METU NCC Aerospace Engineering Academy–Industry Advisory Board Meeting Held
The Academy–Industry Advisory Board Meeting of the Aerospace Engineering Program at METU Northern Cyprus Campus (METU NCC) was held on 11 December 2025, bringing together representatives from academia and industry to exchange views on the program’s educational outcomes, graduate profile, and alignment with sector expectations.
Participants included representatives from leading institutions and organizations such as METU Ankara Department of Aerospace Engineering, BAYKAR, ROKETSAN, Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines Technic, Turkish Engine Industries (TEI), TİTRA Defence, and Corendon Airlines, as well as alumni currently pursuing graduate studies at Technical University of Munich and Politecnico di Milano.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Dr. Barış Güngördü, Coordinator of the Aerospace Engineering Program, who provided an overview of the department’s background, curriculum structure, program objectives, Student Outcomes, and Performance Indicators. Academic and industry stakeholders expressed that the program’s learning outcomes and assessment framework are well structured and closely aligned with current industry needs.
Industry representatives highlighted that METU NCC Aerospace Engineering graduates demonstrate strong technical competence, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and teamwork, enabling them to adapt effectively to professional environments. The solid undergraduate foundation in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, systems engineering, and flight testing was noted as a key strength supporting graduates’ successful transition into industry roles.
Participants also emphasized the value of project-based learning, experimental studies, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and exposure to airworthiness and certification concepts, which contribute significantly to graduates’ professional development. Alumni feedback further indicated that the theoretical background acquired during undergraduate studies provides a strong basis for success in graduate programs at leading international universities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening academy–industry collaboration, maintaining active engagement with alumni, and supporting the program’s continuous improvement efforts. The Aerospace Engineering Program at METU NCC will continue to utilize the valuable feedback received from its stakeholders to guide future educational and research initiatives.