The Oscar of Higher Education Goes to IUE

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) achieved a major success by winning first place at the ‘THE Awards Asia’, organized by Times Higher Education, one of the world’s most prestigious higher education evaluation platforms. At the event, often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education,” Izmir University of Economics topped all universities across Asia in the “Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership” category. Speaking at the award ceremony held in Hong Kong, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu said, “We demonstrated through concrete practices how universities can be positioned as ‘living laboratories’ for sustainability. It is extremely valuable for us that this vision rising from Izmir has found recognition on an international level.”

The finalists of THE Awards Asia were determined after a comprehensive evaluation process lasting several months. Hundreds of universities across Asia were examined in detail in terms of their climate action and sustainable development projects, as well as their institutional visions. Izmir University of Economics stood out by adopting a holistic approach to sustainable development and combating climate change, integrating sustainability into its institutional strategy and producing measurable impact outcomes, ultimately achieving first place.

LED BY PROF. DR. BİRESSELİOĞLU

The initiatives driving the University’s transformation in sustainability were implemented under the umbrella of the IUE Sustainable Energy and Climate Policies Research Center (SENLAB), under the leadership of Vice Rector and Center Director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu.

PROJECTS ACROSS EUROPE

As the founder of Turkey’s first master’s program in sustainable energy, IUE became one of the pioneers of academic transformation in this field. By systematically integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum, research activities, and governance structure, and institutionalizing this transformation through its Office of Sustainability, IUE strengthened its position. Through the work carried out within SENLAB, the University has actively participated in numerous Horizon Europe projects and became the first university in the Aegean Region to calculate its carbon footprint.

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu stated that they will continue to make a global impact with their pioneering efforts in sustainable development and combating climate change. He said, “As Izmir University of Economics, we do not treat sustainability as a ‘topic’ or a ‘project area,’ but as a fundamental responsibility integrated into the entire ecosystem of the University. We act with the vision of transforming our campus into a ‘living laboratory’ where our students, academics, and stakeholders actively participate. Sustainability is a holistic transformation process that spans economic development, social welfare, governance, and innovation. In addition to producing knowledge, we must be institutions that ensure this knowledge is applied in practice, develop solutions, and transform society.”

“IT BRINGS NEW RESPONSIBILITIES”

Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu cntinued as follows: “At our University, we have taken concrete steps in many areas, from energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint to circular economy practices and sustainable campus design. However, what matters most to us is that these efforts become part of our students’ learning experience. We place great importance on educating individuals who take responsibility and produce solutions to real-world problems. This award shows that a vision emerging from Izmir has found recognition across Asia. At the same time, it places an even greater responsibility on us. Because sustainability is an ongoing process that requires continuous development and rethinking. With this awareness, we will continue our efforts with determination to make our University one of the pioneers of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.”