“World Energy Outlook 2017” Turkey launch meeting was held

“World Energy Outlook 2017” Turkey launch meeting was held

The best time for energy importers

The Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) hosted the Turkish launch event of the World Energy Outlook 2017 report. International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol presented the World Energy Outlook 2017 report at the meeting. Dr. Fatih Birol­ argued that this was the best time for energy-importing countries, saying "The number of importers was 5 in 2000, but will become 51 by 2020. Russia will continue to export. US, Canada and Australia are entering the market as new exporters. It will be a grave mistake if energy importers miss this opportunity."

The Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) hosted the Turkish launch event of the World Energy Outlook 2017 report on Friday, December 15, 2017. The report was presented by International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol.

Hosted by Sabancı University Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı and Sabancı University IICEC Director Professor Carmine Difiglio, the meeting was also attended by the Director of the Parliamentary Commission on Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technology Ziya Altunyaldız and TÜSİAD Director Erol Bilecik as speakers.

IICEC Honorary Chairman and International Energy Agency (IEA) Director Dr. Fatih Birol­ stated that this was the best time for energy-importing countries, continuing, “US, Canada and Australia are entering the market as new exporters. Russia will continue to export. This is a great time for energy importers. It will be a grave mistake if energy importers miss this opportunity. The number of importers was 5 in 2000, but will become 51 by 2020." Also discussing climate change, Dr. Fatih Birol said that the world was a great distance away from meeting the Paris Climate Convention targets. Summarizing what needed to be done, Birol said, "We must make the world twice as energy efficient. Our primary fuel is energy efficiency."

Speaking in the launch event, Sabancı University IICEC Director Professor Carmine Difiglio expressed IICEC's pleasure to host the fifth World Energy Outlook launch event. Saying that IICEC was a research center that merged thought with analyses and business dynamics, Prof. Difiglio continued, “Unless backed with sustainable action by the industry, research and government policies cannot produce solid outputs. Being at the center of the triangle formed by the public sector, businesses and academia, IICEC is in a perfect position to conduct analyses and issue research publications, inform the energy market on a regular basis, and expand its network of experts.” 

We need a long-term and resilient balance to energy supply and demand.

TÜSİAD Director Erol Bilecik discussed the strategic importance of energy investments for the sustainability of development, continuing "We are among the regions that will be affected the worst by climate change as a global issue. We are almost 75% dependent on imports for energy. We have a great opportunity to reduce this dependence: Our potential in wind, solar and other renewables is rich and varied. We must make maximum use of this potential.” 

Saying that the security of energy supply was among the key parameters of development, Erol Bilecik continued: “This is a requirement for Turkey's social development and economic growth targets. We need a long-term and resilient balance to energy supply and demand. The first step towards this is establishing a transparent, predictable and more competitive market. Another priority is making inroads in energy efficiency as quickly as possible. We believe that, as the public and private sectors, we need to establish an ecosystem that will ensure the maximum utilization of our renewable energy sources. To this purpose, a regulatory framework that will incentivize investments and a grid infrastructure that will enable the most effective implementation are critical components." 

Also speaking at the launch event, Director of the Parliamentary Commission on Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technology Ziya Altunyaldız said, “Turkey has been growing, and energy demand has been going up by 5% year after year. Renewable energies are Turkey's advantage, and the energy sector, where private players are the driving force, has growth predictions from generation to distribution. We took important steps towards liberalization in electricity. We are trying to do the same in natural gas. Renewable energies are our lifeblood." 

The United States is stepping up to world leadership in shale oil and gas 

Discussing the rapid change in the US, Chinese and Indian markets, IICEC Honorary Chairman and International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol­ said that the change in China would once again have an impact on global energy markets, continuing, "China is taking great strides in nuclear energy. It will reduce costs, and become an exporter of nuclear technology." Fatih Birol also said that the developments in the US energy sector would affect everyone deeply:

"In spite of declining oil prices, the US will continue to be the world's largest shale oil and gas producer. The ability to exploit new resources at low costs elevates oil and gas production in the US to a level that is inaccesible by most other countries. The US was already a net exporter of gas, and will become a net exporter of oil by the end of 2020." 

Dr. Fatih Birol shared the following findings of World Energy Outlook 2017: 

"The report describes new ways for global energy. The need for energy will continue to increase, albeit at a lower rate, and will be 30% greater in 2040 than what it is now. To meet rising demand, China needs to add the equivalent of today’s United States' power system to its electricity infrastructure by 2040, and India needs to add a power system the size of today’s European Union. The technologies used by China and India will reduce costs. The ways in which the world meets its growing energy need are fundamentally different from what they had been 25 years ago. At the top is natural gas, followed by the rise of renewable energies and energy efficiency. Renewable resources meet 40% of the increase in base demand, and the boom in renewable energies signals the end of coal's golden age. This is mostly due to power plants under construction. The share of coal in India's energy resources will decline below 50% by 2040. The use of gas will reach 45% by 2040, and it will grow mostly in the industrial sector as its use in electricity generation is losing momentum. China is leading the increase in nuclear energy. By 2030, China will surpass the US as the largest nuclear energy producer of the world." 

Electricity will account for 40% of end use

Electricity is growing faster than energy. Global demand for electricity will rise by more than 60% in the near future. Electricity will attract more investment than oil and gas. Electricity will account for 40% of end use by 2040, and this is equal to the growth of oil over the last 25 years. One-third of the growth in electricity is owed to industrial electrical engines. Rising incomes mean that many millions of households add electrical appliances (with an increasing share of “smart” connected devices) and install cooling systems. The world also gains, on average, 45 million new electricity consumers each year due to expanding access to electricity, although this is still not enough to reach the goal of universal access by 2030. 

Toplantının açılışında konuşan Sabancı Üniversitesi IICEC Direktörü Prof. Carmine Difiglio, IICEC olarak bu yıl Dünya Enerji Görünümü  Raporu sunumuna 5’inci kez ev sahipliği yapmaktan dolayı çok mutlu olduklarını belirtti. IICEC’in düşünce, analiz ve iş dünyası dinamiklerini birleştiren bir araştırma merkezi olduğunu söyleyen Prof. Difiglio, “Araştırmalar ve devlet politikaları, sektörün sürdürülebilir aksiyonlarıyla desteklenmediği sürece kesin çıktılar üretemez. IICEC; kamu, iş dünyası ve akademi üçgeninin merkezinde olduğu için, analiz yaparak yeni araştırma yayınları ortaya çıkarıyor, enerji pazarına düzenli bilgilendirme yapıyor ve uzman ağını genişletiyor.” 

Functional Surfaces and Interfaces Workshop

Functional Surfaces and Interfaces Workshop

The Functional Surfaces and Interfaces Workshop took place at the Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) on November 25, 2017.

Introductory remarks to the workshop held by the Sabancı University Center of Excellence for Nanodiagnostic Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN) were delivered by Sabancı University Vice President of Research and Development Professor Şirin Tekinay, SUNUM Director Professor Fazilet Vardar Sukan and Research and Graduate Policy Director Professor Cengiz Kaya.

With invited speakers from various disciplines including energy, physics, molecular biology, material engineering, chemistry, and bioinformatics, the workshop brought together nearly 100 researchers from many disciplines.

The keynote speaker of the event, Professor Pınar Mengüç, and invited speakers Associate Professor Devrim Gözüaçık, Professor Alper Kiraz, Associate Professor Gözde Özaydın İnce, Associate Professor Funda Yağcı Acar and Assistant Professor Saliha Durmuş provided participants the opportunity to learn from experts on functional surfaces, interfaces and their applications, stay informed of latest developments, and establish a network for communication and knowledge sharing.

The workshop included a poster competition for young researchers. Winners were chosen with the votes of scientific jury panel members and participants.  First prize went to Hakan Yılmazer, second prize to Yunus Akkoç, and third prize to Yavuz Ali Ekmekçioğlu, while Ahmad Reza Motezakker won the "people's choice" award.

The workshop generated awareness surrounding functional surfaces and interfaces, and created a motivational environment by bringing researchers together.

Fatih Birol recognized as the “Energy Personality of the Year” by Financial Times

Fatih Birol recognized as the “Energy Personality of the Year” by Financial Times
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol, recognized as the “Energy Personality of the Year” by Financial Times.

Financial Times, recognized the International Energy Agency Executive Director and Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) Honorary Chairman as the "Energy Personality of the Year"

 

English newspaper Financial Times recognized Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and IICEC Honorary Chairman, as the "Energy Personality of the Year" on 18.12.2017, and stated: " Over the last decade, the IEA has made itself an indispensable source of facts and ideas. This achievement is due to the work of many people within it, but the key role has been played by Fatih Birol, formerly Chief Economist and now Executive Director. Without neglecting its core mission the agency has skilfully extended the definition of energy security to match the realities of climate change, urban air quality and access (or rather the lack of it) to energy.” FT also added “Mr. Birol has set a rare standard of explaining the world to itself without getting caught up in political cross fire.”

About Dr. Fatih Birol

Prior to joining the IEA in 1995, Dr. Birol worked for six years as an oil market analyst at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna. Dr. Fatih Birol received numerous awards for his contributions to energy world. Dr. Birol has been named by Forbes Magazine among the most powerful people in terms of influence on the world’s energy scene.

Dr. Birol received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Emperor in 2014, the State Honor Award from the Iraqi Government in 2013, the Order of the Polar Star from Sweden and the Order of Merit of the Republic from the Italian Government in 2012. In 2009, he was awarded with the German Federal Cross of Merit. Dr. Birol has also been decorated by the government of Austria, Golden Honor Medal in 2007 and by France, Chevalier dans l‘ ordre des Palmes Academiques in 2006. Prior to these, Dr. Birol received awards from the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey in 2005,  the United States in 2004 and the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2002.

Over 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program reached almost 3500 teachers in 17 provinces

Over 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program reached almost 3500 teachers in 17 provinces

Over 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program reached almost 3500 teachers in 17 provinces

Implemented by the Sabancı University Gender and Women Studies Center of Excellence (SU Gender) with support by the Sabancı Foundation since 2007, the Purple Certificate Program celebrates its 10th year.

Sabancı University Founding Board of Directors Chair and Sabancı Foundation Board of Directors Chair Güler Sabancı: 

  • Gender equality has always been a priority for us.
  • The matter is important to all our institutions, and we take an integrated attitude towards it.
  • In 2011, Sabancı Holding was the first Turkish company to sign the UN Women's Empowerment Principles.
  • We started the Purple Certificate Program on gender equality with the Sabancı Foundation in 2007.
  • Gender equality is a prerequisite for social justice. This can only be achieved through education.
  • Over 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program reached almost 3500 teachers.

Implemented by the Sabancı University Gender and Women Studies Center of Excellence (SU Gender) with support by the Sabancı Foundation, the Purple Certificate Program celebrated its 10th year on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at the Sabancı Center with a ceremony attended by Purple Certificate holders. The book “10 Yılın Hikayesi [Story of a Decade]” prepared to commemorate the 10th year of the initiative was revealed, and a short documentary was screened. The Purple Certificate Program to promote awareness of gender equality across various levels of education reached out to almost 3500 teachers in 17 provinces since 2007.

Sabancı University Founding Board of Trustees Chair and Sabancı Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı opened the 10th year celebration event of the Purple Certificate Program with an introductory speech, saying:

“We are delighted that our gender equality program has made a remarkable achievement over the years. Gender equality has always been a priority for us. The matter is important to all our institutions, and we take an integrated attitude towards it. In 2011, Sabancı Holding was the first Turkish company to sign the UN Women's Empowerment Principles. We established the Gender and Women's Studies Center of Excellence at Sabancı University. We lead trend-setting research under this institution.  But our work in gender equality goes back even further.  For example, we implemented the UN Human Rights of Girls and Woman-Friendly Cities programs with the Sabancı Foundation in 2006. We started the Purple Certificate Program on gender equality, which is the reason why we are here today, with the Sabancı Foundation in 2007."

SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT ARE ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH COLLABORATION AND A LONG-TERM APPROACH

Saying that gender equality was a prerequisite for social justice, Güler Sabancı continued:

"This can only be achieved through education. This is where our teachers have a generational duty to enable change and development in the society. The Purple Certificate Program is the result of the recognition of this fact. Over 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program reached almost 3500 teachers. It has a sustained effect thanks to their sharing and disseminating knowledge. I should remind everyone that social change and development are only possible through collaboration and a long-term approach. This is called the Triangle of Success. In one corner are NGOs, foundations and universities; in the other corner are the public authorities, ministries and other institutions; and in the third corner are businesses, workers and taxpayers. When the equation is right, the result is a success like the Purple Certificate Program. I hope that the program will extend years into the future, reaching more and more teachers. “

WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEMAND GENDER EQUALITY

 

Sabancı University President Ayşe Kadıoğlu said that the Purple Certificate Program has had a snowball effect since 2007. Kadıoğlu explained that the Program continued to expand its training activities and development of training materials with the intent of utilizing them in new projects. Saying that women demanded equality and not protection or guarding, Kadıoğlu stated that they would continue to demand gender equality, and carry out events to generate awareness on the subject. Kadıoğlu continued:

“Us faculty members came together in 2007 to start the Purple Certificate Program. In the initial meetings, we began to hear and understand each other. The synergy that resulted from such gatherings led to the foundation of the Gender and Women's Studies Center of Excellence, or SU Gender. The Center started its activities as a Forum in 2010. A wide range of activities slowly led to the Forum evolving into the Center. One of our first steps towards an ambitious objective was the establishment of the first English-language PhD program on gender in Turkey."

THE PURPLE CERTIFICATE JOURNEY CONTINUES TO GROW AND EXPAND

 

Telling the 10-year journey of the Purple Certificate Program, SU Gender Director Ayşe Gül Altınay said that the process involved teachers and students across all levels of education, reaching out to more than three thousand teachers in 17 provinces of Turkey over 10 years.  Altınay continued: 

“For 10 years, the Purple Certificate Program has been a nurturing, transforming space. One of the most exciting fruits of this space is SU Gender, or the Sabancı University Gender and Women's Studies Center of Excellence.

 SU Gender arose out of the continued collaboration of faculty, students and employees who gathered around the Purple Certificate idea in 2006 and 2007, and grew to implement three different programs, perform research in various fields, and conduct awareness and education initiatives. The awareness we generated through the Purple Certificate Program helped teachers and students realize that gender was not an obstacle, and that gender equality could be experienced as a sphere of freedom, action, and solidarity.  Born on the Sabancı University campus in Tuzla, Purple Certificate now travels to Izmir and Ankara. We started out by saying that another world was possible, and 10 years later, we stand stronger, deeper and more populous together. “

OUR JOURNEY TO CREATE GENDER AWARENESS BEGAN IN 2007

 

 Purple Certificate Program Coordinator Ayşegül Taşıtman said that the program began with the support of the Sabancı Foundation in 2007 to educate high school teachers across Turkey in gender awareness.  Taşıtman continued:

“The Purple Certificate Program began as a two-day training session at Sabancı University in 2007, and grew and evolved according to the needs we discovered, experiences we gained, and recommendations we received from teachers. In 10 years, we started the Purple Dossier and Purple Certificate Juniors programs. Another was the "Gender Certificate Program for Nongovernmental Organizations" that SU Gender undertook. We brough together NGOs from all over Turkey –particularly the Purple Certificate cities– which worked in education, people with disabilities, and refugees. In 10 years, the many components of the Purple Certificate Program made remarkable achievements. The program grew by including more teachers, teachers in training, and university students to undertake a leading role for all education actors and policymakers in ensuring gender equality in education."

 

Committee for Prevention and Support against Domestic Violence

Committee for Prevention and Support against Domestic Violence

Sabancı University strives to provide an egalitarian, healthy, safe and affirmative learning, living and working environment for all students and employees. Therefore, we aim to encourage and support all students and employees to recognize domestic violence, keep violence away from their lives, and overcome its negative effects.

In accordance with this statement, we would like to inform you that Sabancı University Committee for Prevention and Support against Domestic Violence has been established. You can access SU Domestic Violence Prevention and Support Statement via the following link. You can contact committee via ais-komite@sabanciuniv.edu and/or online application form. 

Energy Security in Southeastern Europe presentation by Mr. Costis Stambolis (IENE)

Energy Security in Southeastern Europe presentation by Mr. Costis Stambolis (IENE)

"Energy Security in Southeastern Europe" presentation by Mr. Costis Stambolis (IENE)

Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) and the Institute of Energy for South East Europe (IENE) organized their first joint-event, Energy Security in Southeastern Europe. Mr. Costis Stambolis’ (Executive Director of IENE) presentation was followed by a panel moderated by Director of IICEC, Professor Carmine Difiglio, featuring Ambassador Mithat Rende,  Independent Board Member of Engie Turkey, and Emeritus Professor Ahmet Evin, Sabancı University. In attendance were energy industry executives, high-level representatives from energy related associations, Consulate officers, professionals from the energy industry and Sabancı University Energy Technologies and Management students.  A reception followed the talk.

 

Mr. Stambolis’ presentation was based on Energy Security issues covered in IENE’s SE Europe Energy Outlook 2016/17.  Mr. Stambolis explained why a regional study for Southeastern Europe was necessary  since micro-level decisions could not be made simply with information available from global studies, such as the IEA’s World Energy Outlook (Stambolis also noted that IEA Executive Director and IICEC Honorary Board Chairman Fatih Birol provided support and review of SE Europe Energy Outlook 2016/17.  Issues covered by Mr. Stambolis included: 

  • Defining energy security (affordable and uninterrupted energy supply in a sustainable manner)
  • Assessing security of energy in the EU and SEE
  • Discussing EU’s energy security strategy and energy security issues in SE Europe
  • Outlining SE Europe’s gas and electricity markets
  • Pointing out the role of natural gas in the region
  • Explaining the significance of the South Corridor and its future
  • How Turkey could be a natural gas trading hub for SE Europe

Mr. Stambolis concluded by discussing the future of market liberalization in SE Europe, business opportunities provided by liberalization and opportunities for financing the energy sector in SE Europe. 

After the presentation, Professor Ahmet Evin made remarks on Mr. Stambolis’ assessment regarding the opportunity for Turkey to use more gas as intermittent supply in the medium and longer term as an environmentally friendly source. Professor Evin pointed out that, geographical position and having neighbors rich in fossil fuels, is enhancing Turkey’s role in EU’s energy security. Another point made by Evin was how Turkey could best contribute to energy security in a region where Russia’s is attempting to dominate natural gas supplies. He added that the analysis of the region clearly shows that transiting gas through Turkey to SE Europe will be a significant contribution to energy security especially considering the natural gas supplies from the Caspian via TANAP and TAP. 

Ambassador Mithat Rende stressed the significance of improving Turkey’s energy mix and diversification of sources, enhance and realize major projects to contribute to European energy security. He mentioned the significance of the Southern gas corridor, following the 2006 crisis.  Rende said that TurkStream together with TANAP and TAP, are the backbones of the southern energy security. He added that renewables have increased their energy share and will continue to rise considering the priority of fighting climate change. For the same reason, natural gas is on the rise because it is an intermittent source with low CO2 emissions. LNG is on the rise, more is to arrive from the United States, and hence we need more regasification terminals that contribute to gas-to-gas competition.  Rende concluded that given its geography, capacity and experience, Turkey can be a natural gas hub. He said that “We believe that if necessary steps are taken -liberalize the energy market- it is a good opportunity.” 

During the Q&A period with the distinguished guests, a number of interesting issues were raised including the role of East Mediterranean gas on regional energy security and geopolitics. 

In his closing remarks, Mr. Stambolis touched upon Turkey’s rising energy demand.  Stambolis mentioned that the statistics indicate that Turkey is the number two energy consumer in Europe, and she will keep this solid position. Stambolis noted, Turkey has some mega projects in renewables and nuclear to satisfy its own needs and said that although TANAP is also a mega-project, with the potential to grow up to 30 bcm to increase its ability to supply other countries. 

İsmail Çakmak is among the most influential scientists in agricultural sciences worldwide

İsmail Çakmak is among the most influential scientists in agricultural sciences worldwide

İsmail Çakmak, member of Sabancı University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, was listed among the most cited scientists in Agricultural Sciences according to the “Highly Cited Researchers 2017” report by Clarivate Analytics.


The Highly Cited Researchers 2017 report published in November listed the 130,000 top-cited papers of 3300 researchers in 900 institutions over a period of 10 years. 

The list covers a wide range of fields from medicine to engineering, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry and agriculture, and İsmail Çakmak was named among the top 1% of researchers whose publications received the most citations in agricultural sciences. İsmail Çakmak’s articles were cited 21,100 times according to Google Scholar data, and 10,300 times according to Web of Science data. 

ONLY LISTED TURKISH SCHOLAR IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

İsmail Çakmak was the only listed Turkish scholar in Agricultural Sciences according to the Highly Cited Researchers 2017 report. The report lists some 3300 scholars, only 10 of whom are from Turkey. 

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Member İsmail Çakmak said that he was delighted to be included in the “Highly Cited Researchers” list, and that the recognition of our scientific papers with a high number of citations would stimulate further research in the future. 

WORK ON "HIDDEN HUNGER" RECEIVED GREAT INTEREST AND MANY CITATIONS 

Hidden hunger is a form of undernutrition and affects 2 billion people worldwide, primarily women and children. Saying that the HarvestPlus-HarvestZinc project, coordinated under the leadership of Sabancı University in 12 countries for the last decade, and the papers published under  this project had a particular  role in his inclusion in the Highly Cited Researchers list, İsmail Çakmak continued, “I would like to thank the HarvestPlus program and the partners and sponsors of the HarvestZinc project, as well as Sabancı University and my colleagues here for their great support." 

AN IMPORTANT PARAMETER FOR UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

A high number of citations fosters new and different research, and plays a key part in a university's rankings. Total citations received and research activity account for 30% of the score in the internationally-recognized Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, and 20% of the score in the rankings prepared by the UK-based higher education rating institution QS (Quacquarelli Symonds). 

About İsmail Çakmak

Dr. Çakmak has published 160 articles in international reviewed scientific journals, receiving more than 10,300 citations according to Web of Science data, and approximately 21,100 citations according to Google Scholar data (H-Index; Google Scholar: 77 and Web of Science: 54). 

He received the 1999 TÜBİTAK Science Award, the 2005 International Plant Nutrition Award (currently  named as  the Norman Borlaug Prize) given by the International Fertilizer Industry Association, the 2007 Australian Academy of Technological Sciences “Derek Tribe Prize”, the 2014 Georg Forster Research Prize given by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany), the 2016 International Plant Nutrition Institution-IPNI Science Award, and the 2016 World Sciences Academy Prize in Agricultural Sciences.  Çakmak has given scientific lectures in over 45 countries to date. He raised more than 16 million US dollars in funds for his national and international projects. Çakmak was elected to the Academia Europaea in 2012. Çakmak is also an elected member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences. 

Please visit the following links for more information about Clarivate Analytics' “Highly Cited Researchers 2017” report:

https://clarivate.com/hcr/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=493&v=K_rH0ksQ57M

Sabancı University becomes the only Turkish institution in TechInnovation

Sabancı University becomes the only Turkish institution in TechInnovation

The Industry Cooperation and Technology Licensing Office (ILO) of the Sabancı University Research and Graduate Policy (RGP) Directorate took part in the TechInnovation technology trade show in Singapore. As the only Turkish exhibitor of the event, Sabancı University promoted 6 technologies in the Sabancı University patent portfolio among more than 3900 exhibitors from over 40 countries in TechInnovation 2017.  

The international fair sought after by institutions that develop or pursue new technologies featured over 400 licenseable technologies in 160 booths, and presentations for 30 technologies. One of the presenters was Sabancı University. Three of the 6 technologies featured in the Sabancı University booth drew wide attention and attracted visitors to the booth. Meetings were held with 42 companies for the “Next Generation Food Packaging Material” technology alone. This number only reflects the interested parties who came to the Sabancı University booth and inquired about the technology. Other technologies presented in the Sabancı University booth also drew attention.  Click on the link below for more information about the 6 technologies presented at the fair 

Link for 6 technologies 

TechInnovation, held in Singapore where there are more than ten thousand patent applications every year, provides access to all exhibited technologies on its website. This year, the event also had a mobile application. The application enables booking meetings and communicating with the representatives of the exhibitors. Participants can scan each other's name badges to keep track of the meetings they have attended. Accessing the information and exhibits of every exhibitor in the fair and instantly booking meetings with them is a solution that greatly expedites the exchange of information between the parties. 

 

Sabancı University participated for the fourth time in TechInnovation, held by IPI Singapore at the heart of the city with support by the Enterprise Europe Network “EEN”, Spring Singapore and SWICH.

Families are back to school

Families are back to school

Sabancı University invited parents to the seventh annual “Family and Education Day.”  Families attended lectures on a wide range of subjects from logistics to literature and composite technologies. 


Sabancı University “Family and Education Day” took place at the Sabancı University campus in Tuzla on Saturday, November 4, 2017. The traditional Family and Education Day event started at the Sabancı University Performing Arts Center with introductory remarks by President Ayşe Kadıoğlu. 

Ayşe Kadıoğlu said that the university was a place where different approaches and the enrichment of diversity were cherished and coexisted. Kadıoğlu continued, “This is by no means to say that the university is a place where everyone is in agreement. It is rather a place where we can agree on how to discuss, and the code of discussion is determined by the norms and practices of scientific thought." Ayşe Kadıoğlu concluded, "In the last instance, the university should set an example to and guide students in the etiquette for discussion based on scientific norms and practices."

The first presentation on the Family and Education Day was made by Eren İnci from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Eren İnci's presentation was titled “The Unbearable Lightness of Free Parking”. Next was a lecture by School of Management faculty member Tevhide Altekin on “The Effects of Environmental, Social and Technological Developments on Supply Chain Management". Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences member Hülya Adak gave a lecture titled “On Halide Edib”. Finally, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences member and Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center (TÜMER) Director Mehmet Yıldız spoke on the “Center of Excellence for Composite Technologies” . 

Parents were accompanied by Sabancı University faculty members during lunch, where they found the opportunity to ask questions. 

The afternoon session included tours of the Information Center and SUNUM, and Faculty Programs. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Assistant Dean Özgür Kıbrıs, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Assistant Dean Cem Güneri, School of Management Assistant Dean Burçin Bozkaya, School of Languages Program Coordinator Nurdan Çoksezen Metel, Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) Director Fazilet Vardar Sukan, Information Center associate Alev Kuru, and Center for Individual and Academic Development (CIAD) Psychological Counseling Specialist Pelin Atasoy spoke to families about their respective divisions. 

2016-2017 Lecture Awards given

The Foundations Development Year Instructor Awards category had Justin Jacobs in first place, Magdalena Anna Adamczyk in second and Havva Sibel Taşkın Şimşek in third.

Contribution to First Year University Courses – Class Lectures category awards went to Seçil Sarıbayır in first place, Tamer Kütükçü in second place, and Müge Küçük in third place.

Contribution to First Year University Courses – Hall Lectures category awards went to Emre Erol, Cem Güneri and Cemil Koçak in first, second and third places, respectively. 

Graduates of the Year award winners chosen with the votes of senior year undergraduate students were Ali Rana Atılgan in first place, Bratislav Pantelic in second place, and Can Akkan and Gündüz Ulusoy tied for third place.

In the First Year Teaching Assistant awards category, Ayk Telciyan was first, İsmail Noyan second and İpeknaz Özden third.

In the Teaching Assistant Awards category for courses other than first-year university courses, first prize went to Artrim Kjamilji, second prize to Yunus Akkoç, and third prize to Mine Tuna.

Winners received their awards from President Ayşe Kadıoğlu, FENS Dean Yusuf Menceloğlu, FASS Assistant Dean Özgür Kıbrıs, SoM Dean Füsun Ülengin, and School of Languages Director Jacqueline Einer. 




 

 

30% Club Turkey achieves initial results

30% Club Turkey achieves initial results

The progress achieved by the 30% Club Turkey, founded with the support of the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum, was shared with the press and companies. The outcomes of the Roundtable held with all-men Executive Boards in October were discussed, and five leading executive search companies signed a joint code of conduct. 

The voluntary code of conduct encourages the leading executive search companies active in Turkey to support the decision-makers of their clients in understanding and embracing the added value brought by gender diversity in executive boards and executive management.

 

The Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum held a meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Sabancı Center to discuss the progress and achievements in the 30% Club Turkey Project, implemented as part of the global 30% Club Project to increase the ratio of women on boards of directors and in executive management to 30%.

The meeting, titled "Power, Culture and Calcification in Boards", was opened by 30% Club Turkey President and Akkök Holding CEO Ahmet Cemal Dördüncü. Ahmet Dördüncü said, “It is unfortunate that women are unable to find enough representation in executive management. As the 30% Club, we are committed to ensuring that women have more say in top management. Our objective is to increase the ratio of women in the boards of 295 companies listed in the Star Market and Main Market of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST) to 30% by 2025. It is no coincidence that countries where women take greater part in life are more developed. According to studies, companies that have more woman members on their boards are more successful. The quality of Board resolutions are improved when different perspectives are represented and opinions are voiced. We believe that the 30% Club will help more women come to places that they deserve, and enable them to excel in their positions."

“The first step will be to ensure that boards in Turkey are brought to the level of efficiency that is expected of them”


Ahmet Dördüncü’s introductory remarks were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Fatoş Karahasan, with Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum Director and 30% Club Turkey Steering Committee Director Melsa Ararat and Capital Markets Board Vice President Bora Oruç as speakers. Titled “Why Is Progress in Diversity Slow?", the panel examined the outcomes of the Roundtables held by Oğuz Babüroğlu for the 30% Club Project. The Roundtable had been held on October 16, 2017, and its focus was the obstacles to change in the number of woman Board members. Attending were directors of all-men Boards, executive search companies, and independent woman directors of Istanbul Stock Exchange-listed companies. 

Summarizing the Roundtable, Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum Director and 30% Club Turkey Steering Committee Director Melsa Ararat said: “It seems as if the first step will be to ensure that boards in Turkey are brought to the level of efficiency that is expected of them. If Boards are to be bodies that will carry the company into the future, international corporate investors as well as small and large shareholders will eventually realize that it is impossible to do so without including women."  Ararat continued: “This year, publicly-traded companies in the US had the most push from their shareholders in general assemblies towards diversity policies for the board of directors.”

Capital Markets Board Vice President Bora Oruç said, "Diversity in the Board improves the financial performance of companies. The Capital Markets Board endorses a mandatory quota for increasing the number of women directors serving on the boards of publicly-traded companies."

“Action for Change: Joint Code of Conduct for Executive Search Companies” 


The meeting continued with the signature ceremony and launch of the "Action for Change: Joint Code of Conduct for Executive Search Companies" prepared by the top five executive search companies in Turkey, which started a joint initiative for the first time. The Joint Code was signed by the Turkish country directors of Heidrick&Struggles, Egon Zehnder, Korn Ferry, Russell Reynolds and Spencer Stuart. The signatories commit to assisting their clients in improving diversity in company boards and executive management.  

Heidrick&Struggles Managing Partner Ayşegül Dicle Aydın said, “As Heidrick&Struggles Turkey, our mission is to discover new and potential woman leaders every day. As such, the ratio of woman executive directors we place every year has increased from 25% to 52% in five years." Ayşegül Dicle Aydın added that qualified women comprised 33.3% of Heidrick&Struggles’ "database of Turkey" containing 40,000 individuals.  Aydın argued that, under the circumstances, not being able to find woman candidates suitable for board or executive management roles could not be an excuse. Ayşegül Dicle Aydın said, “For example, 64% of upper management positions in the Turkish banking sector are occupied by women, which is even higher than that in the US.”

"We commit to doing our job properly with the Joint Code of Conduct"

Egon Zehnder Turkey Managing Partner Murat Yeşildere said, “When designing this code, we thought about what we could accomplish in the field. We commit to doing our job properly with the Joint Code of Conduct. We also commit to doing our best for finding and supporting new candidates. This code is open for signatures by other human resources companies in Turkey."

Korn Ferry President Şerif Kaynar discussed two issues. Şerif Kaynar stated firm belief in diversity, saying that the presence of one woman in a board composed of 10 men improves the work of all men on the board. Second, Kaynar suggested that everyone should impose quotas on every aspect of their lives. 

“We were never asked why the list was entirely composed of men”


Spencer Stuart Turkey President Kaan Okurer said that the issue was so compelling that the five companies had come together for the first time. Saying that consultants played a critical role, Okurer shared a personal example: “We were searching for a CEO for a global finance company. We submitted the shortlist. A few days later, we received a phone call asking why the list had only women in it. We were never asked why the list was entirely composed of men."

The closing remarks of the event were delivered by Yapı Kredi Bank Board of Directors Member, Sabancı University Visiting Faculty Füsun Akkal Bozok. 

 

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