EELISA Gathered at Istanbul Technical University for the Second Phase

EELISA Strategic and Operational Boards gathered in Istanbul to make key decisions for the conclusion of the first phase and the beginning of the second phase.

As part of the “European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance” (EELISA) Project, Governing and Executive Boards gathered in Istanbul. The Governing Board meeting regarding the conclusion of the first phase and the beginning of the second phase was hosted by ITU on July 11-13.

The participants of the meeting included Rectors, Vice-Rectors, Presidents and Directors of partner universities as well as representatives of the EELISA Executive Board, EELISA InnoCore and Student Council members. The meeting took place just one week after receiving the endorsement from the European Commission for the funding of “EELISA 2.0”, the second phase of EELISA Project. During the meeting, over 100 participants had the opportunity to collaborate intensively to ensure that EELISA achieves the goals set for the first phase and effectively transitions to the next phase.

EELISA Governing Board approved and signed the Alliance Framework Agreement for EELISA 2.0. The Board also reviewed the key figures and outcomes associated with the progress of EELISA.

At the Istanbul meetings, EELISA Student Council also convened to fine-tune their roles as representatives within their respective institutions. Recognizing the diverse nature of their tasks and exchanging best practices was pivotal during this meeting. Additionally, they also worked on advancing the planning of the EELISA Student Council’s contribution to the upcoming EELISA International Conference in Bucharest.

Strategic decisions and operational steps in the city of bridges

At the meeting, as an operational body, the EELISA Executive Board addressed immediate tasks and operational aspects with the objective of effectively implementing the future direction and priorities of EELISA.

The EELISA InnoCORE team evaluated the current status of the project and determined the next steps as they enter the final year of implementation, ending in May 2024. Within the scope of the meeting, the second EELISA InnoCORE Symposium was also held. Click for detailed information about this event, which followed the success of the inaugural meeting held last year. 

This is the first time both the EELISA Governing and Executive Boards gathered in Istanbul, a city renowned for its vibrant multicultural history. The meeting presented a unique opportunity for its members to immerse themselves in the ideal setting, fostering an inspiring exchange of ideas and an exploration of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

ITU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata commented on the meeting as, “We are delighted to host the members of the EELISA Governing and Executive Boards, along with the participants of the 2nd InnoCORE Symposium, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Istanbul Technical University this year.  We take pride in witnessing the growing establishment, vibrancy, and strength of EELISA as it transitions into its second phase.”

About EELISA

EELISA is the acronym for “European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance,” a European Universities Initiative, of which ITU is among the founding partners.

The vision of EELISA European University is to transform the European Higher Education area by creating a new model of engineering to generate smart and sustainable engineering solutions to current societal challenges and to provide the necessary technical and social competencies for future engineers.

As a European University Initiative of ten universities from eight countries, EELISA involves 195,000 students, 18,000 faculty members and 12,000 administrative staff.