Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Accepted into the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance

Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) has started a new chapter in its international activities with the official announcement of its admission to the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance. This success, which was widely reflected in scientific and diplomatic media on July 8, 2026, demonstrates the university's commitment to promoting research standards and participating in solving global challenges through diplomatic tools [1].

A Major Step in the Internationalization of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Admission to this alliance strengthens Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University's position as a key player in the field of science and technology. The university is now the second institution from Turkey to achieve this title, following Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ). According to published reports, this membership was granted under the status of "Global Networking Partner," allowing the university to actively participate in strategic European Union projects while developing scientific policies [1].

What is the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance? The EU Science Diplomacy Alliance is a joint initiative formed to strengthen cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in the field of science diplomacy across Europe and the world. This entity was born out of major projects such as S4D4C and InsSciDE under the Horizon 2020 program to provide a platform for dialogue between scientists, diplomats, and policymakers [2]. The main goal of this alliance is to use scientific capacities to improve international relations and address crises such as climate change and energy security [3].

Importance of this Membership for the Turkish Scientific Community The presence of another university from Turkey in this alliance increases the country's soft power in international scientific forums. Science diplomacy serves as a tool for establishing communication between nations when traditional diplomacy faces challenges. For Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, this membership means access to joint financial resources, advanced training programs, and a network of European scientific elites that can enhance the quality of education and research at this center [1][2].

Future Outlook and Strategic Collaborations In light of the Horizon Europe programs for 2026 and 2027, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University intends to use this opportunity to lead international consortia. Focusing on areas such as food security, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability will be among the university's priorities in cooperation with the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance. This move is considered a major scientific victory not only for the university but also for the city of Çanakkale, making its name more prominent on world scientific maps [1].