Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) signed a collaboration protocol aiming to strengthen cooperation in academic, scientific and cultural fields. The protocol was signed on Saturday, 6 December 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at EMU Rector’s Office building by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. The signed protocol seeks to initiate collaboration in areas such as the sharing of physical facilities at undergraduate and graduate levels, student and faculty exchanges, the sharing of scientific publications, the organization of joint events, academic advisory activities, and national and international promotional efforts.
Present during the signing session were; ITU North Cyprus Campus Rector Prof. Dr. Burçkin Dal, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan and Vice Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet İlktaç.
Speaking at the ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that entering into a cooperation agreement with one of Türkiye’s oldest and most prestigious universities—a sister institution—marks a significant step toward collaborative projects, research, and initiatives. Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed his pleasure at seeing the protocol signed between the two sister countries and their universities, noting that its prompt implementation is expected to bring new insights to the scientific field.
Also making a speech, ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal underscored that the collaboration protocol signed between EMU and ITU – two prominent universities from TRNC and Türkiye – holds great significance for both institutions. Stating that the relation between ITU North Cyprus Campus and EMU is already a strong one, Prof. Dr. Mandal added that, as ITU, they aim to take action in realizing this communication. Prof. Dr. Mandal explained that many joint projects will be carried out within the framework of joint diploma matters and specified focal fields. He also expressed his hope for a fruitful protocol.
Presentation on Joint International Program
Following the signing of the protocol, Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, delivered a presentation on the joint International Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering program. During the presentation specially prepared for the ITU delegation, it was noted that the program will be the first of its kind in Türkiye.
Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, highlighted that being the first program of its kind in Türkiye will offer significant advantages. He pointed out that the pharmaceutical industry is a highly specialized field, and a strong foundation in chemistry allows professionals to excel. Prof. Dr. Gülcan also noted that while most professionals in the sector are chemists or chemical engineers, pharmacists seldom enter this area. He added that the planned joint program is expected to fill this gap for chemical engineers.