Imperial celebrates Turkish alumni community in Istanbul

The latest in a series of Global Celebrations events, celebrating the strength and diversity of our global Imperial community, took place in Istanbul.

Global Celebrations are an opportunity for alumni to connect with their local alumni network, make new friends and celebrate their Imperial connection.  

Imperial alumnus and Eczacıbaşı Holding Chairperson Bülent Eczacıbaşı (BSc Chemistry 1972) hosted the event in the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art for alumni, students, offer holders and friends of the university.  

Much like Istanbul, Imperial stands at the crossroads of excellence, innovation and global impact Professor Peter Haynes Vice Provost (Education and Student Experience)

Professor Peter Haynes, Imperial’s Vice Provost (Education and Student Experience) joined the event to introduce Imperial’s new strategy, Science for Humanity.  

Speaking at the event, he said: “Being an Imperial student or alumnus means being part of a global network, a distinguished group of over 250,000 leaders, problem solvers and innovators around the world. Bound together by challenging and intensive studies, you share a common, lifelong connection.

“Istanbul, a city that bridges continents and cultures, is a fitting venue for this gathering. Much like Istanbul, Imperial stands at the crossroads of excellence, innovation and global impact. Our mission has always been to advance knowledge for the benefit of society – to be useful.” 

There are currently 155 students from Türkiye studying at Imperial, and over 500 alumni based there. Since 2018, Imperial has co-authored 866 publications with 131 institutions based in Türkiye. 

In 2022, Imperial and Bülent launched a science scholarship for Turkish master’s students – the TEV UK-Eczacıbaşı-Imperial scholarship – to support students to undertake master's courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Natural Sciences.  

In his speech, Bülent Eczacıbaşı gave examples of the great changes in the world since the time he studied at Imperial and said: "Scientists have a great responsibility to contribute to the solutions of the serious problems the world is facing. The expectations from you are very high because you hold the key to the future in your hands, and you should be aware that the eyes of the world will be on you, especially as you will be studying at an institution among the very best in the world.

"I wish you all the best of luck and a life full of great happiness and success in a bright future which you will create with your own hands."