A collaboration protocol aimed at bringing academic knowledge together with the real sector was signed between Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Bursa Uludağ University (BUÜ), and the University-Industry Cooperation Development and Education Association (ÜSİGED). The cooperation protocol was signed at Bursa Uludağ University on Thursday, 20 August 2026, by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, BUÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ferudun Yılmaz, and ÜSİGED President Prof. Dr. Ozan Gürbüz. Officials from EMU, BUÜ, and ÜSİGED were also present at the signing ceremony.
Through the protocol signed between the three institutions, the parties aim to carry out joint initiatives in the fields of agriculture, R&D, higher education, entrepreneurship, and social development, while establishing a sustainable model of cooperation.
“We Will Transform Academic Cooperation into Social Benefit”
Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that the fundamental functions of higher education institutions are to provide quality education, conduct high-quality research and, ultimately, serve society. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that projects developed through university-industry cooperation translate directly into tangible benefits for society.
Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed their pride, excitement and pleasure in creating such a strong synergy with BUÜ, one of the most well-established and respected institutions in the Motherland Türkiye, and ÜSİGED. Emphasizing that this initiative, which brings theory and practice together, will further strengthen academic ties between the two countries, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the protocol will contribute to the professional development of academics. He further stated that he believes a highly productive period in higher education will begin for both parties through joint projects and student and academic staff mobility.
“We Are Crowning Our Long-Standing Ties with a Strategic Partnership”
Speaking at the ceremony, BUÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ferudun Yılmaz stated that, as a well-established research university, they attach great importance to inter-institutional and international academic cooperation. Drawing attention to the strong and active ties that have long existed between EMU and BUÜ, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that the protocol will take the existing relations to a more advanced level and add significant value to the academic dynamism, quality of education and research ecosystems of both institutions.
Noting that this cooperation will make significant contributions to the academic dynamism, quality of education and research ecosystems of both universities, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that the partnership will also contribute to helping the universities attain the positions they deserve in national and international rankings. He emphasized that scientific productivity will be further enhanced through initiatives to be undertaken particularly in the fields of postgraduate education and joint R&D projects.
“We Are Ready to Support R&D and Industry Collaboration”
ÜSİGED President Prof. Dr. Ozan Gürbüz stated that the signed protocol represents a highly significant milestone in terms of joint projects, R&D activities and industry integration. Prof. Dr. Gürbüz noted that they are ready to provide all necessary support and contributions in every area required by EMU, drawing on their experience and the resources of the association. He also highlighted the importance of this model, which brings together academic knowledge and practical field experience.
Emphasizing that the protocol will enable innovative solutions required by industry to be implemented under the guidance of academics, Prof. Dr. Gürbüz stated that they will play an active role at every stage, from project support to funding applications. He concluded by expressing his hope that the protocol will yield positive outcomes for both institutions, their students and the industrial sector.