TUBITAK’S GOAL: QUALIFIED PEOPLE FOR QUALITY SCIENCE
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Project Development and Technology Transfer Office held an informative seminar at IUE Conference Hall for academicians applying for TUBITAK grants for their scientific studies. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Feza Korkusuz, Advisor to the President of TUBITAK, stated that the country needed qualified people for quality science, and that the society’s interest in science increased.
Academicians from Izmir and neighbor cities came together at IUE and received information about national and international funding resources provided by TUBITAK and what is expected of them regarding their studies. Prof. Dr. Feza Korkusuz, Advisor to the President of TUBITAK, reported that for over 55 years, TUBITAK aimed to endear science to Turkish society and that it touched the lives of tens of thousands of science lovers. Prof. Dr. Korkusuz said “We try to realize this goal through scholarships we offer and supports we provide to researches. We need qualified people. Quality science is not possible without qualified people. Turkey has a youthful population, who is being brought up within the world of science”. Prof. Dr. Korkusuz, who stressed out the importance of protocols and scientific collaborations with Ministry of Education, said, “We provide educational support to teachers regarding the projects. More of our students with more projects are representing the country at worldwide Science Olympics successfully. Our success rate and medals increase. We continue to support these young people with their undergraduate and graduate studies. We have success stories in every field of science going beyond our borders. We now crossed a certain threshold in Turkey, and we need to develop more unique projects to progress further.”
IUE’s Acting Rector, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, who indicated that Izmir was an economic model of innovation, said, “We have projects that produce added value, and aim increase in production of goods and services. There is a continuous need for support for academicians and students studying in this field. We always support science during this process which involves many stages including R&D activities, innovation, and corporatization.”
Onur Kanyılmaz, Coordinator of IUE Project Development and Technology Transfer Office, said, “Transitioning into e-signature process for quick applications, and prioritizing multidisciplinary projects, will enable researches to have easier access to TUBITAK funds and grants, and contribute to science even more. We will be able provide the developments quicker because the way for national achievements and scientific collaborations have been cleared. Currently, 18 projects of the University are being carried out with the support of TUBITAK with a total budget over 46 million Turkish Lira. We will continue to help our academicians receive funds for their researches.”