Sustainability Education
Curriculum
Discover Koç University’s wide range of sustainability-focused courses across different colleges.
Track Programs
Specialized certifications offering practical insights and industry recognition.
Experiential Learning
Research, education, and innovation driving sustainability in every discipline.
Global Learning & Leadership
A program fostering global competence and 21st-century skills.
Spotlight: Data Science for Sustainable Development Goals
A project-based course where data science meets global sustainability challenges.
Meet Your Neighbors
The Biodiversity Atlas is a pioneering KUOS initiative that reveals the rich and often unseen life shared across the Koç University campus. Developed in collaboration with the Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory, the Atlas brings together scientific fieldwork, data, and observation to document the birds and mammals inhabiting the unique woodland and coastal landscape of Rumelifeneri. More than an inventory, it is an invitation to look again at our everyday surroundings and recognize the campus as a living ecosystem.
KUSTEP Project: KUOS and Engineering Faculty Erdal Aydın Join Forces for Carbon-Neutral Energy Innovation on Campus
The Koç University Office of Sustainability (KUOS) proudly announces its first academic collaboration: a significant partnership with Asst. Prof. Erdal Aydın from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Supported by seed funding from the Vice Presidency for Research and Innovation (VPRI) and KUOS, this initiative aims to develop a robust decision-making model to guide Koç University’s transition to a carbon-neutral campus—a key step toward institutional sustainability leadership.
Strategic Research Centers for Sustainable Futures
Towards Clean Energy: KUHyTech and Hydrogen Technologies
The Koç University Hydrogen Technologies Center (KUHyTech) was established in early 2024 to advance research, development, and innovation across the hydrogen value chain. With a focus on green hydrogen, the center engages in basic and applied research related to hydrogen production, storage, separation, and utilization. KUHyTech brings together a diverse group of researchers from engineering and natural sciences, forming a collaborative structure that supports both scientific excellence and technology transfer.
Towards a Resilient Future: KUISCID for Epidemic Preparedness
Founded on December 20, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Koç University İşbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID) stands as a pivotal initiative that addresses one of the most pressing and complex challenges of sustainability: the control and prevention of infectious diseases. The center’s establishment builds on Koç University’s decade-long institutional commitment to emerging infections as a strategic research priority. It reflects an understanding that health is not only a biomedical issue but also a multidimensional societal concern requiring transdisciplinary responses.
KUTEM: Research Across the Energy Spectrum
Koç University Tüpraş Energy Center (KUTEM) is a research center founded in 2012 through a donation from Tüpraş, Türkiye’s largest oil refining company. It serves as the primary hub for energy-related research activities at Koç University. KUTEM was the first energy research center in Türkiye to be established through private sector funding from an energy company. The center is structured as a collaborative platform involving over 35 faculty members across the university’s Colleges of Engineering, Sciences, and Administrative Sciences & Economics.
Events & News
DS4SDGs Capstone Project Presentation Day
On June 16, 2026, Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals (DS4SDGs) Capstone Project Presentation Day, brought together students, faculty members, and representatives from the UNDP SDG AI Lab .
Sustainable Health Seminars
Sustainable Health Seminars explore physical, mental, and social well-being through a sustainability perspective, offering expert-led insights and practical tools for long-term health for academic community.
The Brown Bag Seminars
The Brown Bag Seminars is an informal and engaging platform where researchers from diverse disciplines come together to exchange ideas, spark conversations, and build new connections.
KUOS Launch Event: A New Chapter for Sustainability at Koç University
On 17 November 2025, KUOS Launch with a full-day program brought together faculty members, students, researchers, and university leadership. The event marked a milestone in integrating sustainability across campus and reaffirmed our commitment to global leadership in this field.
KUOS Seed Research Fund: Advancing Sustainability Research
The KUOS Sustainability Thematic Seed Research Fund (KUOS-TSRF), jointly launched by the Koç University Office of Sustainability (KUOS) and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), supports innovative research addressing pressing sustainability and climate challenges. The fund aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and encourage projects that integrate environmental, social, economic, legal, and policy perspectives on sustainability.
Koç University Ranked No. 1 in Türkiye in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
Koç University has been ranked 1st in Türkiye and 329th globally in the QS Quacquarelli Symonds Sustainability Rankings 2026, marking a significant rise of 125 places worldwide. Koç University also leads Türkiye in the Social Impact and Governance categories, underscoring its strong commitment to equity, well-being, ethical leadership, and responsible institutional practices.
UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development at Koç University
On 4 March 2026, KUOS and the College of Engineering hosted a special program celebrating UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development. The event brought together academia and industry to discuss how engineering innovation can help build resilient and sustainable systems.
Law on Sustainability Symposium
The 13th International Students Symposium on Law and Global Issues, held at ANAMED, centered on “Law on Sustainability: Balancing Environmental Protection, Climate Action, and Corporate Governance in an Era of Ethical Innovation.” The symposium created a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on the legal dimensions of sustainability.
KUOS Day 2026
On 5 May 2026, the Koç University community came together for KUOS Day, a celebration of curiosity, exploration, and the living world that surrounds us. Inspired by Earth Day and the growing Biodiversity Atlas Project, the event invited participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and discover biodiversity through science, art, design, and storytelling.
Neighbors Next Door: Forest BioBlitz
Nature is closer than we often realize. Just beyond Koç University campus lies a forest that is home to an extraordinary diversity of plants, fungi, insects, birds, and mammals. To help our community rediscover this hidden biodiversity while contributing to scientific knowledge, KUOS organized its first Neighbors Next Door: Forest BioBlitz as part of the Biodiversity Atlas Project.
Announcements
KUOS Seed Research Fund
The KUOS Seed Research Fund, jointly established by KUOS and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), has announced the recipients of its inaugural funding call.
Sustainable Ocean Management Summer School
The Sustainable Ocean Management Summer School will take place in Istanbul between August 10–14, 2026, bringing together students and experts from Germany, Türkiye, and Denmark for an interdisciplinary and international learning experience. The program will cover topics including climate science, maritime spatial planning, and maritime cultural heritage through classroom sessions, collaborative exercises, hands-on activities, and a field trip. Open to Master’s, PhD, and senior undergraduate students, the summer school offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and connect with peers from across Europe.
Deadline: June 7, 2026
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KUOS Catalyst Awards 2026
The KUOS Catalyst Awards celebrate student-led innovation that addresses real-world sustainability challenges. Building on the experience gained from the pilot Sustainability Award launched in Spring 2025, KUOS is now expanding this initiative to include both undergraduate and graduate students. By integrating projects across all levels of university education, KUOS aims to highlight how student creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration can provide a glimpse of the frontiers and horizons in tackling pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Deadline: April 24, 2026
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Careers in Social Impact & Sustainability
Koç University Career Development Center, in collaboration with KUSIF, the AIChE Club, and KUOS, is organizing the “Careers in Social Impact & Sustainability”. The event will feature panels on AI, sustainable economy, and global impact, bringing together experts from diverse sectors. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with leading civil society organizations. The event aims to inspire students to pursue meaningful careers that contribute to a sustainable future.
17 April 2026
09:00 - 12:00 Founders’ Hall (Panels)
12:00 - 16:00 Student Center, Floor -1 (Booths)
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Young Sustainability Law Conference (JNR 2026)
Koç University Law School will host the 5th Young Sustainability Law Conference (JNR 2026) on 2–3 July 2026 in Istanbul, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law and European partner universities. Bringing together early-career scholars from around the world, the conference will explore how sustainability law moves from principles to practice, fostering dialogue on effective and transformative legal approaches to global sustainability challenges.
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Call for Abstracts Document
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2026 PRME Students Sustainability Awards
Applications are now open for the 2026 Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Students Sustainability Awards, recognizing student organizations that have demonstrated meaningful action toward sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout 2025. The awards celebrate student-led initiatives creating social, environmental, and economic impact at the university and community levels. Selected regional finalists will advance to the global stage, with winning teams invited to present their work at the 2026 Global Forum in Cairo, Egypt.
Deadline: 29 March, 2026
Application Form
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International Process Systems Engineering (PSE) Workshop 2026
The 4th International Process Systems Engineering (PSE) Workshop will take place in Istanbul, Turkey. Bringing together world-leading researchers, industry practitioners, and early-career scholars, the workshop will explore cutting-edge developments in Process Systems Engineering, including artificial intelligence, data-driven optimization, process intensification, and sustainable systems design. Featuring 24 distinguished experts and high-quality presentations, it offers a dynamic platform for engaging with global trends shaping the future of the field.
Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations
29 March – 1 April 2026
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World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED 2026)
Join KUOS and the College of Engineering as we celebrate UNESCO World Engineering Day and spotlight the power and joy of engineering to drive sustainable change. Through inspiring talks and project showcases, discover how engineering shapes resilient systems and future-ready solutions. Save the date and engage with the ideas shaping tomorrow’s planet.
4 March 2026
09:30–13:00
Founders’ Hall
Sustainability in Action
Assessing Sustainability Literacy at Koç University
Sustainability literacy is an essential competency for understanding and addressing today’s environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Open Minds, Shared Resources: Suna Kıraç Library's Social Impact
From open access publishing to data transparency, Suna Kıraç Library leads the way in making academic research accessible to all—amplifying Koç University’s global scholarly impact.
Eco-Conscious Learning at Suna Kıraç Library
Advancing sustainability through student-driven initiatives, educational campaigns, and resource-sharing programs, Suna Kıraç Library Sustainability committee brings the SDGs to life in everyday campus culture.
From Campus to Community: Social Responsibility in Action
A celebration of volunteerism and community spirit, KU CARES brings together students, alumni, faculty, and staff to take part in meaningful service projects across Türkiye and beyond—making a difference, one action at a time.
Education Without Limits: Nurturing Talent, Inspiring Change
Breaking barriers to education, The Anatolian Scholarship Program supports talented students from under-resourced regions of Türkiye, empowering them to thrive at Koç University through the support of generous sponsors and alumni.
Science Fair 2024
The annual Science Fair organized by Koç University College of Sciences focused on the theme of “Sustainability” in 2024. The science fair held on May 22, brought together distinguished speakers from academia, industry, and civil society to raise awareness of sustainability.
UNIC Sustainability Day at Koç University
On May 5, 2025, Koç University proudly hosted “Sustainability Day” in collaboration with the UNIC alliance same day at different partner universities. Sustainability Day at Koç University brought the campus community together for an inspiring afternoon.
Students for Sustainability
KUOS Catalyst Awards 2026
The KUOS Catalyst Awards celebrate student-led innovation that addresses real-world sustainability challenges.
Student-led Sustainability
At Koç University, sustainability is not limited to the efforts of a single group — it is a collective responsibility embraced across campus life.
KUOS Student Chapter
With the establishment of the Koç University Office of Sustainability (KUOS), a new Student Chapter is being created to enhance student engagement with sustainability efforts on campus.
Careers with Impact
On March 22, 2025, Koç University hosted the Careers in Social Impact and Sustainability event—a dynamic gathering designed to inspire and guide individuals considering a career in these vital fields.
Engineering the Future
In collaboration with the College of Engineering, KUOS launched the Sustainability Award for Engineering Graduation Projects—a pilot initiative recognizing student-led innovations that tackle pressing climate challenges through creativity, technical excellence, and real-world impact.
Campus Sustainability
Environmental Responsibility and Campus Operations
Koç University is strengthening its leadership in sustainability through large-scale renewable energy investments, comprehensive energy efficiency projects, and the integration of a robust environmental policy into all core campus operations.
Towards a Greener Campus
The Facilities Directorate, through its Environmental Management Team, continues to implement innovative practices to enhance sustainability and green operations across the Koç University campus.
Ethical and Equal Organizational Culture
Koç University is committed to fostering an ethical organizational culture that promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Mastering Sustainability
Global Health Program: Health Equity and Sustainable Solutions Worldwide
Building Livable Cities with the REPIC Program
A Signature Sustainability Leadership Program
The Executive Certificate in Sustainability Leadership is a flagship initiative of Koç University that brings together academic rigor, scientific and technological insight, and executive-level engagement in a single, carefully curated learning environment. Developed through the collaboration of the KUOS, the Law School, and Executive Education Programs, the program approaches sustainability as a systemic and future-shaping domain rather than a set of compliance tools. It engages leaders with the economic, legal, technological, and organizational dimensions of sustainability, while looking beyond current frameworks toward emerging horizons in sustainability science and technology. Designed as a platform for dialogue, analysis, and strategic judgment, the program reflects Koç University’s commitment to advancing sustainability leadership through depth, interdisciplinarity, and long-term perspective.
The Science Communication Certificate Program
The Science Communication Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary initiative that positions science communication as a core academic practice. It approaches communication not as simple dissemination, but as a reflective and context aware set of practices shaped by questions of knowledge, trust, ethics, and responsibility. Integrating theory, practice, and critical inquiry, the program cultivates narrative competence, design literacy, and thoughtful public engagement across diverse forms of communication.
Entangled Futures: A Conversation on Quantum Science and Sustainability
As part of its mission to foster transdisciplinary encounters and elevate the visibility of sustainability challenges, the Koç University Office of Sustainability (KUOS) proudly presents this exclusive interview with Professor Özgür E. Müstecaplıoğlu, a faculty member at the College of Sciences at Koç University. A renowned figure in quantum science, Professor Müstecaplıoğlu is actively working to spotlight the field’s collaborative potential—particularly in its nascent intersections with sustainability.
Biodiversity in Action: Science, Collaboration, and Sustainability at Koç University
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth—and its preservation is integral to any serious sustainability vision. At Koç University, biodiversity research stands as a vital pillar in our institutional commitment to sustainability, both through academic excellence and its practical contributions to pressing ecological challenges in Türkiye and beyond.
Why Gender Equality Is Central to Sustainable Development?
Koç University’s Office of Sustainability (KUOS) proudly presents an exclusive interview with Professor Dr. Bertil Emrah Oder, Director of the Center for Gender Studies (KOÇ-KAM) and UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development. As a globally recognized constitutional law scholar and an influential advocate for gender equality, Professor Oder offers a powerful and timely perspective on the inextricable link between gender equality and sustainability—two essential and intersecting pillars of the UN 2030 Agenda.
Ecologies of Thought
Monitoring the Quantum Landscape for Sustainability
At KUOS, we are committed to exploring how emerging scientific fields can contribute to a more sustainable future. In collaboration with the Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Theory Research Group at the Physics Department of the College of Sciences at Koç University, we follow the latest academic and technological developments at the intersection of quantum science and sustainability. Through this collaboration, KUOS seeks to highlight the immense potential of quantum science and technology in addressing the climate‑related challenges our planet faces today.
Reimagining Academia: A Landmark Collaboration Between UCL and Koç University
PATTERN is a joint initiative between Koç University Office of Sustainability (KUOS) and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology—an ambitious, long-anticipated collaboration grounded in a shared commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable academic culture. As one of the first major actions under KUOS’s Sustainability of Science node, PATTERN aims to spark a necessary, global conversation about the conditions of academic work and the well-being of those who produce knowledge. By addressing bullying, harassment, and harmful workplace norms, PATTERN challenges outdated assumptions and calls for a culture of care across academia. This bold and visionary project is not only a research-based awareness campaign but also a call to rethink the sustainability of higher education itself. Click to explore the full campaign.
