Faculty members from our department, Assoc. Prof. Alper Gürarslan and Assoc. Prof. Özgür Atalay, led the RETEX and SmartWaste projects, supported by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program. Additionally, faculty members Prof. Dr. Hale Karakaş, Dr. Belgin Görgün, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Aslı Tunçay Atalay participated as Visiting Researchers at Grado Zero Espace in Italy.

RETEX Project: This project focused on developing sustainable electronic textile materials using regenerated cotton. It successfully contributed to training a new generation of researchers through international collaboration and mobility. Moreover, a global research network on sustainable electronic textiles was established.

SmartWaste Project: This project aimed to create cellulose fibers from agricultural waste, such as tomato stems, and nonwoven textiles from poplar seed fibers. It achieved the development of cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional textile materials while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the creation of environmentally friendly textile solutions.

Both projects were coordinated by ITU and conducted with an international consortium, including Marmara University, Technische Universität Dresden, Centexbel, and Grado Zero Espace. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the textile industry by offering innovative, sustainability-focused solutions.

We congratulate all researchers involved and wish them continued success in their endeavors.