A collaborative workshop between the J-MENA team of Kyushu University (Japan), International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSES) and İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) brought together leading experts and academics on March 28 to explore innovative approaches to sustainable technology. Held virtually, the workshop focused on cutting-edge advancements in wastewater treatment, nanomaterial applications, bioenergy recovery, and international research opportunities.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Ito Kazuhide, Dean of IGSES, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dördüncü, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at IZTECH. After presenting research areas carried out in their academic unit, both academicians highlighted the importance of cross-border academic collaboration in tackling global environmental and technological challenges.

The first session explored nanotechnology applications for environmental remediation. Prof. Osama Eljamal (IGSES, Kyushu University) presented advancements in water treatment and energy recovery, while Dr. Hale Demirtepe (IZTECH) focused on the remediation of contaminated soils and sediments.

In the second session devoted to innovative Polymer and Nanomaterial Applications; Prof. Andrew Spring and Assoc. Prof. Abdelrahman Zkria, both from IGSES at Kyushu University, shared recent research on controlled polymer synthesis and the development of carbon nanomaterials for industrial use. This session emphasized the role of advanced materials in diverse engineering applications.

In the third session on bioenergy recovery; addressing sustainable energy alternatives, Asst. Prof. Khaoula Bensaida (Kyushu University) presented a study on generating bioelectricity from microbial fuel cells using iron-based nanoparticles. Assoc. Prof. Alper Bayraktar (IZTECH) followed with insights into bioenergy recovery processes from wastewater.

The final session highlighted funding mechanisms and research infrastructure in both countries. Asst. Prof. Khaoula Bensaida discussed Japanese funding pathways, while Dr. Fatma Başoğlu Kabran from the IZTECH Research Directorate shared opportunities available in Türkiye.

The workshop underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to foster sustainable development through innovation and international academic cooperation, paving way to the concrete achievements together.

For more information about the opportunities in Japan, please check out the links below:

• You can get more information about the (IEICES) conference: https://www.tj.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/igses/ieices/
• Postdoctoral Fellowship offered by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS): https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/
• MEXT Scholarship Via Embassy recommendation: https://www.tr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_tr/00_000075.html
• J-MENA Türkiye Office: https://jmena.jp/tr/
• TUBITAK 2544 – Bilateral Cooperation Program with Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) https://tubitak.gov.tr/tr/destekler/uluslararasi-birlikleri/ikili-birligi-programlari/2544-japon-bilimi-destekleme-kurumu-jsps-ile-ikili-isbirligi-programi