The “Plastics Industry SWOT Analysis Workshop Findings Report,” prepared in collaboration between the Istanbul Kültür University Sustainable Development Center (SÜRKAM) and the Sustainable Education Development and Excellence Association (SEGM), has been published.

Within the scope of the “Corporate Sustainability and Sectoral Transformation Meetings,” the workshop report addresses the sustainability transformation of the plastics industry through environmental, social, and governance dimensions. According to the report, the Türkiye plastics industry is among the leading sectors of the national economy, with approximately 14,000 manufacturers, over 300,000 direct employees, and more than 1 million total employment. The report states that the sector’s annual exports exceed 10 billion dollars and that it has the second-largest plastic processing capacity in Europe.

The report highlights the sector’s strong production infrastructure, flexible manufacturing capability, and adaptability to technology as key advantages. Automation, R&D, and an extensive supply network stand out as factors supporting its competitiveness.

Policy and governance gaps, limited financing mechanisms to support sustainability transformation, and uncertainties in regulatory compliance processes are identified as the main challenges facing the sector. In particular, the report notes that access to finance issues for SMEs affect the pace of transformation.

Priority transformation areas identified in the report include strengthening circular economy infrastructure, carbon management and energy efficiency, digitalization and data-driven management, sustainable product design, value-added production, sectoral perception management, and human resource transformation. It is also emphasized that the European Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and increasing certification obligations will have direct impacts on the sector. The report concludes that despite the sector’s strong production and technological infrastructure, governance, financing, data management, and regulatory compliance capacity must be developed together to accelerate sustainability transformation.

Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil, Vice Rector of Istanbul Kültür University and Director of SÜRKAM, stated that sustainability is no longer merely a corporate preference but has become a determining factor in competitiveness and access to finance. Prof. Dr. Tiftikçigil summarized their collaboration with the Sustainable Education Development and Excellence Association as follows:

“The Plastics Industry SWOT Analysis Workshop Findings Report is the first output of a productive collaboration. It is also the first outcome of the Corporate Sustainability and Sectoral Transformation Meetings we initiated within the scope of our protocol with SEGM. Within this collaboration, we aim to go beyond raising awareness in the field of sustainability and establish a continuous, systematic, and outcome-oriented platform. Each of the planned meetings will focus on a different sector; as a result of multidimensional evaluations carried out with the participation of sector representatives, academia, and relevant stakeholders, comprehensive analyses and reports revealing the sustainability performance of each sector will be prepared.”

Çağlar Çabuk, Chairperson of the Board of SEGM, emphasized that sustainability has become a fundamental component of strategic governance, risk management, and value chain optimization, and stated that in order for the plastics industry to maintain its current production strength, it is necessary to reduce carbon intensity, increase resource efficiency, and integrate circular economy principles into business models.

Ömer Karadeniz, Chairperson of the Board of PLASFED, stated in the report that the plastics industry is one of the strategic components of Türkiye’s industry with its production capability, technological adaptability, and wide range of applications. Karadeniz emphasized that sustainability transformation in the sector is not only a technical process but also requires a multidimensional approach including regulatory compliance, access to finance, data-driven management, and public perception.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences of Istanbul Kültür University hosted an event in the field of database systems. In the seminar titled “SQL Query Optimization in Relational Databases,” delivered by Dr. Emilia-Loredana Pop (Babeș-Bolyai University) on Wednesday, April 15, the theoretical foundations of query optimization and its practical implications were discussed.

The presentation examined the execution process of SQL queries from syntactic analysis to their transformation into relational algebra expressions and the creation of the most efficient execution plan, from a multi-layered perspective. The impact of different query writing styles on system performance was discussed through relational algebra equivalences, while indexing strategies and data access methods were evaluated in the context of performance optimization.

The event provided participants with an analytical perspective on fundamental approaches used in improving query plans and the decision-making mechanisms of database management systems, bringing together theoretical background and practical examples.

The Program of Construction Technology organized a seminar titled "YTONG Solutions in Energy Efficient and Safe Buildings" on Thursday, April 9. Oruç İcen Cerbezer, a representative from YTONG, participated as a speaker and shared important information about sustainable building materials, thermal insulation, energy saving, and application processes.

Istanbul Kültür University Optometry Program, in collaboration with Bakırköy Social Services Center and Veni Vidi Eye Hospital, launched a meaningful social responsibility project on April 9, 2026.

In this meaningful project, which is one of the finest examples of university, industry, and public sector collaboration, comprehensive eye examinations were conducted by Specialist Dr. Aylin Kantarcı and Surgeon Dr. Kadir Çolakoğlu, and prescriptions for individuals in need were meticulously prepared.

Our Opticianry Program students and graduates participated in technical measurement, lens cutting, and eyeglass assembly stages under academic supervision, transforming their professional skills into social benefit. By reaching a group of 25 people consisting of caregivers of disabled individuals, elderly people, and disadvantaged families monitored within the Bakırköy Social Services Center, both the practical skills of our students were enhanced and clarity was brought to the world of individuals in need.

The second information meeting within the scope of the MEDEK accreditation process was held at IKU Vocational School on Thursday, April 9. During the meeting, evaluations of the accreditation process were made and quality improvement efforts were discussed.

Within the scope of Istanbul Kültür University Department of Architecture activities, an interview titled "Meeting with Alumni of the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture" was held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:30 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. In the event held under the moderation of Lecturer Şeyda Şen, our graduates Orkan Zeynel Güzelci, Baran Taşçı, Gamze Çiçekoğlu, and Şafak Çelik took part as speakers.

In collaboration with the Student Deanship Kültür Point and QNB Insurance, a “CV Meet-Up” event was held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the 4th floor multipurpose hall of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus. The event, attended by QNB Insurance Senior Recruitment Specialist Serkan Arslan, provided students with the opportunity to gain comprehensive insights into career planning, recruitment processes, and effective CV preparation techniques.

Throughout the event, participants gained valuable tips on key points to consider in a CV, ways to stand out in interview processes, and competencies that create a difference in the business world. The meet-up, conducted in an interactive environment, offered our students the opportunity to obtain first-hand information about the sector.

The event, which increased our students’ awareness of professional life, also contributed to their ability to plan their career journeys more consciously.

An "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technologies Sector Information Meeting" was organized by the Program of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technologies on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 10:30. In the event, where ISKAV General Secretary Cem Savcı and ISKAV (Heating Refrigeration Air Conditioning Research and Education Foundation) Board Member Turgay Yay participated as speakers; topics such as current developments, future technologies, and the need for a qualified workforce in vocational education were discussed. In the event moderated by our Head of Program Lecturer H. Serpil Karakuş, our students had the opportunity to shape their career goals by meeting with sector representatives.

The Department of Basic Education at the Faculty of Education organized an event titled "Social and Emotional Learning in Childhood" on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10.00. The event, attended by students from the Faculty of Education, featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mine Göl Güven from Boğaziçi University as a speaker.

The Program of E-Commerce and Marketing organized a field trip to OMG! Communication Agency on Thursday, April 9. Accompanied by Lecturer Dr. İrem Oran, our students had the opportunity to observe the agency environment firsthand. During the visit, students were informed by Elmas Nida Baykal Alkan, Founder of OMG! Communication, about the importance of industry connections, internal agency processes, successes, crises, and the value of building strong relationships within the sector.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, an event titled “Ways to Tell the Climate Crisis: Effective Communication Strategies” was held by the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema. Assoc. Prof. İlknur Doğu Öztürk, Head of the Program of Public Relations and Publicity at Doğuş University, participated as a speaker in the event moderated by Deputy Head of Department Assoc. Prof. Bilgehan Ece Şakrak. In the event, where information on communication strategies and public opinion formation processes was shared, the importance of conveying the climate crisis to society accurately and effectively was discussed. Participants had the opportunity to discuss current approaches to communication produced on the climate crisis and gain different perspectives.

Assist. Prof. Hacer Neyir Tekeli, our Head of the Program of Civil Air Transport Management, introduced our aviation programs to Kültür 2000 College students. In the presentation held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026; educational opportunities in the field of aviation, career opportunities, and sector dynamics were shared with the students.

In the event titled "Preparation for the Future Day" organized by the Dean of Students Office on April 14, 2026, the company Jetlid met with our students. In the event, where Jetlid Founder Koray Akhan, Jetlid Group Sales Director Çınar Saltık, Jetlid Academy Director Neslihan Sönmez, and Jetlid Group HR Director Tuğçe Baltaoğlu participated as speakers; the transition process to the business world, sectoral expectations, and personal development issues were discussed.

Within the scope of the program; information was provided on entrepreneurship, future sales strategies, effective communication skills, and CV preparation processes. Participants, who had the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of expert names, gained important insights into their careers in an interactive environment through Q&A sessions.

Assoc. Prof. Selda Salman, Head of the Department of Core Courses, held a talk with 10th grade students of Kültür College on the emergence of modern philosophy and the fundamental questions of humanity.

Within the scope of the "İÇM0905 Kitchen and Bathroom Design" course conducted by Assist. Prof. Maryam SOLEIMANI in the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, a technical trip to the showroom of the Creavit company was carried out on April 10, 2026.

The Program of Flight Operations Management held a meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, within the framework of the SHGM KDM system and ICAO Doc 10106.

During the meeting, which was attended by academic and administrative staff, important assessments were made to further improve the quality of education by including the views of external stakeholders in the process.

The Department of Public Relations and Advertising organized an event titled "Creative Advertising Workshop" on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The event, moderated by Assist. Prof. Sezgi Turfanda, featured Art Director Başak Ceylan and Strategist Ezgi Yağcı from Jupiter Agency as speakers. Held as part of the "Advertising Workshop IV" course, the event provided students with information and briefs on project topics.

The Department of Educational Sciences held a seminar titled "Being a Positive Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" on Monday, April 13, 2026, with Dr. Çisem Uzun as the speaker.

The Department of Common Courses, in collaboration with the English Language and Literature Department and the Liber Culture and Arts Association, organized a “Career Planning Workshop” on Tuesday, April 14. Students from various departments showed interest in the workshop, and Sinem Özgün and İpek Gözütok Sarıtaş, members of the Liber Culture and Arts Association, participated as speakers.

In the workshop organized by Dr. Andaç Toksoy and Dr. Pınar Sarp Hüseyin, instructors of the "Career Planning" course, our students gained significant insights into their career planning processes. It also provided a productive platform for them to get to know the Liber Culture and Arts Association and explore potential collaboration opportunities with the association.

As part of the “IE6404-Production Planning and Control” course offered by the Department of Industrial Engineering, a seminar was held on Monday, April 13, with Zeynel Sırma, a 2013 alumni, participating as the speaker.

The Program of E-Commerce and Marketing of IKU Vocational School organized an event titled "From Search Engine Optimization to Generative Engine Optimization (SEO to GEO)" on Tuesday, April 14. The event, which discussed the transforming dynamics of digital marketing, featured Sema Koca, a Digital Marketing Specialist and a graduate of our university, as the speaker. Sharing insights into the evolution of search engine optimization, next-generation optimization approaches supported by generative AI, and current industry trends, our alumna inspired our students and shed light on their career paths.

The event was moderated by Lecturer Dr. Irem Oran from the Program of E-Commerce and Marketing.

Prof. Dr. Birsen Tütüniş, a faculty member of the Department of Foreign Language Education, participated as an invited keynote speaker at the conference titled “Ports of Connection: Multidisciplinary Perspectives in ELT,” organized by Piri Reis University on April 3, 2026. Our undergraduate and graduate students also presented their work at the conference.

The Department of Public Relations and Advertising organized an event titled "Occupational Health and Safety-2" on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 13.00. The event, featuring Cumhur Gültekin, an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist from Istanbul Kültür University, focused on earthquake and disaster-related topics for our students.

IKU Vocational School's Program of Air Logistics organized a talk titled "Treasures Above the Clouds: Valuable Cargo Transportation" on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Ayhan Kaya, International Sales Manager of Brink’s Global Services-Türkiye, participated as a speaker at the event held in the İncirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The event provided insights into the dynamics of valuable cargo transportation, one of the most sensitive and strategic areas of the sector, as well as operational processes and current developments in the logistics industry.

As part of the "IE0511 Case Studies in Managerial Finance" course given in the Department of Industrial Engineering, an informative trip to Borsa İstanbul was organized under the guidance of Assist. Prof. Ethem Tarhan. During the trip held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, our students gained valuable information about the functioning of markets and financial systems.

IKU Vocational School (MYO) organized a webinar titled “E-Commerce Applications: Ozon Global and the Russian Market” on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The event, featuring Zeynep Çiftçi, Head of Business Development at Ozon Global, shared important information about the dynamics of the Russian market and e-commerce processes with our students. Moderated by Lecturer Dr. İrem Oran, the event provided students with knowledge on the intricacies of entering global markets and current e-commerce strategies.

IKU Vocational School hosted Pendik Medical Park Hospital Corporate Promotion Manager Uğur Gür on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of the "Marketing in Health Services" course. Sharing his years of experience and knowledge in the sector with our students, Gür offered important perspectives on the dynamics of marketing in the field of health.

Our Women's Volleyball Team, which qualified to play in the quarter-finals by finishing the group in second place after successful matches in the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF) Regional 1st League, faced Istanbul Kent University. We congratulate our team, who lost the match 3-0 despite a good fight.

Our Men's Volleyball Team promoted to the quarter-finals by finishing their group in first place in the TÜSF Regional 2nd League. Our team, which defeated Bezmialem University, Acıbadem University, Okan University, and Esenyurt University (withdrew from the tournament) respectively, will face the fourth-placed team of the other group on the way to the semi-finals. We wish our students continued success.

Our Table Tennis Team represented our university by participating in the TÜSF UNILIG Table Tennis Turkish Championship held in Burdur.

Our Men's Basketball Team was relegated to a lower league after being unsuccessful in the matches played in the TÜSF Regional 1st League. We thank our team for their efforts and gentlemanly struggle.

Our Men's Handball Team played an away friendly match against Boğaziçi University before the TÜSF Regional 1st League Turkish Championship.

Organized by the Dean of Students Office - Kültür Point, a "Business English" training will be held on Monday, April 20, via the CATS platform to support the career planning processes of our students and graduates.

In cooperation with the Trekking and Camping Club and the Program of Child Development, an event titled "Crisis Management in Nature" will be organized to provide basic first aid information regarding emergencies that may be encountered in nature. The event, where our Head of the Program of Medical Documentation and Secretarial Lecturer Emin Aksan will be the speaker, will take place on Monday, April 20, at 12:00 at INNSide in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In cooperation with the Department of New Media and Communication and the New Media and Communication Club, an "Augmented Reality Workshop" will be organized where sectoral and academic developments in augmented reality technology will be shared. The event, where Prof. Dr. Banu İnanç Uyan Dur from Işık University will be the speaker, will be held on Monday, April 20, at 13:00 at the STF Mac Lab in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.

Organized by the Department of Economics, the event titled “Layers of Artificial Intelligence in Economics” will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 13:00 at the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall. Gökay Turanlıoğlu, Founding Board Member of Infercom SCS, will be the speaker.

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Sinan Alçın, the event will include discussions on the new digital economic structure created by AI-based autonomous software agents, the infrastructure of the agent-to-agent economy, its impact on the business world, and the transformation it brings to value creation processes, as well as the opportunities and risks presented by AI-supported systems.

The "MEKAN2025 National Interior Architecture Students Graduation Projects Competition," organized for the twelfth time by the IKU Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, has concluded. The award ceremony and colloquium of the competition, in which students studying in Interior Architecture / Interior Architecture and Environmental Design departments in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus participated with their graduation/diploma projects, will be held on Monday, April 20, at 15:00 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

A conference titled "Do You Know Your Municipality?" will be organized by the Department of Political Science and International Relations to inform students about strategic plans, performance plans, budgets, and final accounts through which the performance of local governments can be evaluated. The event, where Gönen Orhan, Vice President of the Local Government Reform Initiative Association, will be the speaker, will be held on Tuesday, April 21, at 13:00 in classroom BK A-601 at the Küçükçekmece Campus.

Organized by the Department of International Trade and Finance, the “Alumni Panel” will be held to enable our graduates to share their career experiences with our students. Muhammet Mustafa Koçyiğit and Merve Türkmen will be the speakers. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 13:00 at the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall.

Organized in collaboration between the Department of Core Courses, the Department of English Language and Literature, and the LİBER Culture and Arts Association, the panel titled “Artificial Intelligence and Human” will be held. Prof. Dr. Akhan Akbulut, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, Dr. Selda Eke from LİBER Culture and Arts Association, and Prof. Dr. Özgüç Güven from Istanbul University will be the speakers. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 13:00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Organized in collaboration between UZEMER and the Dean of Students, the “Python Programming Training” will be held for students preparing for TEKNOFEST competitions and those interested in the field. The training will be delivered by Computer Engineer Boran Toktay and will take place on Tuesday, April 21 between 14:00–18:00 in the 4th floor multi-purpose hall of the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Organized in collaboration between the Industrial Engineering Club and İKÜMED, the “Risk Management Awareness Training” will be held to provide students with a fundamental perspective on identifying, evaluating, and managing potential risks. Gülden Bahar Yıldırım, Founding Director of BYNETACADEMY, will be the speaker. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 14:00 in the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Organized in collaboration between the Atatürkist Thought Club and ATAMER, the conference titled “The Emergence of National Sovereignty and Its Reflection on the Constitutions of the Period” will be held to emphasize the importance of national sovereignty on the occasion of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Prof. Dr. Necmi Yüzbaşıoğlu from the Faculty of Law will be the speaker. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 14:00 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Orchestra IKU will give a concert on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 between 16:00–18:30 at INNSide in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club, in collaboration with İKÜANTS TEKMER, will organize an event titled "InnovateX" to encourage innovative thinking and raise awareness about the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event, featuring entrepreneur Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu, İlker Görgün from Borusan Logistics, and Aydın Özbakır, Founding Partner of ID Coaching Agency, will take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 10.00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Department of Political Science and International Relations will be organizing an event titled "Strategic Resilience and European Identity in Times of Global Repositioning: The Role of Negotiation, Diplomacy, and Regional Leadership," which will discuss how changing global balances will affect Europe. Dr. Melania-Gabriela Ciot (Universitatea Babeş-Bolyai) will be the speaker at the event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 11.00 in classroom BK-B302 at the Küçükçekmece Campus.

The Department of Digital Game Design will be organizing an event titled "Game On: Mediazon Games - Game Testing" to test, gather feedback on, and further develop a computer game whose beta-1 version has been completed. The event, which will be attended by Mediazone Games officials, will take place on Wednesday, April 22, from 13.00 to 18.00 in the Game Room of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus.

An interview will be organized by the Women's Solidarity Club to emphasize the importance of solidarity against the injustice, inequality, and loneliness faced by women, to create awareness about gender equality, and to develop a collective consciousness among students. The event, where Lawyer Büşra Çakır will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at 13:00 at INNSide in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

A "Speaking Club" event will be organized by the Istanbul Kültür University Alumni Association (İKÜMED) to provide our students, graduates, and academic-administrative staff with English speaking practice. At the event, which will be held on Wednesday, April 22, between 16:30-18:00 at INNSide in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus, you can both improve your English by chatting on different topics and establish a strong communication network with our graduates.