2023
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| ISSUE 43 | January 2023 | |
METU Launches New Climate CenterMETU Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (METU CLIMATE) was established to understand the changing climate and its effects and to develop policies and solutions to real-world problems. Faculty members, whose research areas are climate and sustainability, meet under the roof of METU Climate: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center with the aim of carrying out multidimensional studies related to climate change, air pollution, greenhouse effects, and net zero emissions. METU CLIMATE, which the Council of Higher Education approved in November 2022, will also carry out studies with the aim of contributing to the development of scientific, realistic, and reliable climate and sustainable development strategies and policies that our country and society will need at the national and international level. The center will hold its first workshop on Tuesday, February 7th, at the METU Culture and Congress Center between 13.30-16.30.
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New Episode of “ODTÜ’lü Yıllarım”Theater, cinema, and TV actor Mehmet Ali Nuroğlu was hosted at “ODTÜ’lü Yıllarım,” our videocast series published by METU Alumni Office and GİSAM. Mehmet Ali Nuroğlu shared his years in METU Philosophy Department to acting and his student experiences that started again at METU.
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METU Innovation Fellows to Participate in Silicon Valley Meet-UpAs a result of the Fire Up 2022 training program, five METU students have been named University Innovation Fellows, a program run by Stanford University. The six-week-long program was collaboratively organized by METU GİMER (Center for Entrepreneurship Research and Applications), İTÜ GİNOVA and Boğaziçi University BRIGHT entrepreneurship centers, and sponsored by METU TEKNOKENT.
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11 Projects from METU to be Funded in TÜBİTAK ARDEB 1001Application results of TÜBİTAK’s Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program (ARDEB 1001) for the second term of 2022 have been announced. This term, a total of 11 projects coordinated by the researchers of METU has been entitled to be funded, which means that METU has obtained a success rate of 35%.
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Sezer Özerinç Receives METU Development Foundation Young Researcher Achievement AwardAssoc. Prof. Sezer Özerinç from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been awarded the METU Development Foundation Young Researcher Achievement Award as a result of the evaluations made based on the academic performance data for the activity year 2021. METU Development Foundation Young Researcher Achievement Awards are determined based on the age, performance score, and number of publications in the Q1 category of faculty members working at METU.
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AdımODTÜ Undergraduate Research 2022In line with the motto “Research at METU starts in undergraduate level!”, undergraduate students from different faculties presented their scientific studies at the 5th annual AdımODTÜ Undergraduate Studies Day. Details of the projects can be accessed from the link below.
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AdımODTÜ Film ScreeningAdımODTÜ held a free movie screening event at the U3 auditorium. Complimentary popcorn and water were available for our students at the event, in which the movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” was screened. With the great interest and participation of our students, film screenings will continue in the upcoming semesters.
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An AdımODTÜ Tradition: Complementary SandwichesWith the organization of AdımODTÜ, the tradition of providing students who study until late during finals week with complimentary filtered coffee and lunch box consisting of sandwiches, fruit, and cake continued this semester. A well-wish note was also included for each student, tucked inside the packages that were created with the contributions of METU alumni and friends. The lunch boxes are offered to thousands of students each semester with the support of different student clubs and societies.
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| ISSUE 44 | March 2023 | |
Support Campaign for METU StudentsWe are deeply saddened by the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, and impacted our country’s southern and southeastern cities. We wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, extend our condolences to their loved ones, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. At Middle East Technical University, we have made great efforts to support our students and citizens residing in the earthquake region as much as possible through the support and aid campaigns we have launched. To support our students, especially those affected by the earthquake, we would like to announce our scholarship campaign in which we aim to provide 1000 students with a monthly stipend of 1,000 TL for five months. To help us gather a total of 5 million TL for this campaign that we have launched as part of the 100th-anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Turkey, the donations of you, our esteemed alumni family, will be greatly appreciated. For each text message that you will send to 9466 by typing “ODTÜ” you will contribute 100 TL to the scholarship fund created for our students. To support our students from abroad, please contact burs@odtugv.org.tr or call +90 (312) 480 33 03. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the teams, offices, units, members, students, and alumni who have been voluntarily participating in all the support efforts of Middle East Technical University. METU Alumni Office |
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METU Open MarketThe Kümbet Hall at the Culture and Convention Center (KKM) has been turned into an “open market” for our students who came to our dormitories from the cities impacted by the earthquake. Items gathered within the in-kind support campaign thanks to the efforts and contributions of our alumni, members of the METU family, and ODTÜDEN store have been sorted into sections such as food, stationery products, clothes, and cleaning & hygiene products, and made available to our students free of charge.. Those who want to contribute to our open market can contact us and get information by calling the phone numbers below or emailing us. Office of Communications: +90 312 210 4184 Alumni Office: +90 312 210 7108 / +90 312 210 4128 Whatsapp Hotline: +90 549 231 16 30 E-mail: kio@metu.edu.tr / mezun@metu.edu.tr |
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METU Supports Earthquake ZoneAs Middle East Technical University, we have supported the regions impacted by the earthquakes since the first day of the disaster through various campaigns. Within our in-kind aid campaign, the items needed most in the region have been gathered at the Emergency Support Point (Kümbet Hall at the Culture and Convention Center) and sent to various destinations, particularly Hatay and Adıyaman. As a part of the campaign, 600 pieces of winter products supplied by our ODTÜDEN Campus Store have also been sent to the earthquake zone.
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Earthquake Report from METU AcademicsProf. Ahmet Yakut, Prof. Barış Binici, Prof. Kemal Önder Çetin, Assoc. Prof. Nejan Huvaj, Prof. Erdem Canbay, Prof. Eray Baran, Prof. Alp Caner, Salim Azak (Technician), and Ozan Demirel (Ph.D. student) from the Department of Civil Engineering, as well as Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Tolga Yılmaz from the Department of Engineering Sciences went to the earthquake region to conduct investigations in the field. On February 20, 2023, the report titled “Preliminary Reconnaissance Report on February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık Mw=7.7 and Elbistan Mw=7.6 Earthquakes” was published by METU Earthquake Engineering Research Center (METU EERC).
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The AYNA HotlineThe AYNA Hotline has started offering assistance to all our citizens residing in the earthquake region in both Turkish and English. In the future, psychological support will continue to be provided to everyone in need, especially the students and members of our university who were affected by the earthquake.
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METU Team Organized Activities for Children In Tent CitiesMETU teams visited the tent sites in Adıyaman and spent time with children who enjoyed many activities and games, from chemistry experiments to painting. Teams, including staff from METU Faculty of Education, Center for Society and Science Research, and the Office of Communications, as well as volunteer students from science centers, entertained the children in the tent sites they visited, played games, and did experiments with them to cheer them up a little bit. In addition, as part of the visit, toys and notes of good wishes previously collected by METU members were given to children in the region.
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METU Students Returned to Dormitories from Earthquake ZoneThe next day after the disaster, efforts to reach 1704 of our students residing in the earthquake zone began. Most of the students were contacted within the first 1-2 days and asked about their needs. Dormitories were prepared for our students who wanted to return to campus early, and the necessary announcements were made to these students. Then, our students who wanted to return to the campus were provided METU buses that went to the region through two different routes. As these students were brought to the campus from the region, efforts for other support campaigns, such as providing stipends and monetary aid to meet their transportation needs, continued. |
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BİLİM-2 to Investigate Earthquake in Mediterranean SeaScientists will make year-round expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea with the research vessel Bilim-2 of the METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences to monitor the possible damage caused by the earthquake at the bottom of the sea and the pressure on the ecosystem. Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Yücel, Deputy Director of the METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences, stated that the expeditions to be made in March, June, and August would reveal how the marine system reacted to the earthquake.
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METU Student Societies Participated in Relief EffortsMETU Winter Sports Club, with approximately 25 students, arrived at Antakya/Armutlu on the very first day that the earthquakes took place and took part in search and rescue efforts, helping to save many people alive from the debris. METU Scout Group also went to Hatay/Harbiye, one of the regions hit heavily by the earthquake, to help the people affected by the disaster. |
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Food Services to Earthquake Area by METU CafeteriaWhile our efforts on campus to support the earthquake region continue, the METU Office of Cafeteria Management staff voluntarily went to the region on the third day of the disaster to provide food service in central Adıyaman. They took part in establishing a center that provided catering services to 2500 people in the early days of the disaster, and this capacity rose to 4000 people later on. |
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| ISSUE 45 | April 2023 | |
SAVE THE DATE: 2023 METU ALUMNI DAYDear Alumni, We are delighted to announce our traditional METU Alumni Day festivities with all-day events will be held on July 8, 2023. We would gladly invite all our alumni back to the campus for the “2023 METU Alumni Day,” especially those celebrating the 60th, 55th, 50th, 40th, 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries of their graduation. On this year’s alumni day, the enthusiasm for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey and the grief of the earthquake disaster that happened in February will be felt together deep in our hearts. We hope to be united with as many of our alumni as possible. Therefore, if you still need to apply for your Memorial Medal, please click the Medal Request Form link to complete your application until June 16. Especially our graduates who will celebrate their graduation’s 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversary are required to apply for the Medal. The alumni day program, which will include various surprise events to be prepared for you, will be announced in June. For the updates, you can visit the Alumni Office web page, follow the official METU social media accounts, sign up for the email list on our website’s contact page or join the ODTÜM group on LinkedIn. Join us back on campus for this special evening where you can reconnect with your classmates and celebrate the traditional alumni day. We are so excited to welcome you back to METU and look forward to seeing you face-to-face on campus!😊 METU Alumni Office
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GIVE SCHOLARSHIP TO THE FUTUREIn honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we launched a fundraising campaign with a total target of 5 million TL, with the approval of the Ankara Governor’s Office (reference number: 196668), to financially support METU students. We are glad to inform you that we have reached the first milestone of 1.5 million TL, which will allow us to provide scholarships to 300 more students who still need a scholarship. Our next target is to reach 2 million TL and thus offer scholarship opportunities to another 100 students. You can click the link below to contribute to the campaign.
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METU IS IN THE TOP 10 WORLDWIDE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING ACCORDING TO QS RANKINGS BY SUBJECTAccording to the 2023 World University Rankings by Subject published by the UK-based higher education ranking institution Quacquarelli Symond (QS), METU ranked 10th in “Petroleum Engineering” and the only university in Turkey to be in the top 10 in the world in a field. In addition to climbing up by one in the ranking in the field of Petroleum Engineering compared to last year, METU has also become the best-performing university in Turkey across 18 academic disciplines.
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METU RANKS FIRST IN THE “ENTREPRENEUR AND INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY INDEX” ONCE AGAINMETU ranked first among all universities in Turkey this year, scoring 83.61 in the “Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index.” The 11th of the Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index was announced on April 1, 2023. The Index was launched by TUBITAK in 2012, for the first time in Turkey, to measure the innovation and entrepreneurship performance of universities. Universities are ranked in the dimensions of “scientific and technological research competence,” “intellectual property pool,” “cooperation and interaction,” and “economic and social contribution” within the Index.
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APRIL 23 IN THE LIGHT OF SCIENCELike last year, we celebrated April 23, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a day gifted to children by our great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, at METU with science this year too. The special science show “Curious Kids’ Questions / April 23 in the Light of Science” was broadcast on METU YouTube Channel on April 23 at 15.30, and the questions from children were answered by METU professors with experiments and demonstrations.
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NEW EPISODE OF “MY METU YEARS”In the new episode of “My METU Years,” where we host our friends from METU, our guests were Off-Road Rally pilots Jale Özel and Ayşegül Telli. In the episode that was shot in Lake Eymir, our dearest alumni, Özel and Telli, talked about their years at METU and career journeys leading to becoming rally pilots. You can watch this pleasant and intriguing conversation by clicking the link below.
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RAISING A GENERATION EDUCATED ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE OCEANOcean and Climate School training for educating the new generations on the climate and the ocean has started at METU Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Development. The training was held for the first time by researchers at the METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences. The participating students learned about the importance and protection of the oceans, the effects of climate change, and much more. Students from the schools selected by the Mersin Provincial Directorate of National Education, with the help of the Mersin Municipality, will visit METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences and attend training regarding ocean and climate issues throughout the term.
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MORALE VISIT TO CHILDREN IN THE EARTHQUAKE AREAMETU continues to visit tent cities with science buses to support children and students in areas affected by the earthquake. The activities were attended by professors and students from the METU Center for Society and Science Research, Office of Communications, and the Faculty of Education. Paintings were made, games were played through these activities, and children were helped to regain their morale through fun scientific experiments. The latest destination as part of this project was Hatay on March 23. Additionally, hundreds of plush toys sent by METU graduates were delivered to their new owners in the earthquake zone. To watch clips of the project, please visit the link below.
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“NETWORK OF CREATIVE SECTORS” UNDER PROJECT ECITEAs part of the “Emergence of Creative Industries and Transforming the Economy with Innovative Technologies” (ECITE), which is funded by the European Union (EU) and Turkey, the “Creative Sectors Network” is planned to be established and run in cooperation of METU Center for Design and Prototyping (Design Factory), Center for Audiovisual Research and Production (GİSAM), and the Center for Animation Technologies and Game Development (ATOM). The “Creative Sectors Network” that is to be established in METU aims to support SMEs and entrepreneurs in fields such as new-generation filmmaking, games, and wearable technologies with innovative technologies. Among the project’s stakeholders, which will be conducted with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, are ODTÜ Teknokent, Ankara Development Agency, Turkish Game Developers Association, Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Fashion Designers Union and Solidarity Association. |
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METU OPEN MARKETThe Kümbet Hall at the METU Culture and Convention Center has been transformed into an open market for our students who have returned to the dormitories from the earthquake zone. Both in-kind support for our students and products from our ODTÜDEN store were placed in isles in the Kümbet Hall, and they are offered free of charge for our students affected by the earthquakes. Open Market, which is open on Wednesdays between 12.00-14.00, receives great attention from students. If you would like to support the Market, you can reach the METU Alumni Office through the contact page at the link below.
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| ISSUE 46 | June 2023 | |
2023 METU ALUMNI DAYDear Alumni, We are very excited to host you on our campus for our Alumni Day. We are delighted to announce that this year we will be hosting a variety of new events alongside our beloved traditional alumni day festivities. This year, the Commemorative Medals of our alumni who have applied for the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th Anniversary Medals, as well as those who will celebrate their 50th, 55th, and 60th anniversary of graduation, will be presented at the ceremonies to be held in their respective departments. However, for our alumni who graduated from interdisciplinary programs under the Institutes, the Commemorative Medals will be given at a ceremony that will be held at 14.30 in the Culture and Convention Center (KKM), Hall A. The events and activities in the foyer area of KKM and front of it, as well as our visit to Anıtkabir and the special alumni day lunch service in the cafeteria, will be held this year just like the previous years as listed in the program. You can reach the general program flow with brief information about all the common events as well as the departmental events and activities, in Turkish and English, on our alumni day page. We hope to unite with all our alumni on this exceptional day. You can read more about the events we have specially prepared for this year’s Alumni Day below. Best wishes, METU Alumni Office
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Earthquake DiariesFollowing the devastating earthquake that took place on February 6, 2023, as Middle East Technical University, we have endeavored to provide support to our students and those living in the regions impacted by the disaster. On this year’s Alumni Day, we will hold a panel with the participation of our professors as speakers on what has been achieved so far, the social contribution that has been provided, and the scientific studies that have been carried out on the subject. We will be happy to see you, our esteemed alumni and members of METU, who have not hesitated to lend a helping hand in these difficult times we have been going through, at our panel that will be held on July 8, 2023, from 10.00 to 11.00 in KKM, Hall A.
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METU Time CapsuleAs part of the 100th-anniversary celebrations of our Republic, we will bury the METU Time Capsule, which consists of letters from our students, alumni, and members, along with pictures drawn by children depicting the world 25 years later, to be opened on July 11, 2048. Have you taken your place in the METU Time Capsule to send a message to those who will open it on the 125th anniversary of our Republic? METU Time Capsule, which will build a bridge between generations of METU members and connect them, will be sealed and buried on Alumni Day, at 16.30, in a specially prepared area in the Spring Park (Bahar Parkı) of our campus, with the participation of all the members of METU family. All you need to do to become a “METU Time Traveler” is write a letter to be placed in the capsule, conveying your experiences and messages for the unborn METU students and future generations. You can access detailed information via the link below or visit our booths in the KKM foyer area on the alumni day between 09.00-14.00.
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ODTÜ Bellek ProjectThis digital-visual archive, which contains resources related to the cultural, social, architectural, scientific, and academic processes of METU since its establishment, is to be shared with the public through a web page. The ODTÜ Bellek (Memory) Project aims to compile and protect the visual memory of our university. Through this project, we will share various content such as documentaries, photographs, historical documents, oral history narratives of our academics, and early student projects and make the visual memory of METU accessible to all METU students and METU friends. You are invited to attend the opening of ODTÜ Bellek on Alumni Day at 13.30 in the KKM foyer area and watch the visual presentation in KKM Hall B throughout the day. |
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Departmental VisitsWe cordially invite our esteemed alumni to join us between 14:00 and 17:30 to reconnect with their departments and engage with fellow alumni and faculty members. In addition, we are proud to announce that commemorative medals will be presented during department-specific ceremonies to alumni who have applied for the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th Anniversary Medals. Furthermore, our alumni who will be celebrating their 50th, 55th, and 60th graduation anniversaries will receive special recognition during these heartfelt ceremonies in their respective departments.
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Opening of the New Student CenterSince its foundation, our university has been playing an active role in the political, scientific, economic, cultural, social, and technological areas of our lives with its students and graduates. We continue to act in line with the awareness that one of the most critical steps in realizing our vision is to improve the living and studying conditions and the social and cultural aspects of our students on campus. To increase the number of places where our students can come together and study and support our students’ social and cultural activities, the new Student Center has been completed with the support of the METU Development Foundation and opened its doors to our students in the 100th anniversary of our Republic. At the opening ceremony, where the name of our new student center will be announced, we will also host the “Inception” exhibition, consisting of different disciplines of art, curated by Murat Akın from METU Design Factory. |
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Alumni Card and Donation EventAt the event to be organized by the Alumni Office and AdımODTÜ (Fundraiser Office), we will promote the alumni card system that we launched last year and the donation campaigns run by AdımODTÜ, especially for our students affected by the earthquake. After that, “Dolce Jazz” and “Batu Band”, groups formed by our esteemed alumni, will accompany us with their fantastic music at the cocktail hour that will be held between 17.30-19.30 in the garden of the Social Building. |
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ODTÜDEN Junior EventsAt the ODTÜDEN Junior store, which we opened on last year’s alumni day, various special events will also be held for children on this year’s alumni day. In the program, between 11.30 and 13.00, children can participate in activities specially prepared for them and complete paintings for the METU Time Capsule.
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| ISSUE 47 | August 2023 | |
GRADUATION CEREMONYHIGHLIGHTSThe METU Bachelor’s Degree Graduation Ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 26th, at 18:30, in the grand setting of the METU Stadium. The event was a true representation of academic excellence, graced by the participation of students from all departments. This year held special significance as it marked the joyful celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. The ceremony began on a spirited note with the uplifting tones of the ceremonial band. Following the opening speech by our university president, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök, department chairs presented the graduates with their well-deserved diplomas in specially designated areas. Alongside various activities during the Diploma Ceremony, unforgettable moments of the 2023 graduates singing “Those Were the Days” were captured. Please check out the highlights. We wholeheartedly congratulate the graduates of 2023 and their families. We express our sincere wishes for their success in the future, spanning across the forthcoming centuries, benefiting both our nation and university.
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2023 METU ALUMNI DAYThe 2023 METU Alumni Day, held on July 8th, Saturday, we welcomed thousands of METU alumni in our campus. We organized many special events for the Alumni Day such as the METU Earthquake Journal panel, the launch of the “ODTÜ Bellek” website, a performance by the “METU Rectorate Choir and Classical Turkish Music Society Alumni” led by Chef Coşkun Açıkgöz, a visit to Atatürk’s Mausoleum, special lunch for our alumni to relive their memories, placement of a Time Capsule, and the opening of the New Student Center unveiling of the “Başlangıç” art exhibition. The presence of our alumni helps fortify the bond among us and contributes to the ongoing growth of our university. We eagerly anticipate organizing more of such events that bring all METU alumni together and further enhance our alma mater’s sense of community. We look forward to welcome our alumni back at our next gathering. Once again, we would like to thank them for their participation! |
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TIME CAPSULE TO BE OPENED AFTER 25 YEARSIn an effort to bridge generations of METU alumni and establish connections between different eras of METU Family, a Time Capsule was created as part of the 2023 METU Alumni Day activities by the METU Alumni Office and Office of Communications. Prepared to be unveiled on the 125th anniversary of our Republic, the METU Time Capsule was ceremoniously buried within a specially designed “Zaman Parkı” on our campus during the Alumni Day festivities on July 8th. Containing letters, drawings, photographs from METU graduates, members, and students, along with current-day coins, the METU bear mascot, t-shirts, sculptures, newspapers, and various mementos, this capsule will safeguard these cherished items for 25 years until it is reopened during the 2048 METU Alumni Day. |
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“ODTÜ Bellek” NOW ACCESSIBLEThe digital visual archive of METU, “ODTÜ Bellek,” which has been bearing witness to the cultural, social, architectural, scientific, and academic journey of METU from its inception to the present day, was made accessible on the 2023 METU Alumni Day, July 8th. Developed in collaboration with the Library and Documentation Directorate and GİSAM, the “ODTÜ Bellek” digital collection aims to compile and preserve our university’s visual heritage. “ODTÜ Bellek” allows the digitally archived content to be shared with the public via the following web page.
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DOLCE JAZZ VOCAL GROUPDuring the cocktail organized 2023 METU Alumni Day, the Alumni Office and AdımODTÜ collaborated to present a delightful experience at the Culture and Congress Center foyer. The Alumni Day Reception featured the Dolce Caz Vocal Group, comprised of our esteemed faculty memberMerve Erdal and alumni Damla Güneş, and Nihan Yılmazer, who graced us with a live musical performance. We extend our gratitude to the talented musicians of Dolce Caz Vocal Group for their support and the joyous moments they created. |
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WE WELCOMED UNIVERSITY CANDIDATESFollowing the announcement of the 2023 YKS results, 10,000 university candidates with their families visited METU to engage our faculty members and students . From July 20th to August 5th, 2023, the METU Promotion Fair held a prominent spot at the METU Yüksel Project Building. Its purpose was to extend a guiding hand to potential university students, helping them navigate their choices with clarity. The fair effectively introduced METU and its comprehensive range of undergraduate programs, while also shedding light on the myriad possibilities that lie ahead in various professions and career trajectories. This comprehensive program encompassed captivating METU presentations, insightful campus tours and dormitory visits.
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METU CLIMATE CENTERMETU Climate Center was established to maximize the scientific endeavors of faculty members dedicated to climate change research and unify their work under one umbrella. With a dual focus on both national and international research, the Center’s primary objective is rooted in the imperative need to foster an environmentally conscious, low-carbon society and economy. This pursuit of sustainability spans local, regional, and global spheres, emphasizing the profound importance of harmonizing our impact with the planet’s well-being.
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METU PAPERSShort videos titled “METU Papers” have been recently released to enhance the international visibility of scientifically impactful articles published by METU researchers. Prepared in English through collaboration between the Science Communication Office and Pergamon Productions, these videos aim to explain scientific studies conducted by METU professors using animations and compelling visuals, with a particular focus on sharing them via social media. Up to now, segments of METU Papers have covered works such as Feza Gürsey’s “A Theory of Grand Unification,” Mustafa Yücel’s “Effect of tectonic processes on biosphere-geosphere feedbacks,” Mehmet Zeyrek’s “Observation of a new boson,” Levent Toppare and Görkem Günbaş’s “Could Green Be Greener?” and Meryem Beklioğlu and Erik Jeppesen’s “Freshwater Salinization.” These sections can be accessed through the METU YouTube channel.
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| ISSUE 48 | October 2023 | |
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Dear Alumni, We all share the great enthusiasm, excitement, and joy of celebrating the 100th anniversary of Republic, founded under the leadership of our Great Leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Our Republic stands as a symbol of the revival and modernization of the Turkish nation. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, we reaffirm our commitment to the fundamental values of our Republic. We carry the responsibility of enhancing and advancing this great heritage even further. Our greatest goal is to build a shared future by upholding the fundamental values of our Republic, ensuring a brighter future for our country. At Middle East Technical University, which has witnessed 67 out of the 100 years of our Republic and is regarded by many as one of its most significant achievements, we are determined to continue our exceptional contributions to our country and the world in the fields of science, technology, community service, and education. Each and every METU student we nurture is the future of this nation and the guarantor of our Republic. From its foundation to the present, METU has been a driving force behind numerous firsts in Turkish higher education. Today, just as in the past, it remains a pioneering university that brings together qualified and successful individuals, offering them superior educational and research opportunities. With our commitment to universal values, emphasis on social responsibility, and determination to educate individuals who are capable of shaping scientific, technological, cultural, and environmental changes and who embrace lifelong learning, our university stands as one of the most significant contributors to our Republic. You, our esteemed members of alumni family, have become leaders who influence industries and social developments both in our country and in the world through the education you received at METU. Your accomplishments continue to make our world a more livable place. As the President of METU, I share with you my firm belief in our commitment to and love for the core values of our Republic, and our dedication to working together for a brighter future. On this important and meaningful day, I remember with gratitude and respect the heroes who courageously fought and sacrificed their lives in our nation’s struggle for independence and freedom, foremost among them being the founder of the Republic of Turkey, our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Happy 100th anniversary of our Republic! Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök President
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AT THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR REPUBLIC, 100+ INVESTORS FOR 100 PLANE TREESA limited number of METU graduates will be offered the opportunity to invest in the INVEST 101 investment fund at ODTÜ TEKNOKENT. INVEST 101 Fund is a Venture Capital Investment Fund (VCIF) established by METU, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT and Türkiye Development Fund, under the supervision of the Capital Markets Board, aiming to support early-stage technology startups by investing in them and contributing to their growth and success. During this process, priority will be given to METU graduates, and the required minimum investment amount to participate in the fund is set at 25,000 US Dollars. As part of the initial participants in the fund, 100 plane trees will be planted in TEKNOKENT. This investment opportunity allows valuable METU graduates to contribute to Türkiye’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and diversify their investment portfolio while taking advantage of various tax benefits. Details about the Invest101 can be found here: http://odtuteknokent.com.tr/tr/invest101/. To make a preliminary application for this investment opportunity, you can fill out the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/JGph4ttRJHpP2YGp6. For additional questions or inquiries, you can send your questions to invest101@kalkinma.com.tr email address. |
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100TH YEAR REPUBLIC RUNAs one of the many events celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Republic at METU, we held the traditional Republic Run on Sunday, October 29, 2023, with a high number of participants and great enthusiasm. The opening speech of the Republic Run was delivered by our Vice President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeyrek. Following the highly acclaimed performances by the couple dance club and the hiphop club, we all ran together, carrying our flags in the footsteps of our great leader. Organized by the METU Office of Sports, the traditional Republic Run had thousands of participants of all ages this year, just like in previous years. Particularly, our young participants, who represent the future of our nation, deserved great applause. |
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RECEPTION FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR REPUBLICOn October 28, 2023, a reception for the 100th anniversary of our Republic was held at the METU Culture and Convention Center, bringing together the administrators and chairs of the academic and administrative units of our university. In his opening speech, our President, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök, emphasized the place of METU among the most significant achievements of our Republic and expressed his sincere gratitude to all the heroes who contributed to our country’s fight for freedom, especially the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As part of the contest organized in honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic in collaboration with the Photographic Arts Federation of Turkey (TFSF), awards were presented to the winners by our President and TFSF Representative Emrah Akyıldız at the Kemal Kurdaş Hall. The exceptional performance by the METU Development Foundation High School Choir, led by their Conductor Erkoç Torun, received standing applause. Our students from the METU Couple Dance Club presented an unforgettable waltz performance. |
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PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR REPUBLICIn honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic, a photography contest was organized in collaboration with the Photographic Arts Federation of Turkey (TFSF). The contest received 1890 entries from 55 cities. During the reception held at METU on October 28, 2023, awards were presented to the deserving contestants. In order to see the selected works, you can visit the METU Culture and Convention Center or TFSF website.
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CONCERT BY EMREHAN HALICI AND MUSICIANS OF ANKARAIn the evening of October 29, we were at the Culture and Convention Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic with great enthusiasm. At the special event where Emrehan Halıcı and Musicians of Ankara took stage, legendary songs that have had a profound impact both in our country and around the world throughout the history of our Republic were performed, and the performing artists received a great applause from the audience that completely filled the hall. All the proceeds of the concert, which was organized in collaboration with the METU Development Foundation and AdımODTÜ with the voluntary participation of the musicians, were donated to the METU Scholarship Fund to support our students. You can also make a contribution by typing “ODTÜ” and sending an SMS to 9466 via all the operators, providing a 100 TL scholarship support that will be donated to METU students. |
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CAREER FAIR HELDThe Career Fair, traditionally organized by the METU Center for Career Advising and Professional Development, was held on October 25-26, 2023. More than 60 companies and institutions took part in this semester’s career fair. Thousands of our students attended the fair, participating in company presentations in the foyer as well as seminars and other activities held at the halls throughout the day. For students who could not attend the fair, we conducted live Instagram broadcasts with company representatives on our career stage. We continued to provide our students with professionally taken profile photos for them to use on their resumés and social networking platforms. During the short coffee breaks at the fair, students were also treated to fortune cookies with good wishes written inside about their future careers. |
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METU RANKS FIRST AMONG TURKISH STATE UNIVERSITIES AND IN 351-400 BAND IN THE WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2024According to the World University Rankings 2024 released by the highly prestigious UK-based ranking institution Times Higher Education (THE), Middle East Technical University has succeeded to rank first among Turkish state universities and shared the first place among all Turkish universities with two foundation universities, while ranking in the 351-400 band in the world.
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NASA ASTRONAUT DOROTHY METCALF-LINDENBURGER TO BE HOSTED IN METU PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIESAs part of METU’s traditional Presidential Lecture Series, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, a retired NASA astronaut, delivered a lecture titled “Launching Your Big Dreams” at the Culture and Convention Center (KKM), Kemal Kurdaş Hall, on Monday, October 2. While all the METU students and staff were invited to the lecture, more than five hundred secondary school students from various districts of Ankara, such as Altındağ and Polatlı, also attended the event. After the lecture, Metcalf-Lindenburger met with the students from METU Astronomy Society.
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METU DESIGN FACTORY HOSTS IDFW’23 AND DFGN.R CONFERENCE IIMETU Design Factory, an innovation center where researchers and students from various disciplines came together and worked on new products and solutions, hosted an important organization in the fields of design, innovation, and collaboration. Within the International Design Factory Week (IDFW) that took place between October 2-6, 2023, design factory representatives from many countries convened at METU for workshops, training and new collaboration opportunities.
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ASSOC. PROF. FEYZA KAZANÇ ÖZERİNÇ GRANTED THE L’ORÉAL-UNESCO “FOR WOMEN İN SCİENCE” AWARDMETU Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Feyza Kazanç Özerinç from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been awarded in the “For Women in Science” program with her project titled “Porosity and Surface Design of Biomass-Based Carbon Nanostructures.” The “For Women in Science” program, organized for the 21st time this year by L’Oréal Turkey in collaboration with UNESCO Turkey National Commission, aims to support women’s contributions to science and facilitate the creation of role models by raising awareness about gender equality in the field. Within the framework of the program that aims to increase the recognition of young female scientists, award-winning researchers are provided with a grant of 150,000 TL to support their scientific research studies.
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| ISSUE 49 | November 2023 | |
ATATÜRK COMMEMORATED ON 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSINGThe founder of our Republic, the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated on the 85th anniversary of his passing in a ceremony held at METU. The ceremony, which took place in front of the Atatürk statue, was attended by the METU President, Prof.Dr. M. Verşan Kök, faculty members, staff, and students. Students of METU Kindergarten also participated in the minute of silence at 09.05 in the morning. Then, students of the Tuncay Doğu Vocal Class from the Department of Music and Fine Arts performed choral and solo renditions of Atatürk’s favorite pieces. The ceremony continued with the commemorative speech titled “Remembering and Understanding Atatürk on November 10, in the 100th Anniversary of the Republic,” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Bahar Gürsel from the Department of History. Furthermore, as part of the series of events marking the 100th anniversary of our Republic, a collection comprising over 3,000 books on Atatürk, specially curated within our library, was opened with a ceremony. |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY METUMiddle East Technical University was founded on November 15, 1956, under the name of Middle East High Technology Institute. Playing a pioneering role in education in our country since that day, METU moved to its current address, the first university campus in Turkey, in 1963. You can access the digital archive containing various visual and written documents related to the cultural, social, architectural, scientific, and academic processes of METU through the recently launched website ODTÜ Bellek.
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TBM FALL SEMESTER ACTIVITIESFor detailed information regarding the activity packages organized by METU Center for Society and Science Research (TBM) free of charge for school groups, you can visit the TBM website. The Fall Semester activity package of TBM includes various activities such as “Global Climate Change with Photographs,” “From Garbage to Compost with Worms,” “3D Modeling with Code Blocks,” “Göbekli Tepe,” “Metaverse – Virtual Reality,” “Planetarium,” “Dinosaur’s Footprints,” and “Free Excursion.”
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METU RANKS THE BEST RESEARCH UNIVERSITY ONCE AGAINMETU has ranked first once again among the research universities in Turkey according to the result of the Research Universities Performance Monitoring Index, conducted by the Council of Higher Education to evaluate the performance of research universities within 2022. As in the previous rankings announced in 2017, METU maintains its top position this year, with a score of 82,27. In the index, the research universities are evaluated based on their total scores in the categories of “Research Capacity,” “Research Quality,” and “Interaction and Cooperation.”
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METU WAS VISITED BY THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATIONProf. Joseph M. Garrell, Chairman of the European University Association (EUA), representing over 850 universities and national rector conferences in 49 European countries, visited Turkey upon the invitation of YÖK President Prof. Erol Özvar. During their visit to Ankara, the EUA delegation came to METU on November 7, Tuesday. Hosted by our President, Prof. Mustafa Verşan Kök, the special event held at the new Research Park included laboratory visits and presentations on the Center for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technologies (ROMER), Büyütech, Kuartis, Synnada, Smart Alfa, and ODTÜ TEKNOKENT. |
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“ARF SABİTİ” THEATER PLAYThe unique theater play titled “Arf Sabiti (Arv Ivariant),” depicting the life of our esteemed Professor Dr. Cahit Arf was performed at METU Culture and Convention Center, Kemal Kurdaş Hall on November 7, at 20.00. We want to express our sincerest gratitude to İzmir State Theater and the play’s distinguished actors and actresses. |
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APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAMS STARTEDApplications for the graduate programs at METU for the Spring Semester of the 2023-2024 Academic Year have started. You can click the link for detailed information and application: |
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METU WAS AT TIW2023Together with the works conducted at the Design Factory, METU took place in the 10th edition of the Turkey Innovation Week, which was organized to enhance the innovation ecosystem and bring together ideas that will discover the power of innovation and shape the future. At the Turkey Innovation Week, held at the Istanbul Haliç Congress Center between November 23-25, participants attended panels and showed great interest in the METU stall. |
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NOVEMBER 16: CONFERENCE FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAKE EYMIR AND MOGAN ECOLOGICAL MONITORING AND RESTORATION PROGRAMAs part of the series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our republic at METU, a “Conference for the 25th Anniversary of Lake Eymir and Mogan Ecological Monitoring and Restoration Program” was held on November 16, 2023 at METU Culture and Convention Center, Hall A. The main theme of the conference was as follows: sharing the findings of the ecological monitoring research on Lake Eymir and Lake Mogan, which have been ongoing for 25 years at the METU Center for Ecosystem Research (EKOSAM) and the Limnology Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences, with academics, students, NGOs, ministries, and municipalities, as well as discussing future collaborative steps for the dissemination of these research findings.
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NEW VIDEOCAST ON CLIMATE CHANGEThe latest episode of the Videocast series, collaboratively prepared by the METU Office of Science Communication and the Center for Audiovisual Research and Production (GİSAM), was released on November 26. This episode’s guest, Prof. Barış Salihoğlu, the director of the METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences and also the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (METU CLIMATE), discusses the impacts of climate change on our country and provides insights into the activities of METU CLIMATE in this regard.
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| ISSUE 50 | December 2023 | |
HAPPY NEW YEAR!Dear METU Alumni, As we bid farewell to another year, it is both humbling and poignant to reflect upon the challenges and hardships we have collectively navigated, particularly in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster in February. As integral members of the METU Family, the support extended by our esteemed alumni played a pivotal role in aiding both the citizens in earthquake-affected areas and the students on our campus who were impacted by the disaster. Your contributions during these challenging times exemplify the spirit of solidarity that defines our community. On a different note, 2023 marked a momentous occasion as we celebrated the centennial of our Republic. As one of the Republic’s foremost institutions, Middle East Technical University commemorated this milestone with a year-long series of conferences, seminars, panels, exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and various other cultural, scientific, and sports events. Information about these events was disseminated through a dedicated internet page created for the 100th anniversary of our Republic. In the context of these celebrations, we sought to honor our most significant event, Alumni Day, in a manner befitting the centennial of our Republic. During the Alumni Day celebration held in July 2023, in addition to the traditional programs organized annually, we introduced a “Time Capsule” containing letters, pictures, and memorabilia contributed by alumni, students, METU staff, and their families. This capsule is intended to be opened in the year 2048. Therefore, despite the myriad challenges faced, 2023 emerged as a year filled with hope and enthusiasm as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our Republic. It stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of our nation, instilling in us a sense of optimism even in the face of adversity. Dear Alumni, As we embark on a new year, may it bring you boundless happiness, success, love, friendship, and prosperity. We eagerly anticipate the prospect of reuniting with each and every one of you in 2024. Happy New Year! METU Alumni Office |
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DEPARTMENTS VIE FOR SCHOLARSHIPSIn honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we are launching a new project to support the student scholarship fund as part of our “Geleceğe Burs Ver (Grant Scholarship to the Future)” campaign: Departments Vie for Scholarship! Would you like to support your Department? If so, you can make an online donation by going to the page of your department that you graduated from or are currently a member of and clicking on the “Destek Ol (Donate)” button. Help your department win the competition and provide students with scholarship through your donations. Would you like your name to be placed on the Donation Wall, too? Additionally, for those who donate 2,000 TL or more, your name will be proudly displayed on the bricks of our special wall within Time Park, the very site where our Time Capsule is interred. This serves as a lasting tribute to your generous contribution. For detailed information, you can visit the website below:
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“TELL ME ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH” CONTEST HELDOn December 23, the new contest “Tell Us About Your Research,” organized by METU Office of Science Communication in collaboration with the Center for Society and Science Research (TBM), was held. Due to the high number of participants in the contest, applications were first subjected to preliminary evaluation. Short videos submitted for the preliminary evaluation were reviewed by the independent jury members appointed by the Office of Science Communication, and the top ten candidates were invited to take part in the final contest at TBM Science Center. The contestants presented their research topics to six jury members whose ages ranging from 6 to 15. Each participant was given three minutes to explain their topic. Subsequently, contestants had two minutes to answer the curious questions coming from the young jury members.
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“PRODUCTIVE AI IN HIGHER EDUCATION WORKSHOP” HELD AT METU“The Workshop on Productive Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Opportunities and Threats,” organized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), was held at METU Culture and Convention Center on December 18. In addition to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and the members of YÖK, the workshop was attended by METU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök and 55 academics from a total of 28 universities specializing in electrical and electronics engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, artificial intelligence and data engineering, medicine, law, fine arts, communication, and education. The whole-day workshop featured various topics and fruitful discussions among the participating academics regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
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METU SCIENTISTS WORK ON DEVELOPING NEXT-GENERATION DIGITAL DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIESMETU scientists now produce “inorganic nanocrystal” based materials for the development of next-generation digital display technologies with rich color and image quality. Asst. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Keleştemur from METU Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, together with Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Emrah Ünalan from the same department, presented their project titlted “Development of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystal-Based Light Emitting Diodes by Solution-Based Methods Using Completely Inorganic Materials.” Stating that they have developed three different innovative materials for the next-gen display technologies in their project at METU, Dr. Keleştemur said that they aim to develop transparent LEDs with rich color quality and high brightness with completely solution-based methods by combining these materials in the same device.
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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY HELDThe 6th Undergraduate Research Day, an AdımODTÜ initiative, took place on December 22 in the Kemal Kurdaş Hall at METU Culture and Convention Center. Organized for the students interested in undergraduate level research studies, the event garnered significant interest from the participants. During the sessions, detailed information regarding AdımODTÜ Undergraduate Research Program was shared as well as ways to submit an application to be a part of the program. Then, students conducting undergraduate research studies shared their experiences and talked about their own projects through both presentations on the stage and poster presentations in the foyer area. |
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TURKEY’S FIRST UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL BACK IN PUBLICATIONInitially launched in 2013 until 2016 under supervision of Prof. Dr. Y. Eren Kalay from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, MATTER holds the special title of being Turkey’s first scientific undergraduate research journal. And as of this year, MATTER is back, accepting undergraduate research studies from all disciplines. Publications are curated by the METU Office of Science Communication, then undergo a blind review, and those accepted are assigned a DOI number and published. The latest issue of the journal, available both in digital and physical formats, has been distributed to the libraries of many prestigious universities worldwide and their undergraduate research teams. Moreover, MATTER contributes to students’ scientific development by providing trainings on academic writing. You can access the latest issue of the journal here.
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METU’S NEW BOARDGAMEEmbark on a nostalgic journey with “Curve Kaç Çıktı? (What is the curve?),” METU’s latest boardgame, crafted through collaborative efforts by the METU Office of Prospective Students, Design Factory, ODTÜDEN Campus Store, the Office of Graphic Design, and Mokoros Inc. Tailored to evoke fond memories for alumni and provide an engaging exploration of METU for students and friends, the game captures the essence of campus culture and iconic landmarks. As a gesture of appreciation, the free trial version was offered to our social media followers through an exciting giveaway. |
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MEDITERRANEAN STAKEHOLDERS COME TOGETHER FOR WASTE-FREE AND CLEAN OCEANSThrough the “Restore Our Oceans and Waters Mission: Türkiye, Mediterranean Hub Establishment Workshop,” organized with the support of Horizon Europe BlueMissionMed, a roadmap has been determined. Hosted by the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized by METU Graduate School of Marine Sciences with the contributions of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, Mersin Chamber of Shipping, and the Mersin Economy Platform, “Türkiye, Mediterranean Hub Establishment Workshop” was held on December 12, 2023, to support the goals of the Horizon Europe Restore Our Oceans and Waters Mission regarding clean seas and oceans.
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