Sustainability Awards 2026

Near East University is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across teaching, research, community engagement, and campus life. The Sustainability Awards 2026 recognize the academics and units whose work has made an outstanding contribution to a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future. Each award reflects one dimension of sustainability, from scholarship and innovation to social equity, environmental protection, and cultural heritage. Congratulations to all of our winners.

Outstanding Contribution to the Sustainability Literature Award

This award recognizes scholarly work that has significantly advanced sustainability research and knowledge. It honors publications that offer new insights, inform policy and practice, and encourage wider academic and public discussion on sustainable development. By highlighting high-quality research, the award underlines the university's role in producing the knowledge needed to address global challenges.

Winners: Assist. Prof. Dr. Mümtaz Ali & Prof. Dr. Turgut Türsoy (Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences)

Social Sustainability and Equity Award

This award recognizes efforts that promote social justice, equal opportunity, and inclusion within the university and the wider community. It celebrates work that supports diversity, reduces inequalities, and ensures that every student and community member can participate fully and be treated with fairness and dignity. It is closely aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Winner: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder (Student Dean's Office & TOCAM)

Collaboration and Partnership Award

This award recognizes strong cooperation with partners, institutions, and communities to achieve shared sustainability goals. It honors those who build lasting networks across disciplines, sectors, and borders, showing that meaningful change depends on working together. It reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Winner: Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay (Social Research and Development Center)

Innovation and Solution-Oriented Approach Award

This award recognizes creative, practical solutions to sustainability challenges. It celebrates original ideas, research-based projects, and problem-solving approaches that turn knowledge into real-world impact, and it encourages a culture of innovation that responds to the needs of society. It is closely related to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Winner: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel (DESAM Research Institute)

Sustainability in Education Award

This award recognizes the integration of sustainability into curricula, teaching practices, and student learning. It honors contributions that raise awareness, build sustainability competencies, and prepare students to become responsible, informed, and active citizens. It supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly education for sustainable development.

Winner: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu (Sustainability Office)

Environmental Sustainability Award

This award recognizes work that protects natural resources, supports ecosystems, and reduces environmental impact. It highlights efforts in areas such as sustainable agriculture, resource efficiency, biodiversity, and climate action, and it reflects the university's responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations. It is linked to SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).

Winner: Prof. Dr. Özge Özden (Faculty of Agriculture)

Lifelong Learning and Educational Access Award

This award recognizes initiatives that expand access to quality education and learning opportunities for all. It honors work that removes barriers to education, supports learners at every stage of life, and promotes continuous personal and professional development. It reflects the commitment to inclusive and equitable education under SDG 4.

Winner: Prof. Dr. Beyza Ulusoy

Cultural Heritage Preservation Award

This award recognizes efforts to protect, promote, and pass on cultural heritage to future generations. It celebrates work that preserves traditions, history, and identity, and that strengthens community belonging and cultural understanding. It is aligned with SDG 11, which includes safeguarding the world's cultural and natural heritage.

Winner: Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl (Atatürk Faculty of Education)