Sakarya University informs and supports local and regional governments in developing, implementing, and monitoring early warning and risk management systems related to climate-induced disasters. These collaborations are coordinated under the Disaster and Emergency Management Application and Research Center (DIVAM), the SAÜ Earthquake Monitoring Station, the Fire Application and Research Center (Yangın Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi), the Research and Development Application and Research Center (SARGEM), and the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS).
Technical and Scientific Collaboration
The University provides scientific data, modeling, and expertise to the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, AFAD Sakarya Provincial Directorate, and SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) for climate risk assessment and early warning integration.
The DIVAM Center conducts multi-hazard studies on earthquakes, floods, landslides, and heatwaves, ensuring that local governments can incorporate climate variability into their disaster management and adaptation strategies. DIVAM also supports training and data sharing in coordination with AFAD and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, contributing directly to Türkiye’s 2023–2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
Monitoring and Early Warning Infrastructure
The SAÜ Earthquake Monitoring Station, established in collaboration with Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, continuously monitors seismic activity in Sakarya Province. The processed data are shared with both the National Earthquake Monitoring Network and local institutions, supporting situational awareness, rapid reporting, and preparedness planning. The data outputs from this station feed into local emergency management systems and risk-mitigation efforts coordinated by the municipality and AFAD.
In addition, the SAUCO2 Sustainable Carbon Tracking System compiles energy, water, and emission data from all university campuses and shares them with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality. These datasets are used for the city’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) to monitor emission trends and assess the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation actions at the regional level.
Research Supporting Infrastructure Safety and Early Warning
Within SARGEM, researchers develop advanced technologies that enhance the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure against natural and climate-related hazards. One of the most significant contributions is the TÜBİTAK-supported U-tube Tuned Liquid Damper Project (2024), which demonstrated a 35–65% reduction in building vibrations during earthquakes. This research informs local engineering standards and supports municipalities in developing retrofitting strategies for public buildings, thus directly contributing to early risk mitigation and damage prevention.
The Fire Application and Research Center (Yangın Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi) provides simulation-based fire safety training, early detection technology consultation, and evacuation modeling services to municipal fire departments and industrial facilities. The center’s technical guidance helps local authorities optimize fire response coordination and integrate climate-related fire risk into urban emergency plans.
Operational Collaboration and Training
The University’s SAÜDAK Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, registered under AFAD, organizes annual disaster simulation exercises jointly with AFAD Sakarya Directorate, the Provincial Fire Department, and the Civil Defense Office. These drills include evacuation, flood, and fire scenarios, improving local readiness for rapid response and early warning coordination.
The Occupational Health and Safety Office regularly provides certified disaster preparedness and emergency management training for university and municipal personnel. The Mediko Psychological Counseling Center offers post-disaster psychological first aid and stress management support for both students and local community members affected by environmental or seismic events.
Community Engagement and Early Warning Awareness
Sakarya University complements its technical and scientific contributions with extensive public awareness and outreach programs. Through TOKAS, the University organizes Energy Efficiency Week, Zero Waste Campaigns, and European Mobility Week activities that educate citizens on reducing emissions, managing urban heat risks, and improving environmental preparedness. Public panels such as the “Act for Global Warming” Youth Forum (2024), co-hosted with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality and AFAD, and the CLICS 2024 International Conference on Climate Change and Sustainability, co-organized with Düzce Municipality, further strengthen inter-institutional dialogue and local capacity for climate monitoring and adaptation.
Impact and Outcomes
Through its combined research, monitoring, and education initiatives, Sakarya University contributes measurable, evidence-based support to local and regional governments in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
The University’s data platforms, scientific collaborations, and training programs enhance both technical infrastructure and public readiness, directly supporting SDG 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
