Türkiye and Azerbaijan’s Collaboration in Science and Education for Regional Impact

The visits to the Türkiye–Azerbaijan University and Karabakh University, led by CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, and attended by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, have strengthened higher education collaboration between the two brotherly countries on the basis of science and education.

The 5th Board of Trustees Meeting of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan University (TAU) was held in Baku on October 20, 2025, co-chaired by CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev. The meeting reviewed the university’s progress over the past year and discussed goals and areas for development in the new term. In addition to evaluations on plans focused on TAU’s development, course curricula, student achievements, and promotional activities, the meeting thoroughly examined the university’s development process as a structure that strengthens higher education collaboration between Türkiye and Azerbaijan and is gaining increasing regional impact.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal stated that the innovative educational model at TAU, which brings together science, education, and youth under a shared vision for the future, is one of the finest reflections of the “one nation, two states” philosophy. He emphasized their pride in contributing to TAU’s academic structure through ITU’s Industrial Engineering program within this model. He expressed that ITU’s 252 years of scientific heritage, its interdisciplinary research culture, and its vision as a “research university focused on responsibility and impact” will continue to contribute to further strengthening the bridge of science and brotherhood between the two countries. Our Rector underlined their firm commitment to training the future scientists and engineers in line with shared goals.

As part of the visit, the delegation met with TAU students, engaged in conversation, and shared in their motivation and excitement.

On October 21, our Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, along with the rectors of other universities contributing to TAU, joined Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and Emin Amrullayev in a visit to Karabakh University. The delegation examined the ongoing work on-site for new faculties and student dormitories at the university and met with students.

Describing Karabakh as a symbol of epic resistance, patriotism, the spirit of independence, and determination, our Rector emphasized that the region has now become a place where science gains meaning through brotherhood. He expressed that it is an honor for them to support the education of young people who will shape the future of the region starting from Karabakh, through ITU’s research-oriented educational approach, innovation ecosystem, and impact-driven vision. He reiterated that ITU will continue to stand by brotherly Azerbaijan on its path of development, with its long-established heritage and its principle of “learning together, producing together.”

Established through the cooperation of ITU, METU, and Hacettepe University under the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries, TAU opened its doors in the 2024–2025 Academic Year with an innovative educational model. Azerbaijani students who chose TAU showed great interest in our Department of Industrial Engineering.