Ayla Hendekci

Giresun University is a growing public institution located in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, established in 2006. The university encompasses faculties and research centers spanning agriculture, bioeconomy, public health, food sciences, environmental sciences, and education. With a multidisciplinary structure and increasing academic capacity, the university actively engages in regionally and internationally relevant research. We are particularly interested in Horizon Europe Cluster 6 themes, including sustainable food systems, circular bioeconomy, natural resource management, climate adaptation, and biodiversity preservation. Giresun University has expertise in agricultural innovation, public health and nutrition, ecosystem-based practices, and community-oriented environmental education. Our institution offers: Academics and researchers experienced in EU project participation, stakeholder engagement, and applied field research, Technical and physical infrastructure for rural innovation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental monitoring, Access to regional networks, farmers, municipalities, and NGOs across the Black Sea basin, Strong competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, science communication, and digital learning tools, Prior project experience in TÜBİTAK, Erasmus+, and regional development programs We are open to acting as a partner or work package leader in proposals aligned with Cluster 6 topics and are particularly motivated to contribute to projects involving food system resilience, bio-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and public engagement for sustainability. Giresun University is committed to inclusive innovation, capacity building in less-developed regions, and contributing to the European Green Deal objectives through collaborative research.