A delegation from Symkent University in Kazakhstan visited the Faculty of Sports Sciences at IGÜ

On 5 May 2025, an academic delegation from Symkent University in Kazakhstan visited the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Istanbul Gelişim University. As part of the day-long programme, various meetings and discussions on academic collaboration took place.

The visit was hosted by Prof. Dr Kubilay Çimen, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Istanbul Gelişim University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Mustafa Can Koç, Deputy Dean. The Kazakhstani delegation comprised managers responsible for academic cooperation and international relations, department heads and academic staff from Symkent University.

As part of the visit programme, the delegation first toured the Faculty of Sports Sciences, followed by a campus tour to showcase the university’s physical and academic facilities. After lunch, a meeting was held with the International Cooperation and Exchange Coordination Unit, followed by an academic session at the Faculty of Sports Sciences.

The Agenda Included Academic Exchanges and Future Collaborations

The meeting began with an opening address by the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Prof. Dr Kubilay Çimen, and the agenda items were approved unanimously. During the discussions:

The Journal of Sports Sciences and Innovative Research was introduced to the Kazakh delegation. An agreement was reached to provide publication support for the journal in both English and Kazakh, as well as to nominate suitable academics for editorial roles.

Information was provided on the Faculty’s monthly newsletter and publication activities. It was agreed that the newsletter would be produced in both languages on a reciprocal basis and that cooperation would be established.

As part of the book exchange, sets of publications—including books by Prof. Dr Kubilay Çimen—were presented to the delegation. It was announced that the university is open to joint book projects and contributions to book chapters.

Information was shared regarding the diving certification offered by the Underwater Sports Federation, as well as support opportunities related to TÜBİTAK and European Union projects.

Experiences were shared regarding postgraduate education processes.

The programme concluded with a dinner, after which the delegation departed the university via airport transfer.

As the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Istanbul Gelişim University, we attach great importance to such visits aimed at developing international academic collaborations and aim to see similar partnerships continue to grow.