A ceremony for the 2009 TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Social Research Council of Turkey) Science, Service, Incentive and Special Awards was held under President Gül’s auspices at the Çankya Presidential Palace.

In his speech at the ceremony, President Gül recalled that this was the third time the TÜBİTAK Awards Ceremony had been held at the Çankaya Presidential Palace during his term in office.

“Productivity in science and technology is Turkey’s priority”

President Gül reiterated that the developing the areas of science and technology, and research and development was a priority for Turkey., He also recalled the promise he had made during his inaugural speech at the TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) to take these areas under his aegis, and he stated his pleasure at hosting this ceremony again.

Pointing out the importance of becoming a country which is productive in the areas of science and technology, President Gül underlined the necessity to have the means and the infrastructure to realise this.

Turkish Scientists Abroad

On the important subject of creating the means by which Turkish scientists abroad might return to Turkey, President Gül suggested that if this were not possible, we should enable them to transfer the fruits of their research here.

Turkey, said President Gül, had made many sacrifices especially while participating in the EU 7th Framework Agreement and he stipulated that we should capitalise on these resources more, adding that our scientists should be kept abreast of developments in the world of science.

Especially in recent years, continued the President, Turkey had increased its funding for science and technology and research and development and it had also established the necessary legal infrastructure to attract foreign companies.

Ending his speech, President Gül noted that results had been very promising following the incentives provided for scientists and researchers, and held up the award winning scientists as worthy examples for the following generations.

President Gül later presented the awards.

Awardees List

The TÜBİTAK Science Award in fundamental sciences was given to Prof. Dr. Engin Umut Akkaya, the TÜBİTAK Special Award in fundamental sciences was given to Dr. Taner Yıldırım.

The TÜBİTAK Incentive Awards in fundamental sciences were given to Ass. Prof. Taylan Akdoğan, Ass. Prof. Nihat Sadık Değer, Ass. Prof. Tolga Etgü, Ass. Prof. Mehmet Özgür Oktel and Ass. Prof. Bayram Tekin; in engineering sciences the award winner scientists are; Assoc. Prof. Hilmi Volkan Demir, Prof. Dr. Günhan Dündar, Ass. Prof. Fikri Karaesmen, Ass. Prof. Hakan Ürey and Ass. Prof. Emre Alper Yıldırım; in medical sciences, Ass.Prof. Kubilay Aydın, Ass. Prof. Doğan Erdoğan, Ass. Prof. Ahmet Korkmaz, Ass. Prof. Mehmet Özaydın; in social sciences, Ass. Prof. Hatice Pınar Bilgin and Ass. Prof. Şule Toktaş. The TÜBİTAK TWAS Incentive Award was given to Ass. Prof. Z. Özlem Keskin

All News