More than 500 international students from more than 60 different countries in our university have had the opportunity to promote their own cultures and to familiarize themselves with other cultures with the "International Day - 2017" event, led by our international students. In the event, all our students on campus had the opportunity to watch the dances of different countries, taste their meals and listen to their songs.

The event started with the introduction and tasting of different cuisines such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Pakistan, Korea, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Morocco, Iran and continued with "Open Mic" concept. At Open Mic, students represented their countries in the way they desired. Students exhibited, participated and listened to different music genres and dance moves such as Kazakhstan local instrument Dombıra, African and Azerbaijani traditional dances and Turkish halay. The event was concluded with a concert performed by Muzikus at night.

The show 5N1K on CNN Türk covered the Sabancı University Alumni Meetings that took place in the US on April 22 and 23, 2017.

CNN Türk's 5N1K show aired on Saturday, April 29, 2017 featured the most successful Turks in the US: Sabancı University FENS Materials Science and Engineering 2009 master's graduate Canan Dağdeviren, FASS Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design 2010 bachelor's graduate Sinan Tuncay, FENS Computer Science and Engineering 2008 bachelor's graduate Selim Önal, and FENS Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering 2009 bachelor's graduate Alper Küçükural.

A recording of the show can be viewed here. 

Sabancı University alumni residing in the United States met in two different locations this year on April 22-23.

The Boston Alumni Meeting took place on Saturday, April 22 over dinner at the Harvard University Faculty Club. 

SABANCI UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL POLICY CENTER REVEALS REPORTS OF THE "OPPORTUNITIES ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND DEMOCRACY AFTER JULY 15" PROJECT

Reports published as part of the "Opportunities on Conflict Resolution and Democracy after July 15" Project conducted by the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Program of the Sabancı University Istanbul Policy Center were revealed to the public at press conferences in Ankara and Istanbul. Sabancı University Faculty Member and IPC Director Fuat Keyman, Project Manager Pınar Akpınar and Program Coordinator Bülent Aras presented the outcomes of the research and policy recommendations by IPC. 

The results of the IPC Conflict Resolution and Mediation Program's 7-month project on "Opportunities on Conflict Resolution and Democracy after July 15" spanning a number of one-on-one interviews and workshops with members of bureaucracy, politics, academia, press and civil society in Istanbul, Ankara and Diyarbakır were presented. 

Reports issued by IPC Director Fuat Keyman, Conflict Resolution and Mediation Program Coordinator Bülent Aras, Project Manager Pınar Akpınar, Research and Academic Relations Coordinator Senem Aydın Düzgit, IPC Researchers Metin Gürcan, Altay Atlı, Derya Berk, Yıldız Technical University Faculty Member Evren Balta, Sciences Po  Center for International Research (CERI) and CNRS Researcher Cuma Çiçek and Human Development Foundation Researcher Aysen Ataseven on the significant conflicts that challenge the strengthening of Turkish democracy after July 15, and the study of their implications on the cultural, political and social spheres in Turkey were presented together with solution recommendations. The project aims to recommend solutions to increase awareness and improve dialog through conflict identification, analysis and resolution methods. 

Two fault lines of conflict in Turkey: Kurdish issue and polarization

Speakers in the press conference stated that the Kurdish issue and polarization, the two pillars of the project, were among the key causes of conflict and instability in Turkey. 

Project Manager Pınar Akpınar said that the project studied the ethnic and economic aspects of the Kurdish issue to develeop appropriate policy recommendations, explaining that ethnic Kurds felt excluded and under-represented. Akpınar said, "Kurdish citizens of Turkey are adamant that the government must discern and differentiate between the Kurdish populace and Kurdish political movements" and explained the key demands of the Kurdish population as bringing violence to an end, inclusive economic development, and normalization. 

Akpınar said that all government institutions were facing severe capacity challenges as a result of the post-coup attempt investigation process, which required extensive efforts into capacity improvement and coordination between institutions. According to Akpınar, IPC's policy recommendations included merit-based appointment to government institutions and the military. 

Akpınar discussed the ramifications of the attempted coup across the international community, emphasizing the need to avoid polarization which was detrimental to foreign policy. Saying that a solution process could improve Turkey's tarnished international image and repair its relations with international actors, Akpınar concluded: "The government must see the regional presence of Kurds not as an obstruction but as an opportunity." 

“The polarization between the state and society damages confidence”

Sabancı University Faculty Member and IPC Director Fuat Keyman revisited the key issues brought up during project interviews. Keyman said that the creation of dialog platforms that will bring together diverse segments of the society is important to the social future of Turkey. 

Keyman continued that the powerful state remained in rhetoric only and the actual entity was fragile, while the hostility between the state and the society damaged the environment of trust. He noted that all individuals from the military to civil society interviewed during the project considered secularism and meritocracy the building blocks of an inclusive and compassionate state: “The state's preferential treatment of a certain group of people deprives it of inclusiveness, while deviation from secularism and the merit system increases its fragility.” 

Keyman discussed the Kurdish issue as a key component of the project, saying that relations had switched from dialog to hostility in the aftermath of the June 7 elections, and that it was critical to reverse this situation. Keyman continued his words: “Kurdish citizens want normalization in daily life as well as ending the hostilities. They supported the peace process. As everyday life went back to normal, an inclusive process brought economic relief to the region. The people there did not support trenches or urban warfare.

Kurdish citizens were also strongly against the coup attempt. While the overwhelming percentage of negative votes from the region signals a need for parliamentary negotiation, the presence of affirmative votes shows a desire for this issue to be resolved."

Discussing the Yenikapı rally held after the attempted coup, Keyman summarized the thoughts of ethnic Kurds: “Kurds felt excluded because they were kept away from the Yenikapı rally. It did not have to be the HDP, but some representatives of the Kurdish civil society should have been invited to Yenikapı. This was perceived as an act of hostility by the state against its Kurdish citizens. Meanwhile, Kurdish citizens expect the state to be capable of the same differentiation as they are." 

“Reorganization causes insecurity in the bureaucracy”

Speaking after Keyman, IPC Conflict Resolution and Mediation Program Coordinator Bülent Aras gave insight about the perception of the July 15 attempted coup in politics and bureaucracy. "According to politics, July 15 was an assault against the popular will by the bureaucracy. The investigation launched in the aftermath is seen as the final, decisive blow to the threat of a bureaucratic oligarchy.

The bureaucracy's view of July 15, on the other hand, is that of a political crisis." 

Discussing the reorganization in government institutions following July 15, Aras said that the shortage of capacity and institutionalization was evolving into a crisis. Aras said that the new presidential system would lead to the restructuring of many institutions, which would take time. Aras described key points in the process: "There are many relevant questions, such as how bureaucrats will be appointed in the transition to the new system, their collaboration and working relations with politics, and to which institution or person they will report to. These will become clear in time."  Stating that continuity was critical to the state, Aras quoted one of the recommendations that emerged from the project: "Low- and mid-tier bureaucracy must maintain their autonomy and their function to support the continuity of the state. The transition process must be shaped accordingly." 

Aras concluded: “The high ratio of negative votes in the referendum point at the lack of a wide foundation for legitimacy, and the government's path to establishing this runs through touching and involving different segments of the society.” 

About Istanbul Policy Center

Istanbul Policy Center is an independent policy research institute with global outreach. Our mission is to foster academic research in social sciences and its application to policy making. We are firmly committed to providing decision makers, opinion leaders, academics, and the general public with innovative and objective analyses in key domestic and foreign policy issues. IPC has expertise in a wide range of areas, including—but not exhaustive to—Turkey-EU-U.S. relations, education, climate change, current trends of political and social transformation in Turkey, as well as the impact of civil society and local governance on this metamorphosis.

For details about the project: http://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/project/darbe-girisimi-sonrasi-catisma-cozumu-ve-demokrasi-firsatlari-projesi/

For the project final report (English):http://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/publication/english-opportunities-on-conflict-resolution-and-democracy-after-july-15/  

Muzikus's polyphonic pop and rock choir KoroSU will be on stage on May 4 at SGM! 

KoroSU is the polyphonic pop and rock choir of Muzikus which was established in 2004. KoroSU which comprises sopranos, altos, bass, tenors and has been increasing its energy, colors and musicality since the day it was established. This year it continues its work with the conductor Nihan Demirkapı. You can listen to KoroSU on May 4 at SGM! 

Chorists:

Sopranos:

Aizat Bigali

Neslihan Şişman

İlayda Begüm İzci

Altos:

Sevde Nur Karataş

Ceren Kasapgil

Cansın Toprak

Güneş Kocaman

Begüm Göktepe

Tenor:

İnanç Dorukel

Bass:

Derin Karadeniz

Başar Börekçi

Orchestra: 

Electric Guitar: Melih Utku Ekşi, Bora Dirilgen

Drums: Emir Odabaşı

Bass Guitar: Mustafa Emre Karaçar

We present you SuDance Night!

SuDance Night is the most important event of SuDance and it is on May 3rd at SGM!

We worked hard, practiced all nights.

Now it is show time!

Cha cha, jive, salsa, hiphop, Tango, Bellydance...

More than 200 dancers and famous dans teachers and 20 different  university dance cubs are coming !

The concept is "Dancing Through the Decades".

Ready for a nostalgic night 

18.45 Coctail 

19 45 Show time

Detailed information :

Facebook:SUDANCE

instagram: su_dance

twitter: su_dance

The 8^th “April 23 Painting Competition” groups for employees’ children is starting.

The 8^th “April 23 Painting Competition” groups for employees’ children is starting.

The topics according to age categories are:

• 3-4 Year olds:  My Family and Me
• 5-6 Year olds:  My Beautiful Day
• 7-8 Year olds:  23 April’s Children and Atatürk
• 9-11 Year olds:  “Science” Through the eyes of children

Guideline:

Paper Size:    A4

Deadline:      May 3^th 2017, Wednesday

Application:  Please fill in the form via http://survey.sabanciuniv.edu/index.php/survey/index/sid/632277/newtest/Y/lang/en  and send your child’s painting to Serpil Gürbüz from Human Resources (President’s Office Room - 1045)  

Evaluation and Awards:

The drawings will be evaluated by a jury. The winners of each age group will be awarded with;

1st prize  : Bicycle
2nd prize : Scooter ( 3-6 ages); Educational Toy Set (7-11 ages)
3rd prize  : Book & Painting Set

Also, a certificate and a small gift will be presented to each participant. 

All drawings will be exhibited at the University Center, before the ceremony.

First time this year Sabanci University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences is joining the prestigious institutions from all over the world to celebrate the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland in Australia. It aims to cultivate students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases students’ capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience

We invite all FENS doctoral candidates to join the competition!

The competition will take place on May 17th, 2017 at Cinema Hall.

Winners will win prizes up to 1500₺. In addition to first place and second place winners, audience members will be asked to select a People’s Choice Award. The winners will also have the chance to get their presentation videos published on the global 3MT website.

Another first from Sabancı University in university-industry partnership Established within Sabancı University, the NANOGRAFEN company made Turkey's first graphene-reinforced musical instrument. The use of graphene in the music industry is expected to bring more innovation.

Established by the partnership of Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center researcher Assistant Professor Burcu Saner Okan, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Dean Professor Yusuf Menceloğlu and Inovent A.Ş., the NANOGRAFEN company built Turkey's first graphene-reinforced musical instrument. The production of the instrument was supported by Dr. Jamal Seyyed Monfared Zanjani from the Sabancı University-Kordsa Composite Technologies Center of Excellence. 

In a joint initiative between Nanografen and Akıneri Musical Instruments (www.akineri.com), a leading manufacturer of wooden clarinets founded by Aydan Akıneri, minute quanities of graphene was evenly distributed into the epoxy coating of a clarinet, making the instrument lighter and more durable. Graphene also added gloss and scratch-resistance to the instrument. The high surface area of graphene makes the material a better conductor for sound waves, leading to better quality of sound compared to epoxy instruments. The addition of graphene also adds longevity to the instrument. 

SUNUM Researcher Burcu Saner Okan said that they developed two different products at Nanografen. Burcu Saner Okan explained that the first product was high-quality graphene suitable for use in musical instruments as well as the defense industry, and the graphene-reinforced clarinet produced in collaboration with Aydan Akıneri paved the way for mass production of graphene. She added that the production of the clarinet was an important step in the commercialization of graphene made by Nanografen. With regard to the second type of product made by Nanografen, Burcu Saner Okan said “Our other product is graphene converted from carbon obtained as a result of the pyrolysis of used tires, a product with high added-value. This product contains ingredients like carbon black and active carbon. We are working on a finished product suitable for use in the automotive industry."

Akıneri Musical Instruments founder Aydan Akıneri said the following about their joint project with Nanografen: "As Akıneri Musical Instruments, our objective was to design, produce and standardize a new generation of clarinets and flutes with carbon fiber bodies, titanium keys and added graphene for lighter weight and greater durability. The most common materials in clarinet and flute production are wood for the body and chrome or brass for keys. Based on almost half a century of experience, we developed the next-generation clarinet with a graphene-reinforced carbon fiber body and titanium keys to address frequent complaints by musicians, namely corrosion and dents or chipping, while reducing health hazards and extending product life as well as maintenance intervals. The product we obtained is above world standards, has superior quality of sound thanks to a completely smooth interior surface, and is 80% stronger against impact and 40% lighter in weight. As a result, we have a product that will enjoy a longer life than its predecessors and provides higher value. "

The graphene-reinforced clarinet is a great breakthrough in musical instruments in Turkey and the world. While graphene is in limited use today, its application in the music industry may lead to further expansion in the use of graphene.

Sabancı University Chess Club President and FENS Electronic Engineering senior student Selen Sop won the University Chess Championship of Turkey. 

Sabancı University Chess Club President and FENS Electronic Engineering senior student Selen Sop won the University Chess Championship of Turkey held by the Universty Sports Federation of Turkey in Antalya between April 6 and 11, 2017. 

The Championship began with elimination rounds on April 6, and concluded with the finals on April 11.

WFM Selen Sop won 8 points in the Women's Category and won the Championship among 485 entrants.