INTERDEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION MEETING IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY EVALUATED WITH INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

An online internal stakeholder meeting titled “Evaluation of Certified Training Programs, Interdepartmental Collaboration, and Applied Training Activities in the Field of Renewable Energy” was held through the cooperation of the Department of Electricity and Energy and the Department of Electronics and Automation of Balıkesir University Balıkesir Vocational School, together with the Renewable Energy Research, Development, Application and Research Center (YEAUM) of Balıkesir University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ersin AKYÜZ, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan ÇITAK, Lecturer Dr. Batın DEMİRCAN, Lecturer Metin GÜL, and student representatives Yunus Emre KIRLI and Ertuğrul Akbaş attended the meeting.

During the meeting, opportunities for collaboration in the field of education and training among the Department of Electricity and Energy, the Department of Electronics and Automation, and YEAUM were discussed. Participants exchanged ideas on planning certified training programs for students and industry stakeholders in the fields of photovoltaic power systems and wind energy systems. In addition, evaluations were made regarding the development of renewable energy-based course content, practical applications, and technical training activities for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of the effective use of shared laboratories and technical infrastructure among departments in order to improve students’ practical competencies. In this context, it was decided to carry out collaborative studies for the joint use of the PV laboratory within the Department of Electricity and Energy and the wind energy, biogas, and photovoltaic laboratories within YEAUM.

Furthermore, common decisions were taken regarding increasing industry collaborations in the field of renewable energy within the scope of accreditation, sustainability, and the 3+1 Workplace Vocational Training Model, as well as organizing technical visits, seminars, workshops, and joint events.

The meeting, held in line with Balıkesir University’s applied education approach, is expected to make significant contributions to training qualified human resources in the field of renewable energy, strengthening university-industry cooperation, and improving students’ practical skills.