IZMIR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Their core work

Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) is a Turkish public research university with broad engineering and applied science capabilities spanning materials science, environmental engineering, energy systems, and telecommunications. In H2020, they contributed to urban sustainability projects deploying nature-based solutions, advanced waste recycling and valorization, geothermal energy research, 5G wireless network development, and open access research infrastructure across Europe. They also conduct biomedical materials research, notably in biomimetic tooth restoration — their only coordinated project. Their strength lies in applied research that bridges fundamental science with real-world engineering challenges in energy, environment, and materials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), IZTECH focused heavily on open access research infrastructure (OpenAIRE projects) alongside urban waste recycling and nature-based solutions for cities — a profile oriented toward environmental engineering and EU-wide digital infrastructure. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted toward energy systems (geothermal fluids, battery technology), rural heritage regeneration, 5G telecommunications, and biomedical materials research. This broadening suggests a university growing its international research portfolio across multiple departments rather than deepening a single niche.

IZTECH is diversifying into energy technologies and biomedical materials, with their first coordinator role (REDEEM) signaling growing ambition to lead rather than just participate.

How they like to work

IZTECH operates almost exclusively as a consortium partner — 10 of 11 projects are in participant roles, with only one coordination (a small MSCA fellowship). They engage in large consortia, having worked with 215 unique partners across 42 countries, indicating they are well-networked joiners rather than consortium architects. This makes them a reliable, low-risk partner to bring into large proposals where they contribute specific technical expertise without competing for leadership.

With 215 unique partners across 42 countries, IZTECH has an exceptionally broad network for a Turkish university with only 11 projects — a direct result of joining large pan-European consortia in infrastructure (OpenAIRE) and demonstration (URBAN GreenUP) projects. Their reach is genuinely global, extending well beyond the EU.

What sets them apart

IZTECH offers a rare combination for a Turkish partner: genuine multi-disciplinary breadth across environment, energy, ICT, and biomaterials, backed by participation in high-profile EU infrastructure projects. Their involvement in OpenAIRE gives them strong connections to the European research data ecosystem, while their applied engineering work (waste recycling, geothermal, batteries) provides hands-on technical capability. For consortium builders needing a credible Turkish university with proven EU project experience and wide thematic flexibility, IZTECH is a well-tested choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• URBANREC
  Their largest single EC contribution (EUR 341K), focused on valorizing urban bulky waste — demonstrates serious materials and recycling engineering capability.
• REDEEM
  Their only coordinated project, a MSCA Individual Fellowship on biomimetic tooth dentin restoration — signals a researcher-driven emerging strength in biomedical materials.
• URBAN GreenUP
  A major 6-year Innovation Action on nature-based solutions for cities, placing IZTECH in a flagship urban sustainability demonstration network.