Strengthening Academic Cooperation Between Türkiye and China: A Visit to China University of Petroleum (East China)

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kumral and Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Döner from the Geological Engineering Department paid an official visit to China University of Petroleum (East China) in Qingdao city, Shandong Province at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. The visit was carried out upon the invitation of Prof. Dr. F. Huang, Director of International Cooperation, and Prof. Dr. Qinhong Hu, Professor at the School of Geosciences and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas. The main objective of the visit was to explore potential academic collaborations and discuss future student exchange opportunities between the two institutions.

Within this framework, a formal meeting was held at the School of Geosciences, where Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kumral and Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Döner delivered a comprehensive presentation introducing the Faculty of Mines at Istanbul Technical University, its academic structure, research infrastructure, and ongoing scientific activities. The meeting also served as a platform to exchange ideas on potential joint research projects, particularly in the fields of geosciences, energy resources, and unconventional reservoirs. In addition to academic meetings, the visit included various cultural and institutional activities aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation. The delegation had the opportunity to explore the university campus and the Qingdao city, as well as to participate in short cultural visits to Shanghai and Beijing, gaining broader insight into China’s academic environment, scientific culture, and historical heritage.

During this visit, as part of the China-Türkiye scientific cooperation framework, Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Döner also conducted experimental research at the State Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas at China University of Petroleum (East China). Her research focused on the application of advanced analytical techniques to unconventional reservoir systems, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary scientific collaboration and promote joint research outputs between the two institutions.

In addition, as part of this collaboration, Research Assistant N. Merve Sütçü participated in a three-month academic research program in June 2025 with the support of the China International Talent Exchange Program (CEP). During this period, she actively contributed to scientific research activities and benefited from extensive academic exchange opportunities. As part of the program, Mr. Nie Shengkui, Director of the Department of Foreign Experts Affairs of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, visited the university to observe ongoing research activities and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening international scientific cooperation.

Beyond academic activities, participants experienced Chinese culture through various cultural events in Qingdao and interactions with international researchers, fostering strong academic and social connections. This visit marked an important step toward strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting international academic mobility, and advancing joint research in geosciences and energy studies.

Representing Türkiye at High-Level International Earthquake Science Meetings in China

Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taymaz from the Department of Geophysical Engineering was invited to be an Honorary Guest Speaker and Participant at International Workshop on Earthquake Prevention and Disaster Reduction Technologies for Member Countries of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ADC) held during 20 - 26 July 2025 in Beijing, China. The distinguished workshop was organised and hosted by the Institute of Geology and Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation of the China Earthquake Administration in Beijing, China.

Prof. Dr. Taymaz has overwhelmingly delivered the invited Key-Note-Talks below.

(1) Geodynamics of the Aegean and Anatolia – Case Studies of the Recent Earthquakes

(2) A Giant Jigsaw Puzzle Mobilized by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Doublet

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taymaz was invited and guided to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) and have experienced an access to all Chinese Seismic Network and the Products followed by a technical field study to the China National Training Base for Urban Search and Rescue to experience China's Practice in Responding to Earthquake Disasters.

Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taymaz  was also invited as a Key-Note-Speaker and running Chairperson of SeismoGeodesy session and a participant at The Joint Conference of the International Symposium on Geodesy and Geodynamics & Multi-observations and Interpretations of Xizang, Xinjiang and Siberia held during 1 - 4 August 2025 in Xining, Qinghai Province, Tibet, China. The joint conference of the international symposium ISGG2025&13thTibXS, Xining, China was hosted by Key Laboratory of Seismic Geodesy, China Earthquake Administration and Wuhan University, China.  Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taymaz has vigorously delivered invited Key-Note-Talk below.

Active Seismotectonics of the Anatolia (Türkiye): Case Studies of the Giant Jigsaw Puzzle Mobilized by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş (SE Türkiye) Mw 7.8 Earthquake Doublet and the 23 April 2025 Kumburgaz-Marmara Sea (NW Türkiye) Mw 6.3 Earthquake