TÜBİTAK Science Award

Three of our faculty members have been honored with the prestigious TÜBİTAK Science Award, while two others have received the TÜBİTAK Incentive Award.

Prof. Özgür Esat Müstecaplıoğlu (College of Sciences), Prof. Nazlı Baydar (College of Social Sciences and Humanities), Prof. Devrim Gözüaçık (School of Medicine) have been honored with the prestigious 2023 TÜBİTAK Science Award while Assoc. Prof. Savaş Taşoğlu (College of Engineering), and Asst. Dr. Serkan Kır (College of Science) were awarded the 2023 TÜBİTAK Incentive Award. 

These achievements underscore the exceptional contributions and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our faculty members. Their success not only brings pride to our institution but also reinforces Koç University's position as a center of academic excellence. Koç University proudly boasts the highest number of TÜBİTAK Awards since 2000.

Prof. Özgür Esat Müstecaplıoğlu carries out studies on quantum technologies. Prof. Müstecaplıoğlu and his students, as Koç University Quantum Enabled System Technology Group (QuEST), are working on developing new generation quantum computers, algorithms, sensors and communication systems that can perform tasks that old generation devices such as lasers and transistors cannot do or can perform beyond their limits; They use fundamental research to translate the principles of quantum physics into applications for industry and society in a wide range of fields, from quantum ophthalmology to industrial optimization.

https://science.ku.edu.tr/en/departments/physics/faculty/show/omustecap/#1

Prof. Nazlı Baydar, conducted research in developmental psychology that combined recent approaches to theory, methods, and interventions. Her basic and applied developmental research aimed to directly contribute to promoting human development. For this purpose, Prof. Nazlı Baydar prioritized research on family and contextual factors that trigger the development of individuals' potential to contribute to the well-being of their communities.

https://cssh.ku.edu.tr/en/people/faculty/show/nbaydar/

Prof. Devrim Gözüaçık’s research focuses on the discovery and study of novel molecules (i.e. proteins, RNAs, metabolites), signals and signaling pathways regulating cellular stress and death responses, and especially autophagy. These basic discoveries lead to a better understanding of the role of autophagy and stres molecules in health and disease (e.g. Cancer, degenerative diseases), and allow development of novel diagnosis, follow-up and treatment strategies. 

https://gozuaciklab.com/

Dr. Taşoğlu's research interests are point-of-care diagnostic devices, 3D (bio)printing, cell sorting technologies using the principles of transport phenomena of fluids at the micro/nano levels, 3d microfabrication and prototyping, material sciences, and machine/deep learning.

https://tasoglulab.ku.edu.tr/pi/

Dr. Serkan Kır’s laboratory investigates adverse effects of cancer on host metabolism, including tumor-induced hypermetabolism and the loss of adipose and skeletal muscle tissues. Dr. Kır’s research identified PTHrP, a tumor-derived hormonal factor, as an inducer of energy wasting and adipose tissue atrophy. His recent work demonstrated that the EDA2R/NIK signaling drives muscle atrophy in response to tumors. Kir laboratory continues to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying cancer-associated wasting.

https://sklab.ku.edu.tr/lab-members/