The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) themed
“Sustainable Agricultural Production and Circular Economy,” hosted by Isparta
University of Applied Sciences (IUAS), has been completed with the
participation of academics and students from our partner universities in Italy
and Poland. Jointly conducted with the University of Perugia (Italy) and the
University of Agriculture in Kraków (Poland), this program marks the first
international and multidisciplinary educational activity of its kind held in
Isparta. 
Program Implementation and Outcomes
During the first two weeks (June 2–13, 2025), academic sessions were conducted
online, covering current topics such as climate change, soil and water
management, smart farming practices, biotechnology, and sustainability in plant
and animal production.
The face-to-face field practices and technical visits (June 23–July 4, 2025)
enabled participants to put their knowledge into practice. With visits to
strategic locations such as the Eğirdir Horticultural Research Institute,
Eurodrip Irrigation Systems Factory, farms, and research centers in Isparta and
Aydın, the program offered a holistic educational experience. Furthermore,
cultural heritage was an important part of the program through tours to ancient
cities like Sagalassos and Ephesus.
This program was not only an educational activity for
students but also a significant cultural, social, and economic contribution to
Isparta. Academics and students from various countries had the opportunity to observe the scientific infrastructure and natural wealth of Isparta closely.
A Good Practice Example for Future Collaborations
This program, initiated under the leadership of IUAS, will continue in the
coming years under the hosting of partner universities and serves as a good
practice model for initiating new Blended Intensive Programs. At IUAS, we see
this as just the beginning, aiming to diversify international collaborations in
many fields (particularly in agriculture, forestry, technology, and social
sciences).
We sincerely thank all the academics (especially IUAS
Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ayhan GÖSTERİT, Program Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yusuf UÇAR,
and ISUBÜ Erasmus Office), students, and partner institutions (particularly
Assoc. Prof. Emiliano Lasagna from the University of Perugia and Assoc. Prof.
Anna Krakowiak-Bal from the University of Agriculture in Krakow) who
contributed to this success. We are proud to have pioneered such a program in
Isparta and wholeheartedly believe that similar programs will continue to grow
in the coming years.
