The Maritime Security and Cyber Threats Research Laboratory (CyberMarSec Lab), operating under the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), has been honored with the "Sectoral Contribution Award" as part of the 8th "Smart Way in Transportation Awards" during the Conf-ITS’25 – 1st National Intelligent Transportation Systems Conference at Teknopark Ankara, held on April 16–17, 2025.
This award recognizes the laboratory’s pioneering efforts in maritime cybersecurity research and its valuable contributions to fostering collaboration between public institutions, private sector stakeholders, and academia. As one of the first research laboratories in Türkiye dedicated to maritime cybersecurity, CyberMarSec Lab develops and shares cyber analysis based on the digital and physical twins of maritime systems within controlled test environments, providing sector-relevant technical solutions.
Due to a short-term academic assignment at Shanghai Maritime University, the Laboratory Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pelin Bolat, could not attend the award ceremony. The lab was represented at the event by Dr. Gizem Kayışoğlu and Research Assistant Emre Düzenli.
Following the announcement, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bolat emphasized that the award not only reflects the value of the laboratory’s technical outputs but also highlights the significance of the collaboration model established between public, private, and academic entities. She underlined that CyberMarSec Lab remains committed to designing applied research frameworks and innovative training programs to improve cybersecurity awareness among maritime professionals.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bolat extended her sincere thanks to Dr. Esma Dilek, President of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Association, and to the entire executive board for this meaningful recognition. She also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, for his unwavering support, visionary leadership, and dedication to academic excellence, as well as to Dean of the Faculty of Maritime, Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, for his continuous encouragement and contribution to the faculty’s advancement.
She concluded her remarks with the following statement:
“At the heart of our success lies a spirit of sincere, principled teamwork; an academic vision that anticipates the future; and a passion for producing value for our university, our faculty, and our nation. With the same enthusiasm and determination, we will continue to contribute to the maritime sector.”