Our university has been accepted into the Topic Centre Organisations (TCO) List created by the European Environment Agency (EEA) for the 2027–2030 period. Achieving a significant international success, it became one of only 7 institutions selected from Türkiye. Our university's Environment and Climate Change Application and Research Centre (ÇEVÄ°K) has been included in the “Topic Centre Organisations” List determined by the European Environment Agency (EEA) within the scope of the EEA and the European Environment Information and Observation Network (EIONET) for the 2027–2030 period. Thus, KTU ÇEVÄ°K has taken its place among the expert institutions that will provide technical and scientific contributions to data, information, and assessment studies to be carried out on a European scale in the field of environment and climate. This development will strengthen our university's international research and cooperation capacity, particularly in the fields of environment, climate change, and sustainability. While this inclusion does not imply a direct funding or contractual commitment, it is considered a major opportunity for the centre to take part in European calls for proposals and to develop joint projects with international consortia.

Responsibilities in Cross-Cutting Areas

Within the scope of EIONET, KTU ÇEVÄ°K will undertake tasks in thematic areas such as "Land Use and Waste," "Biodiversity," "Forests and Forestry," "Climate Change Adaptation," "Climate Risks and Vulnerability," "Building Systems," "Fisheries and Aquaculture," and "Climate and Health," as well as cross-cutting fields like "Governance," "Geographic Information," and "8^th Environmental Action Programme Indicators."

Attention Drawn to the Center's Work

The Director of the Center, Prof. Dr. Dilek Beyazlı, stated that the studies within ÇEVÄ°K are carried out along two main axes: "Climate Urbanism (Built Environment)" and "Climate Ecosystems (Natural Environment)." She noted that under the title of "Climate Governance," which intersects these axes, fields such as Multi-Actor Governance, Climate Finance, Regulatory Analysis, Public Health, and Climate Justice are addressed. She also reported that research and application activities are structured around thematic headings such as Climate-Resilient Spatial Planning, Water and Disaster Risks, Ecosystems and Carbon Cycle, Energy Transition and Digital Climate Solutions, as well as Climate Governance and Sustainable Development.

New Channels of Cooperation Opened

Stating that this development enhances our university's scientific visibility, Prof. Dr. Dilek Beyazlı expressed that the EIONET process has opened new channels of cooperation on a European scale. Prof. Dr. Beyazlı emphasized that the centre aims to strengthen its capacity to generate solutions against climate change through a holistic approach that addresses both the natural and built environments together.