Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces a comprehensive strategy to enhance female students' access, retention, and progression across higher education—specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines where women are historically underrepresented. METU combines AI-driven mentoring systems, student-led career and mentorship networks, and high-profile international visibility exhibitions and panels.

1. Structured Mentoring & AI-Driven Learning Schemes

• The AIMS Project (Erasmus+ AI-Based Mentoring for Women in STEAM): Through its Centre of Applied Ethics, METU participates as a core partner in the AIMS initiative (November 2025 – October 2028).

○ Individualized Support: AIMS develops an adaptive, bias-aware AI Mentor offering study planning, digital competency building, and socio-emotional guidance for first-year female STEAM students.

○ Removing Access Barriers: Tackles role model shortages, self-confidence issues, and digital skill gaps by embedding adaptive mentoring tools directly into university Learning Management Systems (LMS).

• Women in Engineering (WIEN 2025) Conference | March 8–9, 2025: Organized by the METU Nature and Engineering Society, WIEN 2025 created a face-to-face mentoring and networking platform directly targeting engineering disciplines with lower female representation.

○Peer Mentorship & Industry Pathways: Featured interactive panel sessions and career trajectory discussions where female engineering leaders and academics shared professional insights, establishing an active solidarity and guidance network for prospective and current female students.

2. Institutional Outreach, Role Models & Inclusive Provisions

• "Marie Curie’s of the Mediterranean" (Mednights) Exhibition & International Panel | January 13, 2025: Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Slovenia, the METU Research Coordination Office, and the Press Office, METU hosted the prestigious "Marie Curie’s of the Mediterranean" exhibition and expert panel at the Cultural and Convention Center (KKM).

○International Leadership & Advocacy: Opened by METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil and Slovenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon, the event celebrated the achievements of female researchers across the Mediterranean basin.

○Inspiring Future Generations: Featured expert presentations by MSCA scholars and Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) leaders (Dr. Sabina Cveček, Burçak Çullu, Dr. Süreyya Akyüz), highlighting diverse childhood stories, scientific achievements, and career paths to shatter stereotypes and promote female access to scientific research careers.

https://ueam.metu.edu.tr/en/node/36

https://avesis.metu.edu.tr/project/details/e207cc03-3936-4586-9a6f-4dc2cc89eecf/ai-based-mentoring-for-women-in-steam-studies

https://haber.metu.edu.tr/tr/2025/01/akdenizin-marie-curieleri-sergisi-odtude-acildi/