Ekmel Ozbay

Prof. Ekmel Ozbay is a full professor in Physics and Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Bilkent University, Turkey. He leads the Nanotechnology Research Center (NANOTAM) and Bilkent Space Technologies Research Center (BILUZAY). His research focuses on nanophotonics, metamaterials, and optoelectronics, with notable contributions to photonic crystals and GaN-based devices. He has authored over 169 SCI papers and holds patents in photonic crystals. Awards include the Adolph Lomb Medal (1997) and the Descartes Science Award (2005).

Education: B.S. (1983) from Middle East Technical University, M.S./Ph.D. (1989/1992) from Stanford University. Postdoctoral research at Stanford and DOE Ames Laboratory (1992–1995) preceded his tenure at Bilkent since 1995.

Research interests span nanotechnology, plasmonics, and high-speed optoelectronics. Recent work includes EU-funded projects on metamaterials (e.g., EU-DALHM, PHOREMOST) and national grants. His labs develop advanced devices for radar, fiber optics, and energy harvesting.

Awards highlight his impact: 1997 Adolph Lomb Medal (OSA), 2005 Descartes Science Award (EU), and multiple TÜBİTAK recognitions. He edits Optics Letters and Photonics and Nanostructures.

Grants: Principal investigator in 5 EU projects (FP6/FP7) and 10 national programs. Collaborates with US/EU tech firms. Serves on EU-NMP program committees for nanotechnology.

Labs: NANOTAM and BILUZAY advance nanotech applications, including metasurfaces, radiative coolers, and piezoelectric nanogenerators. His work bridges photonics, electronics, and materials science for next-gen technologies.