TÜGİS and Marmara University Partner on R&D for Food Industry

Turkey Food Industry Employers' Association (TÜGİS) and Marmara University have signed an academic and R&D cooperation protocol to strengthen the scientific infrastructure of the food industry and develop university-industry collaboration.

The protocol, valid for five years, covers joint R&D projects, educational programs, laboratory and infrastructure sharing, project development, publications, patents and commercial product studies, as well as activities supporting qualified human resources.

Signed by TÜGİS Board Chairman Kaan Sidar and Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, the protocol aims to increase academic research in areas required by the food sector and establish stronger communication networks between industrial enterprises and the university.

Joint work will be conducted in R&D and education
Within the scope of the cooperation, direct communication between TÜGİS members and Marmara University academics will be encouraged, research topics addressing sector needs will be identified, and joint projects will be developed with national or international support mechanisms.

The protocol also includes internship opportunities for students, business world visits, training programs for TÜGİS members, and joint conference and seminar organizations.

The parties will also cooperate on analysis, product development, data sharing and laboratory infrastructure use, particularly in the food sector and related fields.

A Joint Science Commission will be established
In accordance with the protocol, a Joint Science Commission comprising representatives from TÜGİS and Marmara University will meet at least twice a year to evaluate potential project areas.

Quota allocation for TÜGİS members who meet the application requirements in non-thesis master's programs opened at the university is also included in the cooperation scope.

Additionally, TÜGİS members with the competence to provide academic training will contribute to courses and practical work within Marmara University when needed.

"The future of the food industry rests on strong bonds built through science"
TÜGİS Board Chairman Kaan Sidar emphasized that university-industry collaborations play an important role in the transformation of the food sector.

In his assessment on the matter, Sidar stated, "Our industry gains strength not only through production capacity but also through access to knowledge, research capacity and qualified human resources. We view this protocol signed with Marmara University as an important step for our sector to establish closer contact with scientific infrastructure."

Sidar noted that through joint R&D work, educational programs and collaborations to be implemented in practical areas, they aim to help students become better acquainted with the sector and enable industrialists to benefit more effectively from academic knowledge accumulation, emphasizing that the cooperation will add value to the food industry's development.

Protocol valid for five years
The protocol signed between TÜGİS and Marmara University will be valid for five years from the date of signature. The protocol can be extended for one-year periods with mutual consent of the parties.