Former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski:

“As one of the top 4 NATO members, Turkey will play a critical part in the security of Europe and the West.”

“The greatest threat of the century is climate change, and it threatens the entire planet.”

Sabancı University and Brookings Institution held the eighth Sakıp Sabancı Lecture.  Held in memory of the Honorary Chairman of the Sabancı University Board of Trustees, the lecture this year featured former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski as keynote.

The eighth Sakıp Sabancı Lecture by Sabancı University and Brookings Institution was held in Washington DC on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.  The lecture was given by former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski.  A leading expert in global politics and security, Brzezinski’s lecture titled "Turkey and the West: Their Roles in Shaping the Global Architecture” discussed critical issues such as global leadership, balance of power, the positions of the US and Europe, and the role of Turkey as a EU member candidate and an important ally of the US.

The Lecture in Washington was televised live at the Sabancı University campus in Tuzla, Turkey via live videoLecture.  The opening speech was made by Sabancı University Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı. 

Güler Sabancı said that the lecture honored the memory of the late Sakıp Sabancı, who stood for freedom of speech all his life, he believed in a free market and defended free enterprise.  Moreover, said Güler Sabancı, he recognized the importance of international collaboration in order to achieve lasting peace and stability; and to leave a sustainable tomorrow for posterity.  Güler Sabancı continued, “Since 2005, this lecture has offered a platform for many statesmen and dignitaries who cherish these principles and project them through their work. This year's lecture and keynote speaker also come at a vital crossroads.  The world is going through a major global shift.  The balance of power is no longer tilted in favor of the West.  And nor is it solely shaped by the unilateral interests of the United States and Europe.  Regional power block, such as BRIC, are major contenders to transatlantic engagement in their respective regions. They offer strong leadership and policy alternatives to the traditional western influence over their geographies.  

They demand more power and stronger representation in international organizations like the United Nations, IMF, and the G20, as well as in regional formations such as NAFTA and ASEAN.”

Sabancı University Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı: “It is difficult to talk about global leadership without mentioning Turkey's regional power.”

Güler Sabancı continued: “Just like these countries, Turkey is of paramount importance to the future of global order.  As Brzezinski notes in his recent book, Strategic Vision, ‘it is difficult to talk about the future of America's or Europe's global leadership without mentioning the importance of Turkey's regional power for advancing their geopolitical goals.’  It is obvious that Turkey, a European Union accession country and an important US ally, will play a much greater role in global affairs over the next 25 years.”

Güler Sabancı concluded by saying that they were extremely fortunate that they would hear from one of the most notable experts of global politics and security studies, Zbigniew Brzezinski, on how exactly these events would unfold. 

Former US National Security Advisor Brzezinski said: “Chaos had been rampant across Europe for the last two centuries.  Today, regional crises shape the global situation and impact Europe and Asia directly.  This is an indication that the focus of power has shifted.  Turkey and Russia are important elements in the balance.  Turkey will play a critical part in the security of Europe and the West.  It is one of the top four members of the NATO.  The US is not in decline; it is still the key player in the system.  But its control over the system is only possible if the western system expands.  There is no question about the importance of Turkey and Russia in this western system.  Turkey’s accession to the EU is critical in the interests of Western countries as well.
“There were two revolutions in the world at the same time: one is the Soviet Revolution, the other the Atatürk Revolution.  Turkey’s strategic location sets it apart from Middle Eastern countries.  Another difference is the secular system.
“Turkey is a part of Europe and a democratic model for Iran in the future.  It is also a model nation as far as the Middle Eastern system is considered.

“Turkey is at the heart of energy security in Europe.  The greatest threat of the century is climate change, and it threatens the entire planet.”

Sakıp Sabancı Lectures

Named in honor of the late Sakıp Sabancı, the Honorary Chairman of the Sabancı University Board of Trustees, the Sakıp Sabancı Lecture is held annually by Sabancı University in association with the Brookings Institution to discuss the latest developments in global politics and to draw attention to the role of Turkey in political developments on an international level.
Keynote speakers of previous conferences were Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, Former US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, Former US Assistant Secretary of State and Ambassador Nicholas Burns, Chancellor Oxford University Chris Patten, US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon, and former Secretary General of NATO and European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana.

About Zbigniew Brzezinski

Zbigniew Brzezinski served as national security advisor to the president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. In 1981, Zbigniew Brzezinski received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the normalization of U.S. Chinese relations, and for his contributions to the human rights and national security policies of the United States.

This former member of the Columbia University (1960-89) and Harvard University (1953-60) faculties is currently a professor of American Foreign Policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Zbigniew Brzezinski's other positions include being a member of the Board of Directors of the National Endowment for Democracy the honorary chair of the AmeriCares Foundation a member of the Board of Trustees of Freedom House a trustee of the Trilateral Commission a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish American Enterprise Fund and chair of the American Ukrainian Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Zbigniew Brzezinski serves as an international advisor to several major US/global corporations, and is president of Z.B., Inc., a firm that advises corporations and financial institutions on international issues.

His former public and political positions include serving as director of the Trilateral Commission (1973-76), member of the Policy Planning Council of the Department of State (1966- 68), and co chairman of the Bush National Security Advisory Task Force (1988). Zbigniew Brzezinski is also a past member of the Boards of Directors of Amnesty International and the Council on Foreign Relations.

There is a growing consensus concerning our global interdependence. What is less clear is what sort of a global civics is necessary and feasible for us to navigate our growing interdependence.

Article 28 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines everyone's right to an international order where inherent dignity and rights of all are fully realized. Brookings Institution and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) invite university students from around the world to ponder these vital questions, and to imagine a speech that would be made by the Secretary-General to the opening of the next session of the General Assembly.

The submissions, of up to 1500 words in length, should address what responsibilities we can all take on towards people who happen not to be our compatriots, and what rights we can claim as we work to solve global problems together in a shared culture of intellectual social responsibility.

The competition is open to all students enrolled at a university. The submissions should be sent simultaneously to academicimpact@un.org and haltinay@brookings.edu by June 15, 2012. Please put SPEECH COMPETITION in the subject line.

Authors of what are judged to be the top three submissions, at least one of whom will be from an UNAI member institution, will be invited to New York and Washington DC, meet with the United Nations Secretary General and the leadership of the Brookings Institution respectively.

11th Traditional Gallipoli Trip of Sabancı University is planned on Saturday, May 20th.
All our students, faculty, staff, friends and families are invited to this trip.

Fee: Students (HIST 191&192) 10 TL and other students 25 TL, Other 50 TL
(shuttles, tour bus at Gallipoli, lunch bags, tour guide are included, dinner is not included)

On Sunday May 20th, at 8:00 am we will depart to Gallipoli from the Bostancı Seabus port. Shuttles from campus and back will be provided.

On the seabus we will listen to the story of Gallipoli from Cemil Koçak, Halil Berktay ve Akşin Somel. When we come to Gallipoli, we will tour the peninsula  and visit important sites with Cemil Koçak,  Halil Berktay, Akşin Somel and history graduate students as our guides in every tour bus. Specially prepared guidebooks will also provided.

We will go back to Gallipoli for a nice dinner at the port and depart back to Istanbul at 8:30 pm.
Campus Shuttles will be waiting for us at Bostancı. Shuttles to Kadıköy and Taksim will also be arranged if there is demand.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
MAY 14, 15, 16, 17 (MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY) at 12:00 - 14:00 in THE CAFETERIA (University Center)

YOU CAN ALSO REGISTER FROM INTERNET
http://fdd.sabanciuniv.edu/

BANK ACCOUNT: AKBANK 713 - 85406 (IBAN: TR94 0004 6007 1388 8000 0854 06)

Sabancı Üniversitesi Kosova Başbakan Yardımcısını ağırladı

Kosova Başbakan Yardımcısı Türkiye ziyareti kapsamında Sabancı Üniversitesi’nde bir konferans verdi.

Kosova Başbakan Yardımcısı Edita Tahiri Türkiye’ye yaptığı ziyaret kapsamında Sabancı Üniversitesi’nde bir konferans verdi. Konferansı öğrenci, öğretim üyesi ve çalışanlardan oluşan bir topluluk izledi. 

Edita Tahiri, Avrupa  - Atlantik Vizyonu başlıklı konuşmasında, Kosova Cumhuriyeti’ni tanıyan ilk ülkelerden biri olan Türkiye’ye desteği için teşekkür etti. Türkiye ile ilişkilerin Kosova için çok önemli olduğunu söyledi. Kosova’nın Balkanlarda sürdürülebilir barış ve denge olmasını çok önemsediğini vurgulayan Edita Tahiri “klasik bir demokrasi anlayışımız yok. Geçmişteki acılardan ders çıkartarak yeni bir demokrasi inşa etmeye çalışıyoruz” dedi. Ayrıca, iki milyon nüfuslu ülkenin çoğunluğunun iyi eğitimli gençlerden oluştuğunu ve zengin doğal kaynakları, tarım ve turizm olanaklarının yüksek olduğunu belirtti.

Kosova hükümetinin Sabancı Üniversitesi ile ilişkilerini geliştirerek gençlerini bu üniversitede eğitim almaya göndermeyi hedeflediğini söyleyen Edita Tahiri, 
Türk işadamlarını Kosova’ya yatırım için beklediklerini Türk Hükümetine ilettiklerini de belirtti. Edita Tahiri ayrıca, ABD ve AB’nin gelecek dönemde jeopolitik gündemlerine Kosova’nın da dahil edilmesi gerektiğini belirtti.

Konuşmasının sonunda Kosova Başbakan Yardımcısı Edita Tahiri Sabancı Üniversitesi öğrencilerinin sorularını cevaplandırdı.


Bilgi için: Nesrin Balkan – 0216 483 90 97 – 0542 432 89 98 nesrin@sabanciuniv.edu

Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Program MSc student Azat Akhmetov receives best poster award

Azat Akhmetov, first year MSc student in the Biological Sciences and Bioengineering Program, received the best poster award at the 7th International Symposium on Health Informatics and Bioinformatics. The poster is titled "Combining genetic interaction screens and chemogenomic profiling to explore drug-drug interactions." The poster describes Azat's current work with faculty member Murat Cokol on developing a computational method for predicting drug interactions. The topic is of great practical value for both cancer medicine (as chemotherapy already favors combination treatments) and treatment of infectious diseases (as multiple drug treatments can help defeat pathogens that gain resistance).

Symposium website
http://hibit2012.ii.metu.edu.tr/

As part of the cooperation agreement signed between Sabancı University School of Management and MIT Sloan School of Management, one of the leading management schools in the world, Sabancı University Executive MBA students visited MIT Sloan between April 14 and 28, 2012.

The two-week visit enabled Sabancı University Executive MBA students to gain a better understanding of the business environment in the United States.  Students visited companies in the Boston area, attended lectures by MIT Sloan faculty, and completed a Global Business Project with the MIT Sloan Center for Leadership.
The first MIT visit was attended by 43 Executive MBA students in middle- and top-management of various companies.

Fatoş Karahasan
Sabancı University School of Management signed a cooperation agreement with MIT Sloan School of Management, a global leader in management schools, last year.  This cooperation brings the educational capabilities, experience and network of MIT to students and incorporates some activities held by Sabancı University.
As part of these efforts, the students of the SU Executive MBA program took part in a two-week training program at MIT between April 14 and 28.  43 middle- and top-level executives received leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship lectures from the best of MIT faculty.  These were followed by company visits and case analyses.  I joined them in Boston last week and attended the lectures on entrepreneurship.  I was amazed by the MIT culture and the competence of the faculty.
Speaking to David Capodilupo, Executive Director of International Programs at MIT Sloan School of Management, I was told that they preferred universities with high research capabilities where MIT faculty members would like to work.  Capodilupo said that Sabancı University was an easy choice for them because it fulfilled all of their requirements.  Saying that SU Executive MBA students were very impressive with their work discipline and interest and participation in courses, Capodilupo concluded, “They are now a part of the MIT family and system.  Our ties will continue into the future.”

MIT's oldest and largest newspaper 'The Tech': Eight student selected for spring break in Turkey.

Please click to image to read The Tech

The review article titled as "Tumor suppressor genes and ROS: complex networks of interactions" by Vurusaner Beyza; Poli Giuseppe; Basaga Huveyda is published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2012 Jan 1;52(1):7-18.

In a little while, the article ranked 6th in the list of the most downloaded Free Radical Biology and Medicine articles from ScienceDirect.

Beyza Vuruşaner talked about their studies:

I am PhD student working under the supervision of Hüveyda Başağa at Biology and Bioengineering Program, FENS. Başağa’s Lab focuses on signal transduction pathways regulating cellular functions such as senesence, proliferation or apoptosis at the molecular level. My project involves, studying the effects of reactive oxygen species, particularly cholesterol oxidation products and their signaling cascades, important in vascular remodeling.

Our review article which is titled as ''Tumor suppressor genes and ROS: Complex networks of interactions'' is a summary of  the current state of understanding on interacting pathways between reactive oxygen species and major tumor suppressor genes which play critical role in cancer development. The review article is published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine (FRBM) which is an international, interdisciplinary journal that publishes original contributions and reviews on a broad range of topics relating to redox biology, signaling, biological chemistry and medical implications of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, oxidants and antioxidants. In 3 months, our review article ranked 6th in the list of most downloaded FRBM articles from Sciendirect. 

Please click to read the article.

Sabancı University Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı  

Placed At United Nations' Highest-Level Advisory Body

Güler Sabancı has been assigned to the United Nations' Global Compact Board by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon

Sabancı University Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı   

has been assigned as the member of the Board at the United Nations The Global Compact. With more than 7.000 business participants and other stakeholders in over 130 countries, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative The Global Compact Board is chaired by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. With its representatives from the business world, civil society, labour and employees, the board functions as UN's highest level advisory body. As the board member, Güler Sabancı will participate in the initiatives to improve the partnership between the United Nations and the business world, to ensure that the specific compact principles are complied with, as well as providing strategical consultancy in alignment with The Global Compact principles.

Other members to stand alongside Güler Sabancı include Paul Polman the CEO of Unilever, Kurt Bock Chairman of the Board BASF SE, Charles O.Holliday the Bank of America Chairman, Jean-Guy Carrier Secretary- General of the International Chamber of Commerce, and Toshio Arima the Director and Executive Advisor to the Board of Fuji Xerox. Sabancı is the sole Turkish member of the board. The member candidates to be defined by the recommendations from the Nominations Committee as well as the local organizations, are assigned by Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations. Consisting of 31 members, the board stands for the regions all over the world as well as a wide range of industry sectors.