‘Healthy Campus’ in the world finals

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has achieved significant international success through its determined efforts to reduce nicotine addiction among students, embracing the ‘healthy campus’ concept. IUE has reached the final of the QS ImpACT Awards 2025, one of the world's most prestigious sustainability awards, and is listed among the Top 10 institutions in the ‘Community Health and Well-being’ category. Izmir University of Economics will compete for first place in the final, which will be held in the UK from November 30 to December 1.

To enhance the physical, social, and sports development of its students, Izmir University of Economics launched the ‘healthy campus’ concept in 2024. Reducing nicotine addiction, especially among young people, was designated as one of the fundamental goals. In line with this, an ‘Addiction Prevention Working Group’ was established within the University. Starting in January of this year, individual nicotine addiction counselling and awareness meetings were initiated, reaching students through email and face-to-face sessions.

FITNESS CENTER OPENED FOR USE

During this process, medical and psychological support was also provided to young people who requested help to quit smoking. To help students rapidly overcome addiction, the on-campus fitness center called Eko-Fit, was renovated and opened for students' use free of charge. Walking trails were created on campus. Social events and numerous sports tournaments were organised under the name Wellbeing Day. Seminars were held on topics such as addiction and anxiety management.

HAND-TO-HAND MOBILISATION

In a pioneering step aimed at increasing awareness of smoking addiction among young people, a campaign called ‘Elden Ele’ (Hand-to-Hand) was carried out on campus. Within this scope, notes containing a message guiding students on the path to recovering from nicotine addiction were distributed. These efforts, spanning approximately one year, have received international recognition. Izmir University of Economics was named among the world's best 10 institutions in the ‘Community Health and Well-being’ category of the QS ImpACT 2025 awards, which are assessed by the UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) focusing on sustainability and social benefit.

“CONSCIOUS AND PRODUCTIVE YOUTH”

Stating that they have achieved a proud success, IUE Vice Rector and ‘Healthy Campus Commission’ Executive, Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner said, “As Izmir University of Economics, we highly value the development of young people not only academically, but also as individuals who are healthy physically, mentally, and socially. We know that a healthy future is possible with a conscious youth. The ‘healthy campus’ concept we launched with this understanding aims to raise the quality of life for students and create a conscious and productive youth, free from harmful habits”.

“THE FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY SOCIETY”

Prof. Dr. Öner continued as follows: “Unfortunately, nicotine addiction remains a widespread issue among young people. On this matter, we have adopted an approach that is not merely prohibitive but also awareness-raising and supportive. Through Addiction Prevention Working Group and individual counselling services, we offer students both information and psychological support. These efforts contribute to their ability to make healthier decisions, gain awareness, and take responsibility for their own lives. The success we achieved in the QS ImpACT Awards 2025 signifies that our commitment is also recognized on an international scale. This achievement is also an indication of the trust placed in our country's youth and our understanding of education. A healthy campus is the foundation of a healthy society. We will continue our efforts to raise young people as strong, conscious, and healthy individuals in every field”.