Izmir Institute of Technology

The İzmir Institute of Technology was set up in 1992 in the city of Izmir on the Western coast of Turkey in Aegean sea. The higher level institution puts strong emphasis on natural sciences and engineering. The university is one of the most prestigious and selective in Turkey. Its courses cover engineering (civil, chemical, computer, electrical, food and mechanical) and science (chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology and genetics, physics), as well as architecture (including architectural restoration, city and regional planning and industrial design). All courses are taught in English. The Izmir Institute of Technology is the only institute in Turkey with a particular focus on scientific research. Its research areas are animal genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, cancer biology, cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, microbiology, plant genetics, and structural biology. The campus, situated on a splendid Aegean coast just outside Izmir includes two ancient Roman baths, waterfalls, olive groves and vineyards. Its student organisations range from the design club to American football and Physics Society. With some three million residents, Izmir is one of the largest cities in Turkey. Its history going back to the Hellenistic age can be seen through the city’s surviving historical architecture. The Ottoman period, as well as Jewish communities, also left their mark on the city. Izmir hosts an annual music festival - International Izmir Festival, the Izmir European Jazz Festival and the International Izmir Short Film Festival. The local food mixes influences from the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.