Celâl Sengör

Celâl Sengör serves as Professor of Geology at Istanbul Technical University since 1992, following prior roles as Reader (1986-1992) and Lecturer (1981-1986) in the same department. His international experience includes Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Department of Earth Sciences (1989), Visiting Scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (1984-1985), and Research Assistant at the University of Houston (1975-1976).

He earned all academic degrees from the State University of New York: Bachelor's (1978), Master's (1979), and PhD (1982).

Professor Sengör's research centers on continental formation mechanisms, regional tectonics, seismotectonic processes, and Asian plate dynamics. His work integrates field geology with theoretical models to reconstruct Earth's crustal evolution, particularly focusing on the complex deformation history of Eurasia. This research has established fundamental frameworks for understanding mountain belt formation and continental collision zones.

His exceptional contributions are recognized by numerous prestigious honors:

• Mary C. Rabbitt Award (Geological Society of America, 2017)
• Membership in Leopoldina National Academy of Sciences (2012)
• Gustav Steinmann Medal (Geological Union, 2010)
• Gordon W. Moore Distinguished Scholar at Caltech (2001-2002)
• Election to US National Academy of Sciences (2000)
• Bigsby Medal (Geological Society of London, 1999)
• Membership in Société Géologique de France (1994)
• Honorary membership in Austrian Geological Society (1990)
• Fellowship in Geological Society of America (1988)
• Honorary doctorate from Université de Neuchatel (1988)
• Foreign membership in American Philosophical Society, US National Academy of Sciences, and Russian Academy of Sciences

Professor Sengör has held significant leadership roles including President of the Earth Sciences Society of Turkey (2005) and Chairman of the History of Geology Division at the Geological Society of America (2001-2002). While his academic supervision and grant activities aren't detailed in available records, his institutional leadership demonstrates substantial influence in global geological communities. His current research continues to advance tectonic theory through comparative analysis of continental collision zones worldwide.