ITU Strengthens Global Presence with US Science and Technology Center Visits
Istanbul, February 24, 2026 – A high-level delegation from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), led by Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, has concluded a series of significant visits to leading science and technology centers across the United States. The initiative sought to elevate the university’s global standing, showcase its Responsibility and Impact-Oriented Research University ecosystem on an international scale, and forge new partnerships.
Strategic Engagements with Prestigious Institutions
The ITU delegation, which included Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata and Prof. Dr. İpek Akın Karadayı, engaged with representatives from eight of the world’s most prestigious universities. These interactions allowed ITU to merge its 253-year rich history with a forward-looking global vision. The extensive itinerary encompassed visits to globally renowned institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, UConn, Chicago, UCLA, and UC San Diego.
The primary focus of these visits extended beyond mere academic exchange. Discussions centered on research-based collaborations in strategic fields critical for national technological independence, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum materials, and disaster management.
Pioneering New Models for Student Engagement
A tangible outcome of the visit was the exploration of next-generation models designed to connect students with research and industry networks at an early stage. During the visit to MIT, Rector Mandal initiated discussions on adapting the world-renowned MISTI (MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives) model for ITU. Similarly, meetings with UC San Diego focused on elevating ITU’s MasterBee program to an international level and developing integrated postgraduate models, establishing a shared vision for future endeavors.
These strategic moves are considered a pivotal step towards providing ITU students with direct access to global research networks, significantly enhancing their academic and professional development.
Fostering University-Industry Collaboration
The program heavily emphasized university-industry interaction, featuring strategic meetings with ecosystem pioneers such as Stanford Research Park, Global Turks AI, and Plug and Play Tech Center. Discussions during these engagements explored mechanisms to amplify ITU’s contributions to artificial intelligence technologies and accelerate programs to facilitate the entry of ITU ARI Teknokent initiatives into the US market. Furthermore, a visit to the UCLA Garrick Institute involved a comprehensive review of the role of digital twin technologies in disaster management, incorporating a vital community-science component.
Connecting with the Turkish Academic Diaspora
In addition to institutional engagements, Prof. Dr. Mandal also met with Turkish academics and alumni in Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, fostering connections within the broader Turkish intellectual community in the US.
Commenting on the visits, Rector Mandal stated, "Our university’s 253-year deep-rooted history and the global impact of our alumni network facilitate the growth of international collaborations around a shared vision. These contacts will open new horizons for our young researchers and students, further advancing ITU’s global influence. We are continuing our strategic steps towards becoming a university that not only produces knowledge but also transforms that knowledge into societal benefit."
The visit underscores ITU’s commitment to global engagement, innovation, and its dedication to preparing students for future challenges and opportunities on an international scale.
