15/05/2026
The “Frontiers and Impact Talks,” organized as part of the Sabancı University Science and Arts Awards launched in 2025, was held on May 13 at SUNUM. During the event, the recipients of the 2025 Sabancı University Science and Arts Awards shared with participants the scientific background of their research, its societal impact, and their production processes.
The event opened with remarks by Sabancı University President Yusuf Leblebici. Among the speakers were Dr. Nur Mustafaoğlu, recipient of the Rising Researcher Award; Prof. Dr. Ayşe Betül Çelik and Prof. Dr. Özge Akbulut, recipients of the Societal Impact Award; and Prof. Dr. Erhan Budak, recipient of the Distinguished Researcher Award. Participants had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the academic and societal impact of the researchers’ work.
“Becoming an Institution Capable of Producing Globally Impactful Research”
In his opening speech, President Yusuf Leblebici drew attention to the university’s transformation in research. He noted that the focus on research has strengthened in recent years and that tangible results have begun to emerge.
Emphasizing that Sabancı University has become an institution distinguished both by its unique educational model and by research that resonates globally, Leblebici underlined the importance of making a culture of high-quality research more visible within the university. He stated that the “Frontiers and Impact Talks” event was initiated precisely to strengthen this research culture.
Dr. Nur Mustafaoğlu Shared Her Work on Organ-on-Chip Technologies
Dr. Nur Mustafaoğlu, faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and recipient of the Rising Researcher Award, presented her work on organ-on-chip technologies and blood–brain barrier models. She explained that her laboratory develops both healthy and disease models using nanobiotechnology and microfluidic systems.
She highlighted models developed for Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, glioblastoma, and prion diseases, noting the importance of systems created from human cells in drug development processes. Referring to her collaborations with the group of Nobel Laureate David Baker, Mustafaoğlu stated that protein designs capable of delivering drugs without disrupting the blood–brain barrier may play a significant role in the future treatment of neurological diseases.
Prof. Dr. Özge Akbulut Presented Technologies for Breast Surgery Training
Prof. Dr. Özge Akbulut, faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and recipient of the Societal Impact Award, discussed the high-fidelity simulation models developed for breast-conserving surgery training. She emphasized that these models enable surgeons to train before performing procedures on patients and are currently used in various countries around the world.
She also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and shared her entrepreneurial work on localization technologies in breast cancer. Akbulut noted that magnetic marker systems, now used in public and private hospitals in Türkiye, facilitate surgical processes. She stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving these outcomes and underscored the crucial role of entrepreneurial support she received at Sabancı University in her journey.
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Betül Çelik Emphasized the Societal Impact of Social Sciences
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Betül Çelik, faculty member at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and recipient of the Societal Impact Award, reflected on the societal impact of the social sciences. She noted that such impact often emerges gradually, indirectly, and in profound ways over the long term, and stated that her work focuses on social polarization, forced migration, and peacebuilding.
Placing particular emphasis on the concept of hope, Çelik stated that one of the core functions of social sciences is to give visibility to marginalized voices. Drawing on her observations in Hatay following the earthquake, she emphasized the need to strengthen social solidarity and a culture of coexistence. She also highlighted the critical importance of connecting academic knowledge with policymakers and civil society for societal transformation.
Prof. Dr. Erhan Budak Presented His Work in Manufacturing Technologies
Prof. Dr. Erhan Budak, faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences and recipient of the Distinguished Researcher Award, discussed his work in manufacturing technologies and machining. He described the establishment of the Manufacturing Research Laboratory at Sabancı University, which now conducts research for sectors including medical, aerospace, aviation, automotive, and energy.
Budak also noted that the Manufacturing Research Lab supports not only research projects and theses but also the production needs of student organizations such as SU Rockets and SUCar. Addressing the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and hybrid modeling methods in manufacturing processes, he emphasized that physics-based machine learning offers significant advantages in error detection and optimization. He further stated that future manufacturing systems will be increasingly smart, adaptive, and autonomous.
“These Are Crucial for Building This Culture”
In his closing remarks, Sabancı University Vice President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yıldız emphasized the important role of the awards program in the development of the university’s culture. He noted the importance of making visible the efforts of academics who contribute to the university and to science.
Highlighting that a strong academic culture has been established over the university’s nearly 30-year history, Yıldız emphasized the importance of passing this culture on to future generations. He also thanked the deans, the university’s research committee, and the academics involved in the evaluation processes, and announced that applications for the new term of the program have begun.
