Members of BME GTK’s Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability had the privilege of visiting the Istanbul Technical University between 19-20 October 2023. The visit was organized within the framework of the EELISA SusCo community. Professors Dr. Semra Ahmetolana and Dr. Hamza Salih Erden supported the organization of the meeting from ITÜ side. On the afternoon of 19 October, the two universities engaged in a mutual introduction session. First, Dr. Ebru Acuner, the Vice-Coordinator of the ITÜ Sustainability Office (established in 2021) summarized their sustainability focus and achievements and introduced their Sustainability master’s programme together with Dr. Borte Kose-Mutlu. Then, Dr. Mária Szalmáné Csete, the International Vice-Dean of BME GTK, presented an overview of BME and the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences focusing on sustainability-related initiatives. Dr. Attila Buzási, the Head of the Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability, also gave an insightful presentation on the department. Subsequently, the group delved into a discussion of the preliminary research findings from the EELISA SusCo community led by Orsolya Barna, PhD student.

On Friday, the group participated in one of the courses led by Professor Borte Kose-Mutlu of the Sustainability master’s programme. Following the introduction of the SusCo community by Orsolya Barna, the Hungarian visitors shared their main research topics with the group of students. Dr. Mariann Szabó, Vice-head of the Department, elaborated on her research about ‘Place-based initiatives for sustainable development’. Anna Csizovszky, a PhD student, shared insights into her work on ‘Community resilience in Hungary’. Additionally, Fruzsina Bozsoki, another PhD student, delved into her topic of ‘Urban brownfield areas from a sustainable development perspective’. The exchange of ideas and expertise during this visit was both enriching and insightful, strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions.