Mustafa Taha Koçyiğit is a Full-time Assistant Professor at Bogazici University. His research focuses on Deep Learning, Self-supervised learning, Efficient training of deep learning methods, Computer vision, Efficient training of large language models, and Language grounded vision models. His recent work addresses computational efficiency in training methods and novel applications of deep learning across domains like aerospace defect detection and computer vision. His publications span advancements in self-supervised learning strategies (2023), efficient training for computer vision tasks (2023), and theoretical contributions like unsupervised batch normalization (2020). The 2025 work demonstrates cross-disciplinary impact in aerospace engineering through AI-driven defect detection via X-ray tomography. Notable Contributions: Bridging efficiency and accuracy in deep learning pipelines Technical Strengths: Neural architecture design, optimization strategies, and domain-specific model adaptation
Veysel Murat İstemihan Genç is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), College of Engineering. His research is centered on modern power systems, with a focus on transient stability, cybersecurity, and integration of renewable energy sources. He actively leads multiple research projects and supervises graduate students in advanced power system technologies. Research Interests: His work spans key areas including transient stability assessment, machine learning applications in power systems, cyber-attack detection in AGC systems, and dynamic security evaluation under high renewable penetration. He employs cutting-edge techniques such as ensemble learning, deep neural networks, and hybrid optimization algorithms. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight a strong trend toward integrating AI and machine learning for real-time transient stability prediction, cybersecurity in distributed energy systems, and performance optimization of solar and wind-integrated grids. His work frequently addresses challenges in low-inertia systems and false data injection attacks. Scientific Projects: Strengthened Machine Learning-Based Dynamic Security Evaluation for Transient Stability under False Data Injection Attacks (BAP, 2025) Analysis and Control Methods for Stability of Large-Scale Low-Inertia Power Systems (BAP, 2023–2024) Dynamics Security Evaluation of Renewable-Rich and Cyber-Attacked Power Systems (BAP, 2022–2024) Risk-Based Stability Assessment and Corrective Control Methods in Power Systems (BAP, 2019–2022) Wide-Area Monitoring Protection and Control System Design Using Advanced Signal Processing and Machine Learning (TÜBİTAK, 2018–2020) Advising and Grants: He is the principal investigator (PI) on multiple funded research projects from BAP and TÜBİTAK, indicating strong grant acquisition and leadership. His supervision of 27 ongoing theses reflects an active role in mentoring graduate students in electrical engineering and power systems. Labs and Teams: While specific lab names are not mentioned, his projects suggest leadership in a research group focused on smart grid technologies, AI-enabled power system security, and renewable integration at Istanbul Technical University.
Handan Kulan serves as Assistant Professor at Yeditepe University's Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Department of Information Systems and Technologies since 2024. Previously, she held faculty positions at Istinye University (2023), Uskudar University (2022), and Beykoz University (2020) across computer engineering and software engineering departments. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Kadir Has University (2016-2020): Thesis on critical proteins in Down syndrome learning processes M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, Sabanci University (2013-2014): Thesis analyzing protein residue networks B.S. in Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe University (2007-2013) Second Major in Computer Engineering, Yeditepe University (2009-2013) Her research integrates machine learning with biomedical challenges, specializing in Down syndrome proteomics, neural network analysis of brain aging, and immune system disorders. She develops computational models for protein identification and applies gradient boosting algorithms to biological datasets, bridging AI with healthcare decision systems as demonstrated in her 2023 Springer book. Publications reveal consistent focus on computational approaches to Down syndrome, with recent conference presentations expanding into statistical clustering of biological data and gene ontology analysis for drug discovery. Her work demonstrates methodological evolution from protein network analysis to advanced predictive analytics. Awards: No specific scientific awards documented in source materials. Dr. Kulan actively supervises graduate theses while teaching core computer science courses including Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Structures at both undergraduate and graduate levels across multiple institutions. Her teaching portfolio reflects direct alignment with her research in AI-driven biomedical analysis.
Onur Varol is an Assistant Professor at Sabanci University's Computer Science Department and leads the VIRAL Lab, which focuses on computational social science, network science, and machine learning. He has affiliations with the Center of Excellence for Data Analytics. His research spans social bot detection, misinformation analysis, and online behavior modeling.
Cem Say is a Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Boğaziçi University's Faculty of Engineering, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. His academic journey began with the completion of his doctoral dissertation titled Qualitative System Identification in 1992, which was the first thesis of Boğaziçi University's Computer Engineering PhD program. Professor Say's research interests span multiple domains of computer science, with significant contributions to quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and theoretical computer science. His early work focused on qualitative reasoning and simulation, particularly through the QSIM algorithm, where he made significant improvements to filtering techniques and addressed challenges in representing physical systems. Over time, his research evolved toward quantum computation, where he has made substantial contributions to quantum finite automata theory, space-bounded quantum computation, and quantum complexity classes. His recent work explores the energy complexity of computation, bridging theoretical computer science with thermodynamics. His publication record shows a clear evolution from classical AI and qualitative reasoning toward quantum computation. The most recent articles demonstrate his focus on space-bounded quantum computation, energy complexity of regular languages, and interactive proof systems with minimal resources. His work consistently addresses fundamental questions about computational limits, particularly in quantum and sublogarithmic-space models. Professor Say has also made significant contributions to science communication through several books written for general audiences, including 50 Soruda Yapay Zekâ (2018), Yeni Dünya, Yeni Ağ (2020), and En Hakiki Mürşit (2021), which explain complex concepts in artificial intelligence and scientific methodology in accessible terms. Throughout his career, Professor Say has been actively involved in the Turkish academic community, editing proceedings for multiple Turkish symposia on artificial intelligence and neural networks. His doctoral dissertation established foundational work in qualitative system identification, and his subsequent research has consistently pushed boundaries in theoretical computer science, particularly in quantum computation where he has collaborated extensively with Abuzer Yakaryılmaz and other researchers.
Prof. Dr. Hakkı Polat Gülkan is a Professor at Başkent University's Civil Engineering Department. With a PhD (1971) and Master's (1968) from the University of Illinois in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor's (1966) from METU, his career spans over five decades in earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and disaster management. PhD: University of Illinois, Civil Engineering (1971) Master's: University of Illinois, Civil Engineering (1968) Bachelor's: Middle East Technical University, Civil Engineering (1966) His research focuses on seismic risk assessment, structural behavior under extreme loads, and disaster mitigation strategies. Key contributions include earthquake simulator development, ground motion analysis, and retrofitting techniques for masonry and reinforced concrete structures. He has published extensively on deformation limits, response spectra, and historical building preservation. Recent work includes 15+ articles from 2024-2012 analyzing Istanbul's seismic hazards, Marmara region dynamics, and post-earthquake structural integrity. Conference papers address Turkey's endemic building vulnerabilities and deformation thresholds for seismic isolation systems. Scientific Achievements: Elected to U.S. National Academy of Engineering (2023) As an active journal reviewer for 13+ publications (2023-2024), he contributes to advancing earthquake engineering discourse. His teaching portfolio includes advanced structural analysis, concrete mechanics, and seismic design courses.
Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti is a leading academic and researcher currently serving as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and affiliated faculty at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute and Koç University's Schools of Medicine and Engineering. His interdisciplinary work bridges robotics, materials science, and biomedicine. His research interests center on medical microrobotics , bio-inspired robotics , and physical intelligence , exploring how intelligent behaviors can emerge from material properties and system design. He leads the Physical Intelligence Research Group , pioneering novel approaches in soft and micro-robotic systems. The scientific publications attributed to Prof. Sitti span diverse areas including micro-robotic locomotion, stimuli-responsive materials, and collective behavior in synthetic systems. Though specific titles are not listed, his body of work consistently contributes to robotics, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Rahmi M. Koç Science Award ERC Advanced Grant IEEE Fellow National Science Foundation CAREER Award SPIE Nanoengineering Pioneer Award IEEE/ASME Best Mechatronics Paper Award Robotics: Science and Systems Conference Best Paper Award IEEE/RSJ Intelligent Robot Systems Conference Best Paper and Video Awards IEEE Robotics and Automation Conference Best Paper and Video Awards IEEE Robotics and Biomimetics Conference Best Paper and Video Awards Prof. Sitti has secured major grants including the ERC Advanced Grant and NSF CAREER Award, supporting high-impact research in intelligent materials and robotic systems. He has mentored numerous researchers and students across institutions, though specific advisees are not listed. His entrepreneurial initiative led to the founding of nanoGriptech Inc. in 2009, commercializing gecko-inspired microfiber adhesives. He leads the Physical Intelligence Department at the Max Planck Institute, where his team develops novel robotic materials and microsystems that exhibit intelligence through physical design rather than computation alone.
Dr. Aykut Koç is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a faculty member of the National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM) at Bilkent University, Turkey. He leads the AykutKoc Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of machine learning, signal processing, natural language processing, and graph signal processing. Education: B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (2005, Bilkent University); M.S. in Electrical Engineering (2007), M.S. in Management Science and Engineering (2009), and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2011) under Professor Lambertus Hesselink at Stanford University; LL.B. in Law (Ankara University). His research integrates mathematical signal processing techniques (e.g., fractional Fourier and linear canonical transforms) with modern machine learning architectures like transformers and graph neural networks. Recent work explores semantic communication systems, bias mitigation in legal language models, and cross-modal applications in biomedical imaging and radar technology. Dr. Koç has published extensively in IEEE and Springer journals, with recent articles analyzing Fourier-enhanced transformers, graph-based NLP methods, and time-vertex signal analysis. His work addresses both theoretical innovations and practical applications, including schizophrenia diagnosis, legal outcome prediction, and maritime surveillance. Scientific Awards: Science Academy Young Scientists Award (BAGEP), 2023. He has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers, many of whom have transitioned to top-tier institutions such as MIT, UCLA, and TU Darmstadt. Dr. Koç actively serves as Associate Editor for multiple IEEE journals and participates in conference program committees, including EMNLP's Natural Legal Language Processing (NLLP) workshop.
Başar Öztayşi is a Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering , Istanbul Technical University , with expertise in fuzzy logic, multi-criteria decision making, and decision science. He has held administrative roles including Associate Professor (2017–present), Deputy Director of the Institute (2016–2017), and Assistant Professor (2013–2017). Fields of Study : Fuzzy Logic, Multi-criteria Decision Making, Decision Science Contact : oztaysib@itu.edu.tr , +90 212 293 1300 Research Interests focus on applying fuzzy set theory to complex decision problems, including financial management, risk assessment, and smart city energy systems. His work extends to industry 4.0 applications and process mining in e-commerce. Recent Publications (2024) analyze fuzzy approaches in financial management, risk assessment, and Industry 4.0, with subfields spanning bibliometric trends, allocation optimization, and sustainable energy planning. Earlier works explore AHP matrix consistency, file distribution models, and customer segmentation. Awards : Best Paper Award, FLINS 2018 Science - Art Awards
Canan ATILGAN is a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. She has held leadership roles including Dean (2018-2020), Director of the Graduate School (2018-2020), and President of the Science Academy (2021-present). Her research focuses on computational tools for protein conformational transitions, allosteric communication, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Ph.D. (1996) and B.S. (1991) in Chemical Engineering from Boğaziçi University A pioneer in perturbation-response scanning and network-based protein modeling, her work bridges biophysics, structural biology, and molecular evolution. She has supervised 15 PhD and 17 MS students, emphasizing accessible computational biophysics education through workshops and seminars. Her recent publications highlight allosteric mechanisms in biosensors, β-lactam resistance via TolC dynamics, and evolutionary fitness landscapes. Awards include EMBO and Academia Europaea membership, L’Oréal Turkey Young Women Scientist Fellowship, and TÜBA-GEBİP Distinguished Young Scientist Award. President, Science Academy (2021) EMBO Elected Member (2023) TÜBA-GEBİP Distinguished Young Scientist (2004) She leads the MIDST Lab, contributes to Turkish science communication via sarkac.org, and organizes 'Dialogues in the MIDST' workshops for graduate students. Her work integrates theoretical models with experimental validation in iron transport proteins and resistance mechanisms.
Tuğba Dalyan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering at Istanbul Bilgi University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Yıldız Technical University (2014), an MSc from Kocaeli University (2007), and dual BSc degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and Business Administration (Minor) from Istanbul Bilgi University (2003). She has been a faculty member since 2016 and previously served as a Teaching Staff member and Research Assistant at the same institution. Her research focuses on Natural Language Processing , Machine Learning , Deep Learning , Text Mining , Data Science , and Big Data Analytics . Her work spans computational linguistics, sentiment analysis, author profiling, machine translation, and smart systems. She has led and contributed to numerous research projects, particularly in AI-driven urban solutions and health technologies. The most recent publications show a strong trend in Turkish NLP, zero-shot classification, multimodal AI (image captioning), emotional robotics, and decision support systems using fuzzy logic. Her work combines theoretical rigor with practical applications in smart cities, education, and healthcare. Best Paper Award , CICLing 2012 TÜBİTAK 2209-A student project awards (2022–2024) Horizon2020 Eşik Üstü Ödülü , MIMOSCSA 2024 TÜBİTAK 2242 competition: 2nd and 3rd place (2016, 2018) She has advised numerous student research projects, many of which have received national recognition. She has directed multiple TÜBİTAK and institutional research grants, including projects on smart homes, blockchain crowdfunding, mental health, and AI for social polarization. Her leadership roles include Head of Department, Vice Dean, and Director of Graduate Programs. Tuğba Dalyan leads research in AI and NLP with a strong emphasis on Turkish language technologies. She is involved in interdisciplinary teams working on emotional robots, smart city platforms, and citizen science ecosystems. Her lab activities focus on neural networks, text analysis, and intelligent systems development.
Asst. Prof. Zehra Evrim Kanat serves as an Assistant Professor in the Textile and Fashion Design Department at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University's Faculty of Fine Arts since 2020, following research assistant roles at Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University (2014-2020) and Ege University (2009-2014). Her expertise bridges academic research and industry applications in textile engineering. Her educational foundation includes: Doctorate in Textile Engineering from Ege University (2008-2013) Postgraduate in Textile Engineering from Ege University (2005-2007) Undergraduate in Textile Engineering from Ege University (1997-2002) Dr. Kanat's research centers on textile engineering and design, with specialized focus on thermal and moisture management properties of fabrics. She investigates yarn technology, cloth construction, and smart textile applications to enhance comfort in sportswear and technical garments. Her methodological approach integrates artificial neural networks and statistical modeling for predictive analysis of fabric behavior under varying humidity conditions, contributing significantly to thermophysiological comfort research. Publication trends reveal consistent advancement in thermal resistance modeling of knitted and woven fabrics, with recent expansion into smart textiles for sports applications and biomimetic design principles. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between textile science, materials engineering, and functional apparel design. Her research leadership includes: EU-supported project on Textile Insights and Future Aspects (2023-2024) Study on Hatay Silk's fiber properties versus Chinese-Japanese hybrid silk (2022-2023) TUBITAK-funded expert system for woven fabric defect diagnosis (2017-2018) Multiple projects on moisture management properties of technical textiles Dr. Kanat actively contributes to academic discourse through peer review for leading textile journals and participates in interdisciplinary art exhibitions that explore cultural and historical textile narratives.
Professor Hakan Ali Çırpan is a distinguished faculty member at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, where he serves as Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. He also holds the position of Vice Dean at Istanbul Technical University since 2021. With over three decades of academic experience, Professor Çırpan has established himself as a leading researcher in signal processing and communications. His educational background includes: PhD from Stevens Institute of Technology (1993-1997) Master's degree in Electrical-Electronic Engineering (with thesis) from Istanbul University (1989-1992) Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Uludağ University (1985-1989) Professor Çırpan's research spans multiple domains within signal processing and communications. His primary interests include wireless communications, radar systems, machine learning applications in communications, and electronic warfare. His work on channel estimation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, and maximum likelihood methods has been particularly influential. He has pioneered research in areas such as source localization, spectrum sensing, and physical layer security. His recent work focuses on 5G/6G networks, AI-enhanced communications, and integrated sensing and communication systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on next-generation wireless technologies, particularly 5G/6G networks, AI integration in communications, and electronic warfare applications. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of addressing fundamental challenges in signal processing while adapting to emerging technological needs. A significant portion of his recent work involves machine learning applications for spectrum management, optimization techniques for radar systems, and novel approaches to network slicing and resource allocation. His notable scientific achievements include: ASELSAN ACADEMY THESIS COMPETITION WINNER (2020) Professor Çırpan has supervised 59 theses throughout his career, mentoring numerous graduate students in the fields of signal processing and communications. He has secured significant research funding, including the "AI-Enhanced 5G/6G Networks with Integrated Camera and ISAC Systems" project (2023-2024) and the "Railway Vehicle Infrastructure New Generation Secure Communication Systems" TÜBİTAK project with a budget of ₺955,000. His research has practical applications in defense systems, railway communications, and next-generation wireless networks. His laboratory work focuses on wireless communications systems, radar signal processing, and AI-enhanced communication technologies. Professor Çırpan leads research teams working on projects related to 5G/6G networks, electronic warfare countermeasures, and secure communication systems. His group collaborates with industry partners like ASELSAN and conducts research with practical applications in national defense and critical infrastructure.
Dr. Morteza Ghorbani is a researcher and faculty member at Sabancı University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), specializing in fluid mechanics and environmental engineering. He leads the AquaCav project, a collaborative effort with Oxford Brookes University, focused on developing sustainable water treatment solutions using hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation. His research addresses global challenges such as PFAS pollution and wastewater management, with applications in biomedical devices and energy-efficient technologies. Key collaborations include projects funded by the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF), leveraging his expertise in microfluidic systems and cavitation dynamics. Dr. Ghorbani's work combines experimental and numerical methods to optimize cavitation-based processes for environmental and biomedical applications. His contributions span from fundamental fluid dynamics studies to applied technologies like flexible cystoscopes and clot-on-a-chip platforms. Scientific achievements include the ISPF Research Collaboration Grant (2024) and advancements in PFAS removal, graphene exfoliation, and microalgae cultivation. His research group at Sabancı University explores interdisciplinary solutions at the intersection of engineering, nanotechnology, and sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet ÖZMEN is a Professor at Sakarya University's Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, Department of Software Engineering. He has held various administrative positions including Head of the Software Engineering Department (2019-2028) and Director of the Computer Research and Application Center (2019-2022). With extensive experience in academia since 1991, he has made significant contributions to computer vision, traffic monitoring systems, and sensor technologies. Sakarya University: Professor (2019-present), Associate Professor (2011-2019) Dumlupınar University: Assistant Professor (2001-2011), Research Assistant (2000-2001, 1993-1998) Istanbul Technical University: Research Assistant (1991-1993) Prof. ÖZMEN's research spans computer vision applications for traffic monitoring, indoor air quality systems, parallel computing, and sensor technologies. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical engineering applications, particularly in developing vision-based systems for nighttime vehicle detection, traffic flow monitoring, and environmental sensing. His interdisciplinary approach combines machine learning, image processing, and embedded systems to solve real-world problems in transportation and environmental monitoring. His publication record shows a clear evolution from parallel and distributed systems in his early career to computer vision and sensor applications in recent years. The majority of his recent work focuses on traffic monitoring systems using computer vision techniques, particularly for nighttime conditions, and indoor air quality monitoring systems using sensor networks. His research demonstrates strong industry and societal relevance, with applications in smart transportation, environmental protection, and educational technology. TÜBİTAK Publication Awards (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) Physical implementation award from TÜBİDER (2008) Microsoft Certified Professional Certificate (2005) YÖK overseas study scholarships (1993, 1998) Elginkan graduate scholarships (1990, 1991) Prof. ÖZMEN has supervised numerous graduate students across multiple institutions, with a focus on practical engineering problems. His research has been supported by various projects including TÜBİTAK projects, institutional research grants, and industry collaborations. He has led significant research initiatives in traffic monitoring systems, indoor air quality monitoring, and educational technology platforms. His administrative leadership has included directing research centers and shaping curriculum development in software engineering. His work has involved establishing research teams focused on computer vision applications, sensor network development, and educational technology. These teams have produced numerous publications, developed practical systems, and trained the next generation of computer engineers. Current research directions include advanced traffic monitoring systems using deep learning and multi-camera setups for urban planning applications.
