SAMFE 2025: Bridging Innovation and Industry through ITU and Nanjing Tech University Collaboration

The 1st Bilateral Symposium on Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (SAMFE 2025) is being held from May 21 to 25, 2025, through a collaboration between İstanbul Technical University (ITU) and Nanjing Tech University. The symposium brings together leading scientists from various countries to share their latest research on flexible electronics and advanced functional materials.

ITU and Nanjing Tech University launched SAMFE 2025 with the goal of enhancing scientific collaborations and facilitating the transfer of new technologies to industry.

The opening ceremony of the 1st Bilateral Symposium on Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (SAMFE 2025) was held on May 21, 2025, at the Senate Hall of Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, located at ITU Ayazağa Campus. The event’s Guest of Honor was Wei Xiaodong, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Istanbul. Following a musical performance by faculty members from the ITU Turkish Music State Conservatory, a presentation introducing ITU was delivered.

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, emphasized that one of the key achievements of SAMFE 2025 is the advancement of material research for flexible electronics, which are among the technologies of the future, particularly in the field of wearable technologies, shaped by the shared vision of Türkiye and China.

Prof. Dr. Mandal expressed his belief that a stronger and more lasting bond between Türkiye and China can be established through the joint production of science and technology. He highlighted that scientific diplomacy has always played a crucial role, both in the past and present. However, he stressed that the framework should now be expanded towards technology diplomacy. He underscored that SAMFE 2025 focuses on technology diplomacy and stated that collaborations between Türkiye and China would serve as exemplary models for mutual knowledge and technology production.

Prof. Dr. Mandal extended his gratitude to Consul General Wei Xiaodong, Prof. Dr. Wei Huang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Nanjing Tech University, Prof. Ze Xiang Shen from Nanyang Technological University, and all academicians, researchers, and supporting institutions for their contributions to the opening session.