Hosted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU), the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO) 2026 Summit and the 28th General Assembly, held under the auspices of Istanbul Technical University (ITU), representatives from the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) contributed to the development of new project ideas with international stakeholders in the areas of climate resilience, the circular economy, and the green transition.
The World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO) 2026 Summit and 28th General Assembly were hosted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU). Organized under the theme “Leading the Way in Practice – Strengthening Collaborative Production for Our Shared Future,” the summit fostered international cooperation toward sustainable development through knowledge sharing among research and technology organizations.
TÜBİTAK MAM participated in the organization—of which TÜBİTAK has been a member since 1970—with a delegation of expert researchers. TÜBİTAK MAM also serves as the Regional Focal Point for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the 2023–2026 term.
Concrete Steps Were Taken During the Three-Day Program
The plenary sessions held on the first day of the summit featured presentations by experts. During these sessions, which addressed the role of research, innovation, and international cooperation in overcoming global challenges, new points of contact were established through the exchange of information among institutions.
On the second day of the program, interactive co-creation workshops were held. In these workshops, which featured cross-regional and cross-sectoral participation, concrete solutions were discussed under the headings of green transformation in industry, the circular economy, the water-food-energy nexus, and climate resilience. During these sessions, TÜBİTAK MAM representatives shared their expertise and experience in their respective fields with international stakeholders, contributing to the development of joint project ideas.
On the final day of the summit, the workshop findings, project development approaches, funding opportunities, and sustainable partnerships were discussed. The aim of these discussions, during which future commitments were clarified, was to transform the connections established in Istanbul into concrete projects.
At the 28th WAITRO General Assembly Meeting, held during the closing segment of the event, the association’s leadership for the 2027–2028 term was selected. During the meeting, in which the president, vice presidents, and regional representatives were elected, the WAITRO 2030 Strategic Plan and the work programs for the upcoming term were also discussed.
In line with its role as the MENA Regional Focal Point for the 2023–2026 period, TÜBİTAK MAM will continue to contribute to the development of collaboration among research and technology organizations in the region and to translate the ideas discussed at the summit into joint initiatives.
