Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces a comprehensive institutional strategy to encourage female prospective candidates and students to apply for and pursue academic paths in disciplines where women remain historically underrepresented—specifically across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). METU achieves maximum impact by combining direct university outreach programs with multi-institutional, international, and NGO-backed campaigns.

1. Multi-Institutional & Regional Collaborative Campaigns

• The AIMS Project (International Erasmus+ STEAM Mentoring Partnership): Participating through its Center for Applied Ethics, METU collaborates with international partner universities across Türkiye, Germany, and Austria in the Erasmus+ AIMS initiative (November 2025 – October 2028).

○ Encouraging STEAM Pathways: Develops an adaptive, bias-aware AI Mentor to support women entering STEAM study programs.

○  Addressing Structural Barriers: Tackles early-stage application barriers, digital skill gaps, and confidence erosion by establishing gender-sensitive learning pathways and ethically robust guidance for prospective and first-year female students.

• "Marie Curie’s of the Mediterranean" (MEDNIGHT) International Exhibition & Panel | January 13, 2025: Organized in direct collaboration with the Embassy of Slovenia, the EU-supported MSCA MEDNIGHT Project, the METU Research Coordination Office, and the Press Office at the METU Cultural and Convention Center (KKM).

○ High-Level Role Modeling: Inaugurated by METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil and Slovenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon, featuring expert talks by MSCA scholars and Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) leaders (Dr. Sabina Cveček, Burçak Çullu, Dr. Süreyya Akyüz).

○ Promoting Scientific Careers: Directly aimed at breaking gender stereotypes, promoting visible female role models in STEM, and inspiring young women to apply for scientific research careers across the Mediterranean region.

2. Student-Led Campus Outreach & Professional Engagement

• Women in Engineering (WIEN 2025) Conference | March 8–9, 2025: Organized by the METU Nature and Engineering Society (in collaboration with student branches like IEEE WIE METU), this face-to-face conference directly targets engineering disciplines with lower female representation.

○ Visible Career Pathways: Featured interactive panel sessions and keynote addresses by prominent female engineering leaders, sharing industry insights and professional trajectories.

○ Outreach & Solidarity Platform: Established an active guidance and networking platform to encourage female prospective students and undergraduates considering engineering studies, reinforcing accessible career entry points.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHDMbk2IXAB/

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

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