Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and the Union of the Chambers of Cyprus Turkish Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), Chamber of Civil Engineers (IMO) has recently signed a collaboration concerning the organization of the 4th National Civil Engineering Symposium. The protocol was signed on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at 01:30 p.m. at the EMU Rector’s Office building by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Chairperson of the Chamber of Civil Engineers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Ekinci.
Present during the signing session were; EMU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering academic staff member Prof. Dr. Khaled Hamed Marar, IMO Executive Board Members Assoc. Prof. dR. Ayşe Pekrioğlu Balkıs and Nüshet İlktuğ, and organising committee member Dr. Hamza Saeed.
The protocol focused on discussing the framework of the 4th National Civil Engineering Symposium, which is set to be organized with the aim of advancing the civil engineering profession, enhancing collaboration between academia and industry, and contributing to the country’s engineering community.
Stating that they had gathered for a very meaningful cause, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç underscored that that the meeting marked the start of a meaningful collaboration between EMU and the IMO, with the protocol set to strengthen their partnership. The protocol was signed to organize the 4th National Civil Engineering Symposium, jointly hosted by EMU Civil Engineering Department and IMO, aiming to make scientific contributions to the construction sector, a key driver of the national economy. Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed pride in EMU’s role in supporting the country’s economy through this symposium, acknowledged those who helped prepare the protocol, and wished the event’s outcomes to benefit the country.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekinci expressed his pride in being at EMU, emphasizing that collaborating with the country’s flagship university strengthens the IMO. He noted that EMU has consistently supported the national professional chambers and stated that they are pleased with this continued support. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekinci explained that the aim of the 4th National Civil Engineering Symposium is to bring together industry and academia, allowing the accumulated knowledge in the construction sector to be applied effectively for the benefit of the industry. Furthermore, he highlighted that this will be the first time the symposium is held at a university, and although it is referred as a national event, participants will include representatives from many Turkish chambers, universities, as well as international universities, making the symposium an international-level event. Lastly, Dr. Ekinci extended his best wishes for the success and positive outcomes of the protocol and the symposium.