Sakarya University places great importance on international collaborations in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university conducts joint projects with various international universities, research centers, and civil society organizations to achieve sustainable development goals globally. These collaborations accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology, enabling the development of innovative solutions in environmental, economic, and social sustainability. By organizing international conferences, seminars, and workshops, Sakarya University contributes to strengthening global sustainability networks and provides its students with a worldwide perspective. These efforts reinforce the university’s leadership in sustainable development while also contributing to Turkey’s stronger position on the international stage.
Sakarya University participated in UI GreenMetric 2025, taking part in an international comparison of environmental sustainability performance. Covering campus infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, and transportation, the assessment placed the University 157th worldwide among 1,745 universities and 12th in Türkiye. This participation provides an example of evaluating SDG-related campus practices against international indicators. Energy efficiency, recycling, and sustainable transportation were among the principal areas reflected in the University’s assessment.
Sakarya University was assessed on its environmental, social, and governance performance in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Ranked 715th worldwide among 1,994 universities, the University placed 201st globally in Environmental Sustainability and first among Türkiye’s public universities in this indicator. The assessment covers environmental management, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly campus practices, alongside knowledge exchange and institutional governance. The results enable international comparison of the University’s sustainability performance.
Sakarya University academic Dr. Ulaş Yurtsever has joined the “Implementation of Machine Learning” working group of COST Action CA23131–ICPLASTIC. The international network aims to develop ISO-compatible, efficient, and reproducible measurement protocols and equipment for detecting micro- and nanoplastics. Yurtsever will contribute to developing artificial intelligence algorithms for the automated and accurate analysis of large datasets obtained from spectroscopic systems. This work aims to strengthen measurement capacity relevant to monitoring plastic pollution.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Altındiş from Sakarya University’s Faculty of Medicine will serve as Türkiye’s full member in the approved COST Action CA24140, “One Health Hepevirus Network – ONWARD.” This European interdisciplinary network aims to increase the sharing of hepatitis E-related virological and epidemiological data and promote screening and surveillance through a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The international collaboration seeks to strengthen the evidence base for disease prevention and management, supporting health monitoring activities relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Led by Sakarya University, the Erasmus+ SCURE project aims to develop a disaster risk database, risk maps, and a Geographic Information Systems-based disaster management model to strengthen the resilience of historic areas. Project partners include Technische Universität Berlin, LARES (Italy), Federación Valenciana de Municipios y Provincias (Spain), Bursa Technical University, and İznik Municipality. This international collaboration seeks to support the organisation and assessment of disaster risk data relevant to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Osman Aydoğan, a research assistant in Sakarya University’s Department of Sociology, has joined COST Action CA23129, “Peace Research Community Europe” (PEACE). The action aims to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation among European researchers and research centres to improve understanding of peace and security challenges. Focusing on peace and climate, feminist peace, emerging technologies, and local peace practices, the network seeks to support research methodology development and long-term international partnerships. This participation represents academic collaboration in peace research relevant to SDG 16.
Associate Professor Kadriye Kobak from Sakarya University’s Faculty of Communication has joined COST Action CA23153, “YouthDMH – Digital Mental Health for Young People,” as a working group member. This international, interdisciplinary collaboration aims to collect early indicators and contextual data on young people’s mental health through mobile, wearable, and digital tools. Involving young people, disadvantaged groups, and stakeholders from different disciplines, the action seeks to use these data to develop personalised and timely support strategies. The University’s participation supports international cooperation in mental health research relevant to SDG 3.
Sakarya University has signed a cooperation protocol with the Republican Specialised Scientific and Practical Medical Centre of Oncology and Medical Radiology (RUSPTOMR), affiliated with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health. The protocol aims to develop joint scientific research, clinical activities, and educational programmes in oncology and radiology. Expert exchanges, joint training, and the sharing of clinical experience are planned to strengthen cooperation between the institutions. This partnership provides a foundation for international research and capacity building relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
A Sakarya University delegation led by Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al held discussions with the University of Jordan, Petra University, Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan’s Higher Council for Science and Technology, and Jordan’s National Research Centre. The visits explored cooperation in joint research, academic exchanges, and digital education. The Higher Council for Science and Technology expressed its readiness to make a database of Jordanian researchers available for joint work with Sakarya University. These discussions provided a foundation for developing international research partnerships.
Dr. Gülşah Karabulut from Sakarya University’s Department of Food Engineering has been accepted as a researcher in EVOLVEPACK, supported under the PRIMA Programme. Bringing together nine institutions from eight countries, the project aims to design, process, and characterise biodegradable, compostable, and antimicrobial packaging structures to improve the safety of Mediterranean foods and reduce food waste. This international partnership seeks to advance sustainable packaging research relevant to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Sakarya University has joined DIGITWATER, supported by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ KA2 Capacity Building Programme. Coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the project aims to strengthen water resources management education through cooperation among universities in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Planned activities include digital laboratories, open-access learning modules, joint master’s theses, and student projects addressing real-world water challenges. The partnership seeks to support education and research capacity relevant to SDG 6.
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