NeurotechEU Board of Rectors Meeting: Advancing Neurotechnology and Collaboration in Europe

The European University of Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU) Board of Rectors Meeting was held at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul from November 12-14, 2024. Organized within the framework of NeurotechEU, this event brought together researchers, students, and staff to discuss ongoing projects and efforts toward building a European University of the future, focusing on neurotechnology. Established in 2020, NeurotechEU is a collaboration of eight leading higher education institutions specializing in this cutting-edge field.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

As part of the European Universities Initiative, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of European higher education, the event emphasized the value of institutionalized collaboration. Participants from NeurotechEU’s partner universities gathered at Boğaziçi University's historic South Campus to share insights and strengthen partnerships.
In his opening remarks, Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Mehmet Naci İnci highlighted the university's dedication to fostering international collaboration. Similarly, Prof. Can Yücesoy, NeurotechEU Academic Coordinator at Boğaziçi University and a faculty member in Biomedical Engineering, showcased the alliance's progress in advancing neurotechnology research and fostering technological and societal innovation. Prof. Richard van Wezel, NeurotechEU Coordinator, underscored the transformative opportunities provided by this collaboration, emphasizing its role in facilitating knowledge exchange and cultural interaction for experts and students across Europe.

Cultural and Intellectual Highlights

The event also featured cultural and intellectual highlights. Following several workshops on Boğaziçi University's South Campus, the meeting commenced at Istanbul’s Cistern of Theodosius Museum, a 1600-year-old Roman water reservoir. The evening's program included a performance by the classical music choir of Boğaziçi University Music Club (BUMK) and a historical talk by Prof. Cengiz Kırlı, setting the context for the gathering.
The official meeting was complemented by dynamic pre-events. A 3-Minute Thesis Competition, organized by the Student Council, allowed insight into research done at different partner institutions. Winners Puck Lange (Radboud University) and Belal Tavashi (Boğaziçi University) were recognized for their exceptional contributions.
Additionally, a Hackathon on Socio-technological Citizenship kicked off a day before the Board of Rectors Meeting. Led by Assoc. Prof. Daniela Schulz from the Biomedical Engineering Institute in collaboration with associate partners from Marmara Belediyeler Birliği. . The theme of the Hackathon was chosen to be in line with the Work package that is led by Boğaziçi University. Seven teams participated, and the winning team presented an innovative AI-powered software designed to mitigate social media polarization. Their project, along with other team efforts, was showcased on the final day of the Board of Rectors Meeting.

Conclusion

This impactful event demonstrated NeurotechEU’s commitment to advancing research, fostering innovation, and strengthening collaboration among Europe’s leading academic institutions.