), Prof. Dr. Erik Franckx (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Dr. Nilufer Oral (CIL-NUS/ILC), and H.E. Judge Maurice Kamga (ITLOS), among many others. The program also featured educational visits to institutions such as the Coast Guard Command and the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, offering participants valuable practical insights.
By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and institutions, the 2024 Summer Academy once again strengthened international collaboration in maritime law education and advanced understanding of emerging global maritime challenges.
For detailed information about the 2024 program, please visit: lawoftheseaacademy.khas.edu.tr
Kadir Has University Climate Change and Law Laboratory (CCLLAB) – 2024 Activities
Throughout 2024, the Kadir Has University Climate Change and Law Laboratory (CCLLAB) continued its mission of fostering academic dialogue on the intersection of climate change and law through a series of seminars and events featuring distinguished experts from academia and civil society.
As part of its Climate Change and Law Seminar Series, CCLLAB hosted Mehmet Botan Kayhan from the Environmental Policies and International Relations Department of TEMA Foundation on March 22, 2024. His presentation, titled “Climate-Specific Changes in International Law: Climate-Specific Agreements,” explored the evolution of international legal frameworks responding to climate change. The seminar was held online via Zoom and was open to all interested participants.
In 2024, CCLLAB also welcomed Asst. Prof. Dr. Najiba Mustafayeva, Assistant Professor at Ibn Haldun University and Adjunct Professor at ADA University, for a lecture titled “Human Rights in Climate Change Regime.” Dr. Mustafayeva discussed the human rights dimensions of climate governance, emphasizing the global legal and ethical responsibilities of states. The event was held online via Microsoft Teams and open to the public, reflecting CCLLAB’s commitment to inclusive academic exchange.
The Laboratory’s final event of the year took place on December 25, 2024, featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bige Açımuz from Koç University Faculty of Law. Her seminar, titled “The European Court of Human Rights’ Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v. Switzerland Judgment and Its Implications,” analyzed one of the most significant climate litigation decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and discussed its broader legal and policy consequences for Türkiye and Europe.
All events were open to the public through online platforms, ensuring broad accessibility and engagement. Through these activities, CCLLAB continued to strengthen its position as a national and international hub for climate law research, policy dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
KHAS High School Law Academy: Current Developments in Law (2024)
As part of its outreach and educational engagement activities, Kadir Has University Faculty of Law organized the KHAS High School Law Academy: Current Developments in Law on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Cibali Campus.
The event aimed to introduce high school students to contemporary legal issues and to provide them with a first-hand experience of the university’s interactive and case-based approach to legal education. The program brought together KHAS Faculty of Law academics and students, creating a stimulating environment for young participants to explore the field of law.
Program Schedule – Wednesday, May 22, 2024
- 11:00 – 11:40 | Climate Damages – RD Kaan Can Yıldırım
- 11:40 – 12:20 | Damages Arising from Faulty Products – Asst. Alican Çalışkan
- 12:40 – 13:20 | Being a Law School Student at KHAS and Case-Based Education – Mehmet Emir Uçar (4th Year Law Student)
All participating high school students received certificates of participation, acknowledging their engagement and contribution to this academic event. The Academy reflects Kadir Has University’s commitment to legal education, youth outreach, and promoting awareness of current developments in law.
COLLABORATION WITH NGOs
HERITOPOLIS
Kadir Has University’s Istanbul Studies Center is a key partner in Heritopolis, an international initiative that bridges the realms of heritage and metropolitan challenges with the ultimate goal of promoting sustainable urban development. This partnership operates within the framework of the UNHabitat Universities Network Initiative (UNI), more specifically, the UNI Hub on Metropolitan Management.
Given the projected growth of metropolises to become the world’s most populous urban category by 2035, Heritopolis revolves around several vital research questions:
- What specific role can heritage play in advancing the sustainability of 21st-century metropolises?
- How can the metropolitan context redefine our understanding of heritage?
- What distinguishes metropolitan heritage from other forms of heritage?
- Can we perceive the metropolis itself as a heritage, and if so, how?
Heritopolis is committed to cultivating a holistic perspective, breaking free from traditional academic boundaries, and harnessing the insights of various disciplines and thought leaders. It embraces a triple helix approach that seamlessly integrates academia, governance, and industry to shape a progressive and comprehensive paradigm for the future of metropolitan development and heritage conservation.
To access additional information, kindly refer to the provided link: https://heritopolis.org/
KENT95 PROJECT
Kadir Has University’s Istanbul Studies Center, in collaboration with the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), has developed an interactive platform. This platform serves as a valuable tool for local governments, aiding them in monitoring their existing services and crafting strategies for forthcoming initiatives. Moreover, it empowers city residents by granting them access to comprehensive information about the services available in their urban area. You can explore this platform at https://map.kent95.org/
Kadir Has University Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center publishes the Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Plus Employees in the Private Sector in Turkey and the Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Plus Employees in Public Sector in Turkey annually, in collaboration with the NGO Kaos Gay Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos GL).
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
CyberMACS Equips Future Cybersecurity Experts with Dual Master’s Degrees and Collaborative Industry Experience
In an era where cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in safeguarding digital landscapes and infrastructures, CyberMACS takes center stage as a beacon of excellence in cybersecurity higher education. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJM) project offered by a Consortium of three highly-ranked universities: Kadir Has University (Istanbul, Türkiye), SRH Berlin School of Applied Sciences (Berlin, Germany), and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (Skopje, North Macedonia) is on a mission to bridge the growing cybersecurity talent gap.
REDUCING THE CYBERSECURITY SKILLS GAP
The digital revolution has ushered in unprecedented complexities in the realm of cybersecurity. With cyber threats projected to cost the global economy a staggering USD 10.5 trillion by 2025, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is soaring. However, the workforce gap in this critical field continues to widen.
CyberMACS is an international master’s programme designed to equip students with the skills to detect, prevent, mitigate, and manage cyberattacks. This groundbreaking project, offered by the Consortium and cybersecurity industry partners, addresses the talent shortage and sets a new international standard in cybersecurity education.
UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME
CyberMACS stands out with its distinctive features, setting the stage for the future of cybersecurity education:
- Dual Degrees: Students can graduate with “double” masters degrees diplomas, a testament to the programme’s commitment to academic excellence.
- Industry Collaboration: Since CyberMACS has a dedicated “Industrial Advisory Board”, CyberMACS universities and students can work closely with industry experts, creating a strong link between academia and real-world cybersecurity challenges.
- International Work Experience: Close collaboration with industry partners offers students valuable internships, mentorships, and contributions to curriculum courses, ensuring they are ready to land a job in the cybersecurity industry.
DIVERSE COHORT OF FUTURE CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS
Cybersecurity needs a diverse and inclusive workforce with respect to the sophisticated threats. In this vein, CyberMACS boasts a diverse cohort of 25 students, 16 males and 9 females, representing 16 nationalities in the first intake. This international mix enriches the programme’s experience, fostering multicultural perspectives among all participants.
SUCCESSFUL CULTURAL ORIENTATION AND JOINT INTEGRATION WEEKS
CyberMACS recently conducted two significant event series, the Cultural Orientation Week and the Joint Integration Week, setting the stage for a vibrant academic journey for its first students.
Cultural Orientation Week: The event included cultural exploration with city tours to historic sites of Istanbul like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, immersing students in Turkish culture.
Joint Integration Week: This programme brought together around 60 participants. Distinguished speakers from industry and academia discussed various aspects of cybersecurity, including digital trust, cybersecurity certification, legal aspects of cybersecurity, and more. Interactive working group sessions on cybersecurity pilot cases provided students hands-on experience on real-world cybersecurity challenges, and the week concluded with student group presentations.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SENIOR EXPERTS IN CYBERSECURITY
The Joint Integration Week featured associate partners and renowned speakers who shared their expertise in cybersecurity trends, enriching the program with diverse perspectives. Notable speakers included Dr. Knud Brandis (Ernst & Young, Germany), Prof. Dr Jeanne Pia Mifsud Bonnici (Groningen University), Prof. Dr Berk Canberk (Edinburgh Napier University), Prof. Dr. Boro Jakimovski (Inteligenta/UKIM), Kubilay Onur Güngör (Cyber Struggle), Erdem Kayar (Lostar), and Yalçın Gerek (Tacas).
CyberMACS is more than an educational program; it is a mission to train future-ready experts capable of addressing tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.
OTHER INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
The Kadir Has University Center and Women’s Studies Research Center have successfully concluded the Systematic Action for Gender Equality (SAGE) project, collaborating within a consortium that includes seven universities from across Europe.
Presently, the Center and Women’s Studies Research Center are spearheading the GenderEX: Gender for Excellence in Research in partnership with three esteemed international institutions. GenderEX is a project strategically designed to foster networking, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of best practices to promote the integration of the Sex and Gender Dimension in Research Content (SGDRC). This collaboration involves the Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center at Kadir Has University (GWSRC-KHAS) in Turkey, along with three renowned international partners in this field: the University of Lund (Sweden), the University of Genoa (Italy), and Technological University Dublin (Ireland).
Kadir Has University is the academic partner of the UEFA Football Law Programme (UEFA FLP). The UEFA Football Law Programme (UEFA FLP) is specifically designed for legal professionals who wish to keep up to date with the latest developments in football law and to broaden their understanding of relevant topics.
The program comprises four week-long sessions, which address key issues and topical aspects of football law. It has been developed by UEFA in close cooperation with internationally renowned academic experts and practitioners. Detailed explanations can be found in the UEFA Academy program catalog.
CROSS-SECTORAL DIALOGUE
Kadir Has University’s Center of Energy and Sustainable Development serves as a prominent exemplar of fostering cross-sectoral dialogue through its series of Energy and Climate Conversations.
The reports produced by the Center and Women’s Studies Research Center, which shed light on the experiences of LGBTI employees in public and private sectors, stand as a prime illustration of cross-sectoral dialogue in terms of gender equality.
Additionally, the Center and Women’s Studies Research Center have published the “Gender Equality Action Plan Toolkit for Institutional Change“, a comprehensive guide tailored to facilitate profound transformation towards gender equality within a diverse array of organizations and corporations spanning multiple industries and sectors.
“BUDGET IT – Building Gender Equality through Gender Budgeting for Institutional Transformation”
– Prof. Dr. Mary Louise Şimşek
BUDGET-IT aims to strengthen inclusive gender+ equality using “gender+ budgeting”. Our university will coordinate a consortium of nine institutions in the three-year project that aims to transform institutions in this way.
With the support of leading universities in Italy and Spain, the project aims to increase inclusiveness and research excellence in universities in Bosnia, Serbia and Turkey, in the context of the European Union’s enlargement policies.
By the end of the project, partner organizations will have produced an integrated and inclusive gender+ equality plan and gender+ budget (GEP-GB). The 36-month project has a total budget of EUR 999,235. Kadir Has University’s budget is 260.518 EUR.
KHAS Gender and Women’s Studies UAM Project Manager Dr. Selma Değirmenci, Core Program Faculty Members Dr. Nurseli Yeşim Sünbüloğlu and Dr. Doğu Durgun, and Faculty of Law Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olgun Akbulut take part in the project.
| Participating Organisation Legal Name | Country | Role Action |
| KADIR HAS UNIVERSITESI | Turkey | Coordinator |
| MALTEPE MUNICIPALITY | Turkey | Partner |
| UNIVERZITET-SARAJEVSKA SKOLA ZA NAUKU I TEHNOLOGIJU PU | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Partner |
| COMUNE DI BRESCIA | Italy | Partner |
| UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI BRESCIA | Italy | Partner |
| University of Belgrade Faculty of Law | Serbia | Partner |
| UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE | Spain | Partner |
| Municipality of Stari Grad | Serbia | Partner |
| Ayuntamiento de Novelda | Spain | Partner |
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center
The Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center at Kadir Has University aims to create an intellectual locus for interdisciplinary research, teaching and institutional change related to gender equality. As one of our goals, we seek to critically re-examine discussions of equality and gender as they pertain to the status of women while bearing in mind that the field is not limited to male and female prototypes but also includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ+) individuals. We are specifically interested in creating change that is systemic and sustainable. Ours is a feminist organization. We define feminism as a social movement that seeks to end sexist and gender-based oppression. As such, simply adding more women to existing systems is not enough, rather our goal is a transformation of systems of power so that they value a diversity of peoples and create conditions of equality. To this end, men have a role to play in advancing gender equality and we believe that an interrogation of cultural ideas of masculinity is vital.
Membership
Deniz Altuntaş, on behalf of Kadir Has University Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center, has undertaken the duty of Founding Executive Board Member of the Istanbul Citizens’ Assembly, Women’s Council. She is currently working voluntarily as one of the Moderators of Women’s Council.
Research
The Perception of Gender and Women in Turkey
This annual survey is one of the hallmarks of the Center. Each year, the Center conducts this survey to monitor the general trends among people in Turkey regarding women and gender issues. The survey focuses on questions related to women, family and society; women and work life; equal opportunities in business; social roles and working relationships; approach on women and LGBTI rights; abortion; women and politics. The study was conducted with 2499 people 18 years old and older representing the urban population of Turkey. The survey results show that, in general, there is a progression in perceptions of gender equality between women and men. However, women report a more egalitarian orientation than men.
Please click here to reach the Perception of Gender and Women in Turkey survey results.
Legal But Not Necessarily Available: Abortion Services at Private Hospitals in Turkey – 2022 (ongoing)
Abortion is legal in Turkey. In 1983, Law No. 2827 regarding Population Planning lifted the ban on abortion that had been in place since the foundation of the Republic. The study entitled “Legal but Not Necessarily Available: Abortion Services at Private Hospitals in Turkey” includes all hospitals that have a department of gynecology and obstetrics. We were able to reach 454 hospitals and our goal was to systematically determine which hospitals provide abortion services and under which circumstances.
Projects
GENDEREX: GENDER FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH (H2020-WIDESPREAD PROJECT)
GENDEREX: GENDER FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH (H2020-WIDESPREAD PROJECT)
The Widespread (Twinning) project titled “GenderEX: Gender for Excellence in Research” has been funded by the European Commission for three years from 2021-2023. The project is coordinated by the KHAS Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center, The project team consists of: Prof. Mary Lou O’Neil (coordinator) and Assoc. Professor Salih Bıçakçı (researcher) and Asst. Prof. Şebnem Eşsiz (researcher). Gender for Excellence in Research (GenderEX) is a project designed to build networks, exchange knowledge and engage best practices to stimulate the integration of the Sex and Gender Dimension in Research Content (SGDRC), between the Gender and Women’s Studies Research Center at Kadir Has University (GWSRC-KHAS) in Turkey and three internationally-leading partners in this area: University of Lund (Sweden), University of Genoa (Italy) and Technological University Dublin (Ireland).
The Kadir Has University Center and Women’s Studies Research Center have successfully concluded the Systematic Action for Gender Equality (SAGE) project, collaborating within a consortium that includes seven universities from across Europe.
Private Sector Consulting
1) Guide:
- AKBANK Academy: Gender Equality and Child Development
- AKBANK: Gender Inclusive Use of Language
2) Consulting:
- KORDSA: Gender Equality Policies and Procedures
3) Training:
- ATT Textile: Training Against Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment
- Istanbul Economics Research: Gender Equality Education CCI: Gender-Inclusive Language and Communication Guide Workshop
Contributions
Social Policy Workshops Final Reports of Sariyer Municipality (Istanbul)
Social Policy Workshops Final Reports of Sariyer Municipality (Istanbul)
“Women’s unit; gender equality or what should be done about violence should also be embraced by other units. They also need to have a command of the subject and have an inclusive approach.”
Gender and Perception of Security in Istanbul Workshop – Report
“Gender and Perception of Security in Istanbul Workshop was organized in partnership with Istanbul Citizens’ Assembly Women’s Council, Koç University Faculty of Humanities and HAT activities, and as part of the Futurewell Design Team’s joint project with Northumbria University in England: Imprinting Security.”
Deniz Altuntaş from The Center and Istanbul Citizens’ Assembly Women’s Council contributed to the workshop and report.
The Energy and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center
Good DEEDs – Digital Energy Efficiency Designers
Kadir Has University takes part in the Erasmus+ Key Action 2 (KA226) project titled Good DEEDs – Digital Energy Efficiency Designers, coordinated in Türkiye by Prof. Dr. Meltem Ucal. The project brings together seven partner institutions from Italy, Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Romania, and Türkiye to promote awareness and education on digital energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.
Within the project, training materials and an online learning platform are being developed to engage vocational high school teachers and students in practical, digital approaches to energy conservation.
Project Duration: February 2021 – February 2024
Lead Institution: EGInA (Italy)
Project Coordinator in Türkiye: Prof. Dr. Meltem Ucal, Kadir Has University
Clean Energy Technology Partnership Program
Investigation of Transition to Net-Zero European Energy System in 2050 using Energy System Models (Man0EUvRE)
Kadir Has University is part of Man0EUvRE, a CETPartnership–funded consortium that improves and coordinates energy system modelling to support the EU’s net-zero 2050 pathway, consistent with REPowerEU/Fit-for-55. The KHAS team (PI: Assoc. Prof. Gökhan Kirkil) contributes modelling, scenario design, and policy-relevant evidence; the KHAS node runs 2024–2027. Project aims include open, research-based insights at national and pan-European scales to guide decarbonization decisions.
Financing for Green Transition (FINANCE4GREEN)Program: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Staff Exchanges (HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2023)
Duration: December 2024 – November 2028
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. A. Erinç Yeldan, Kadir Has University
The FINANCE4GREEN project explores how the global financial system can support the transition to a net-zero economy. Funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework, the project examines the role of monetary policy, industrial strategy, and investment mechanisms in advancing sustainable growth and ecological justice. It brings together researchers from multiple disciplines and institutions to promote knowledge exchange through workshops, training, and collaborative studies on green finance and sustainable development.
Publications
Ediger, V.Ş., Berk, İ., Üçtuğ, F.G., Küçüker, M.A., İnan, A. (2024). Energy Management in Organized Industrial Parks: Promoting the Green Energy Transition in Turkish Manufacturing Industry. IEEE Explore. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10608940
Kat, B., Şahin, Ü., TöR, O. B., Teimourzadeh, S., Voyvoda, E., & Yeldan, A. E. (2024). Coal Phase-out in the Turkish Power Sector towards net-zero emission targets: An Integrated Assessment of Energy-Economy-Environment Modeling. Energy, in print. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.131760
Qudaih, S., Bektas, Z., Guven, D., Kayakutlu, G., Kayalica, M.Ö. (2024). Technology Assessment of Hydrogen Storage: Cases Enabling the Clean Energy Transition. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 71, 5744-5756.
Tetik, H., & Kirkil, G. (2024). The Role of Hydrogen in the Energy Mix: A Scenario Analysis for Turkey Using OSeMOSYS. Energies, 17(24), 6348. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246348
Yucekaya, A., Bilge, A. H., Yukseltan, E., & Agca Aktunc, E. (2024). Segregation of Hourly Electricity Consumption: Quantification of Demand Types Using Fourier Transform. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 15(1), 384–396. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.17798
Yukseltan, E., Aktunc, E. A., Bilge, A. H., & Yucekaya, A. (2024). An Overview of Electricity Consumption in Europe: Models for Prediction of the Electricity Usage for Heating and Cooling. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 14(2), 96–111. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.15514
- Ediger, V.Ş., Berk, İ., Üçtuğ, F.G., Küçüker, M.A., İnan, A. (2024).
Energy Management in Organized Industrial Parks: Promoting the Green Energy Transition in Turkish Manufacturing Industry,
EEM24 – The International Conference on European Energy Market, 10-12 June 2024, Istanbul, Turkey.
EEM24 – 20th International Conference on the European Energy Market Held at Kadir Has University
The EEM24 – 20th International Conference on the European Energy Market was hosted at Kadir Has University’s Cibali Campus between June 10–12, 2024. The conference was chaired by Prof. Dr. Volkan Ş. Ediger and Asst. Prof. Dr. Emre Çelebi, bringing together nearly 200 participants, including 180 international and 20 national experts from academia, industry, and policy circles.
Celebrating its 20th edition, EEM is recognized as one of Europe’s most prominent conferences in the field of energy economics and market studies, held each year in a different European city. The Istanbul edition provided an important platform for discussions on energy transition, market integration, and sustainable energy policies.
High School Students Discussed Sustainability
The event titled “Young People Seeking Solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals” was held at Kadir Has University’s Cibali Campus on May 23, 2024, with the participation of students from Korkmaz Yiğit Anatolian High School. During the event, 11 student groups selected one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) each and presented their own proposals and creative solutions to achieve it. The activity attracted more than 100 participants, fostering youth engagement and awareness on sustainability and global citizenship.
Panel on “Energy of the Republic’s First 100 Years” Held
The online panel titled “Energy of the Republic’s First 100 Years” was held on December 19, 2023, under the moderation of Prof. Dr. Volkan Ş. Ediger. The event featured contributions from Mustafa Yörükoğlu, Muzaffer Başaran, Erkan Çetinkaya, and Dr. Nejat Tamzok, who shared their insights on Türkiye’s century-long energy developments and future prospects. The panel attracted significant attention and was attended by approximately 40 participants.
International Law of the Sea Summer Academy 2024
In 2024, the KHAS International Maritime Law Summer Academy was held between 22 July and 8 August 2024 at Kadir Has University Cibali Campus, in collaboration with DEHUKAM (National Center for the Law of the Sea, Türkiye) and the National University of Singapore Centre for International Law (CIL-NUS).
The Summer Academy once again brought together judges from international courts, distinguished academics, and practitioners working in the field of international law. The program provided advanced training on the law of the sea and maritime law, combining theoretical lectures with practical case studies and interactive sessions. All courses were delivered in English by experts from leading international institutions.
The 2024 program included three intensive weeks covering key topics such as:
- Maritime Zones under National Jurisdiction, Marine Scientific Research, and Offshore Renewable Energy;
- Freedom of Navigation, Marine Pollution and Environmental Protection, Maritime Delimitation, Illegal Fishing, and Dispute Settlement Mechanisms;
- Climate Change and the Oceans, Human Rights at Sea, Ship Liability and Salvage, and Developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding Autonomous Ships.
Distinguished lecturers included figures such as Prof. Dr. Yücel Acer (DEHUKAM), Prof. Dr. Suzette Suarez (Hochschule Bremen), Prof. Dr. Erik Franckx (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Dr. Nilufer Oral (CIL-NUS/ILC), and H.E. Judge Maurice Kamga (ITLOS), among many others. The program also featured educational visits to institutions such as the Coast Guard Command and the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, offering participants valuable practical insights.
By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and institutions, the 2024 Summer Academy once again strengthened international collaboration in maritime law education and advanced understanding of emerging global maritime challenges.
For detailed information about the 2024 program, please visit: lawoftheseaacademy.khas.edu.tr
Kadir Has University Climate Change and Law Laboratory (CCLLAB) – 2024 Activities
Throughout 2024, the Kadir Has University Climate Change and Law Laboratory (CCLLAB) continued its mission of fostering academic dialogue on the intersection of climate change and law through a series of seminars and events featuring distinguished experts from academia and civil society.
As part of its Climate Change and Law Seminar Series, CCLLAB hosted Mehmet Botan Kayhan from the Environmental Policies and International Relations Department of TEMA Foundation on March 22, 2024. His presentation, titled “Climate-Specific Changes in International Law: Climate-Specific Agreements,” explored the evolution of international legal frameworks responding to climate change. The seminar was held online via Zoom and was open to all interested participants.
In 2024, CCLLAB also welcomed Asst. Prof. Dr. Najiba Mustafayeva, Assistant Professor at Ibn Haldun University and Adjunct Professor at ADA University, for a lecture titled “Human Rights in Climate Change Regime.” Dr. Mustafayeva discussed the human rights dimensions of climate governance, emphasizing the global legal and ethical responsibilities of states. The event was held online via Microsoft Teams and open to the public, reflecting CCLLAB’s commitment to inclusive academic exchange.
The Laboratory’s final event of the year took place on December 25, 2024, featuring Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bige Açımuz from Koç University Faculty of Law. Her seminar, titled “The European Court of Human Rights’ Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz v. Switzerland Judgment and Its Implications,” analyzed one of the most significant climate litigation decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and discussed its broader legal and policy consequences for Türkiye and Europe.
All events were open to the public through online platforms, ensuring broad accessibility and engagement. Through these activities, CCLLAB continued to strengthen its position as a national and international hub for climate law research, policy dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
UEFA Football Law Programme
Kadir Has University is the academic partner of the UEFA Football Law Programme (UEFA FLP). The UEFA Football Law Programme (UEFA FLP) is specifically designed for legal professionals who wish to keep up to date with the latest developments in football law and to broaden their understanding of relevant topics.
The program comprises four week-long sessions, which address key issues and topical aspects of football law. It has been developed by UEFA in close cooperation with internationally renowned academic experts and practitioners. Detailed explanations can be found in the UEFA Academy program catalog.
“BUDGET IT – Building Gender Equality through Gender Budgeting for Institutional Transformation”
– Prof. Dr. Mary Louise Şimşek
BUDGET-IT aims to strengthen inclusive gender+ equality using “gender+ budgeting”. Our university will coordinate a consortium of nine institutions in the three-year project that aims to transform institutions in this way.
With the support of leading universities in Italy and Spain, the project aims to increase inclusiveness and research excellence in universities in Bosnia, Serbia and Turkey, in the context of the European Union’s enlargement policies.
By the end of the project, partner organizations will have produced an integrated and inclusive gender+ equality plan and gender+ budget (GEP-GB). The 36-month project has a total budget of EUR 999,235. Kadir Has University’s budget is 260.518 EUR.
KHAS Gender and Women’s Studies UAM Project Manager Dr. Selma Değirmenci, Core Program Faculty Members Dr. Nurseli Yeşim Sünbüloğlu and Dr. Doğu Durgun, and Faculty of Law Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olgun Akbulut take part in the project.
| Participating Organisation Legal Name | Country | Role Action |
| KADIR HAS UNIVERSITESI | Turkey | Coordinator |
| MALTEPE MUNICIPALITY | Turkey | Partner |
| UNIVERZITET-SARAJEVSKA SKOLA ZA NAUKU I TEHNOLOGIJU PU | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Partner |
| COMUNE DI BRESCIA | Italy | Partner |
| UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI BRESCIA | Italy | Partner |
| University of Belgrade Faculty of Law | Serbia | Partner |
| UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE | Spain | Partner |
| Municipality of Stari Grad | Serbia | Partner |
| Ayuntamiento de Novelda | Spain | Partner |
International Memberships and Collaborations
Kadir Has University is an active member of various international organizations and networks. Through these memberships, the University regularly shares institutional data, contributes to global research initiatives, and takes part in international collaborations aimed at advancing higher education, sustainability, and innovation. The list of organizations to which our University belongs is presented below.
Kadir Has University actively contributes to international collaborative research addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through its participation in the Cycling Cities: The Global Experience project (https://www.cyclingcities.info/ ) which is part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM) International Research Network (https://www.cyclingcities.info/research/cpsum/)
Dr. Müge Özbek (Common Courses Department) participates in the project as the author of Cycling Cities: The Istanbul Experience, representing the university in a comparative global study encompassing over fifty cities in twenty-five countries, including Amsterdam, Istanbul, Toronto, Bogotá, Erbil, Tehran, Cairo, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lisbon, Bamako, Dar es Salaam, and others. Müge Özbek’s name is featured on the project’s main page under İstanbul title on the main page of the Cycling Cities project and in the Sum Team section (https://www.cyclingcities.info/sum-team/) This collaboration develops comparative approaches and promotes international best practices in sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility — a direct contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).