The Future of Engineering Education Discussed at the “EUR‑ACE Connect 2026 Forum” Hosted by ITU

International stakeholders in the field of engineering education convened at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) for the “EUR‑ACE Connect 2026 Forum.” The event aimed to create a human‑ and idea‑centered network for stakeholders, academics, accreditation bodies, and university representatives from 18 different countries.

The “EUR‑ACE Connect 2026 Forum” was held on June 4–5, 2026 at ITU’s Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center in collaboration with:

European Network for the Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE)

European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI)

Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI)

ENTER Educators | Professional Development (ENTER Network)

Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs (MÜDEK)

EELISA European University

ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal expressed his gratitude to all institutions, stakeholders, the organizing team, and students who contributed to the realization of the event, and conveyed his hope that the forum would pave the way for new global collaborations, pioneering projects, and lasting value.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mandal emphasized that the increasingly complex global challenges of today’s world make the transformation of engineering education indispensable. He highlighted that one of the key elements of this transformation is approaching global partnerships with a renewed perspective. He underlined that the approach adopted within EELISA, of which ITU is a founding partner, goes beyond traditional understandings of collaboration.

Our Rector noted that the co‑creation culture required by today’s world places co‑learning and co‑development at its core, moving beyond merely working together. He stated that this approach is shaping the future of higher education.

Prof. Dr. Mandal emphasized ITU’s commitment to advancing engineering education through:

• “a culture of learning together, developing together, and succeeding together,” and
• “a more dynamic, innovative, and adaptive approach aligned with students’ evolving expectations and the opportunities offered by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.”

The forum provided participants with opportunities to share project ideas, find international partners, and initiate concrete collaborations. Interactive sessions addressed topics such as:

• internationalization and visibility,
• student and academic mobility,
• joint and double degree programs,
• program objectives and learning outcomes,
• global employability,
• joint education projects and research collaborations,
• academic development, and
• inter‑institutional cooperation.