Mehmet Sönmez

Professor Mehmet Sönmez is a distinguished academic at Gaziantep University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, where he has served as a Professor since 2010. With a career spanning over three decades in inorganic chemistry, he has established himself as a leading researcher in metal complex synthesis, coordination chemistry, and catalytic applications.

His educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Chemistry from Yuzuncuyil University (1993-1997)
• Master's degree in Chemistry from Erciyes University (1990-1991)
• Licence in Chemistry Teaching from Selcuk University (1982-1986)

Professor Sönmez's research primarily focuses on inorganic and coordination chemistry, with special emphasis on pincer-type ligands, Schiff base complexes, and photoluminescent materials. His work bridges fundamental chemical research with practical applications in catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. He has pioneered numerous synthetic methodologies for creating novel metal complexes with potential applications in drug development, environmental remediation, and advanced materials.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward developing sustainable catalytic processes, particularly for CO₂ conversion to cyclic carbonates, alongside investigations into the biological activities of metal complexes. His work spans multiple subfields including medicinal inorganic chemistry, materials science, and green chemistry, demonstrating both depth and breadth in his research portfolio.

His scientific achievements have been recognized with:

• University Science Award from Gaziantep University (2019)

Professor Sönmez has supervised numerous graduate students, including 8 doctoral theses, mentoring the next generation of chemists. His research has been supported by multiple projects funded by TÜBİTAK and university research grants, totaling 25 research projects throughout his career. His administrative contributions include serving as Head of Department at both Gaziantep University and Yuzuncuyil University.

His laboratory focuses on synthesizing novel metal complexes, particularly those with pincer-type ligands, and investigating their structural, catalytic, and biological properties. The research group maintains strong collaborations with international researchers and has established itself as a center of excellence in inorganic chemistry within Turkey.