Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), which treats internationalization as one of the core elements of education, research, and scientific output, keeps strengthening the partnerships it has built with distinguished higher education institutions in different parts of the world. Through the academic mobility carried out under Erasmus+ programs, IGU increases knowledge and experience sharing, offers new opportunities to its students and academics on a global scale, and contributes to the growth of international research networks. In this context, under the Erasmus+ KA171 Staff Teaching Mobility Program, Prof. Brad R. Roth and Prof. Kevin Deegan-Krause, faculty members of Wayne State University, one of the leading research universities in the United States, were hosted at Istanbul Gelisim University from July 6 to 10, 2026.
Internationalization Strategies and Joint Projects on the Table
On the first day of the program, the Wayne State University academics were received by the Istanbul Gelisim University International Exchange and Cooperation Coordination Office. The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on the university's internationalization vision, its Erasmus+ activities, international exchange programs, and existing academic partnerships.Views were exchanged on international mobility processes, examples of good practice, and joint academic projects the two universities could pursue in the future. New cooperation models that could be carried out under Erasmus+ KA171 were also assessed, and ideas were shared on developing the academic relationship further.
Academic Units and Research Infrastructure Introduced
On the second day, the guest academics met with academics from the Political Science and International Relations Department. The meetings covered the department's academic structure, teaching activities, and research areas, and a campus tour was also held.As part of the visit, the Scientific Research Projects (BAP) Coordination Unit also delivered a comprehensive presentation on Istanbul Gelisim University's research infrastructure, project support mechanisms, national and international research activities, and project development processes. The research capacity of the two universities and their potential for joint scientific work were assessed in detail.
"American Politics and International Law" Seminar Draws Strong Interest
On the third day of the program, meetings held with the Dean and Vice Deans of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences addressed opportunities for academic cooperation. The discussions focused in particular on joint research activities, academic exchange, and international project development.Following the meetings, Wayne State University faculty members Prof. Brad R. Roth and Prof. Kevin Deegan-Krause delivered a seminar titled "American Politics and International Law." Covering international law, American politics, and global political developments, the seminar was followed with interest by academics and students. The two academics, both internationally respected in their fields, shared their knowledge and experience with participants and created an interactive academic setting.
New Cooperation Opportunities Assessed in Strategic Fields
The program also included a meeting with Istanbul Gelisim University Board of Trustees Chair Abdulkadir Gayretli. The meeting addressed sustainable partnerships aimed at carrying the existing academic relationship between the two universities to a more advanced level.The talks produced agreement in particular on developing joint research projects in medical technologies, cybersecurity, aviation, and sustainability, increasing academic knowledge sharing, and creating new mobility opportunities under Erasmus+. Both sides expressed a shared will to support interdisciplinary research and strengthen long-term academic partnerships.
Following the talks, IGU Board of Trustees Chair Abdülkadir Gayretli presented commemorative plaques and plates to the visiting institution's representatives.
International Academic Networks Keep Growing
The five-day Erasmus+ KA171 Staff Teaching Mobility program made important contributions to strengthening the existing academic relationship between the two universities, planning new research and education partnerships, and expanding international academic networks.In line with its internationalization goals, Istanbul Gelisim University continues to build partnerships with respected higher education institutions around the world, support academic mobility, and contribute to scientific output on a global scale.
