Organized by Sabancı University in association with the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Women in Games Turkey and British Council, "Hackathon at the Museum", the world's first hackathon focusing on women and art, took place at the Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum on February 16 and 17, 2019 with young women who dream of a future in gaming. In the 24-hour event, students coded their own games under the theme of "Gaming is Art" inspired by the Russian Avant-Garde exhibition.

The competition was organized by Women in Games Turkey, an organization established to encourage women's participiation in a 138 billion-dollar industry with their innovative and creative ideas, and brought together 44 young women, students over the age of 18, together at the Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum the Seed on February 16 and 17. 

Hackathon at the Museum began with the introductory remarks of Sabancı University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Dean Canan Atılgan, Women in Games Turkey Founder Simay Dinç, and Women in Games UK CEO Marie Claire Isaaman, and continued with executives of global game companies sharing their experiences with participants. 

The world's first hackathon focusing on women and art

Young women were inspired by the "Russian Avant-Garde. Dreaming a Future through Art and Design" exhibition when designing their own games at the world's first hackathon focusing on women and art.

Gaming Is Art

Students of computer engineering, administration, chemical engineering, graphic design, visual arts, and digital game design from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Denizli, Bodrum and Antalya joined Hackathon at the Museum for 24 hours of non-stop game design in groups of 4 to 6, where they made their own interpretations of the event's theme "Gaming is Art".

Games designed by 44 students in 8 groups were evaluated by a jury panel composed of Bloomberg HT News Coordinator Ali Çağatay, Netmarble IT Operations Manager Can Altunöz, Gaming Istanbul Director Cevher Eryürek, author of “Herkes için Oyunlaştırma [Gamification for Everyone]” Ercan Altuğ Yılmaz, Angel Investor Hande Enes, and Unilever IT Director Şirin Aktaş according to the criteria of design, technical achievement and creativity.

The winner of the event was team 4FUN with Aylin Görgün, Ece Pilevneli, Elif Özoğlu and Gözde Aça, and their game PickOne inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square. 4FUN team member Aylin Görgün said, “We intended to let people make choices within their own realities and know themselves better." The team's prize was a Unity Pro game engine.

Other entrants of Hackathon at the Museum were Gözde Berberoğlu Özen, Fatma Alsharief, Aycan Karataş, Burcu Kiper, Eylül Atılgan and Ece Yenmez in team Quick Dirty with Finding Yourself; Ayşe Nur Ela, Deniz Çağlı, Dilek Ay, Meltem Gülçin Karadayı and Merve Gonca Dönmez in team Liquid Cats with Traveling Woman; Beyzanur Bektaş, Hanife Yılmaz, Esra Ölmez and Gülce Naz Özgün in team Gamism with Figaropagos; Başak Satıral, Şevval Simay Doyuk, Dilara Göral, Aybike Ağılönü, Raziyye Kuzu and Hande Ulca in team Persephone with Remains; Ece Sefercioğlu, Doğa Kaymaz, Yaren Sarı, Elif Pajo, Cansu Polat, Ceren Özer and Didem Kübra Atila in team 2.3D with Sedna; and Elif Can Özer, Chuan Wang, Senem Aksakal, Ece Seyrek Hasdoğan and Müberra Kablan in team Anka with Reflection. 

Erasmus + Exchange Study Mobility Applications for 2019-2020

2019-2020 Academic Year Erasmus + Exchange Study Programs application period has started.

Online Application Starts: 04.02.2019 @9am – Ends: 01.03.2019 @4pm.

For eligibility, application rules, agreements list and other details, please click.

We remember our Founding President Tosun Terzioğlu with everlasting love, respect and longing on the third anniversary of his passing.

On June 26, 2009, Tosun Terzioğlu had delivered the 2008-2009 Academic Year Closing Lecture. In a lighthearted lecture about his attitude towards life and thoughts on education, which was aptly titled “My Idea of Education” he had said:

“…. I never let sorrows carry me into apathy. I did not back down; I worked, I fought, I tried. In time, I began to dream of a university. A place where, instead of teaching students schools of thought that are long past their expiry date, we would filter everything through the rational mind, question the known, and look up more. A university free of the thick walls of disciplines, of discrimination, which would thrive as a forum of free debate. As luck would have it, others also had the idea of a different university.

The late Hacı Sabancı, Sakıp Sabancı, and my colleague for twelve years, Güler Sabancı… Together, we shaped and molded our dreams into existence. Our founding faculty arrived with their own dreams, joined us in their pursuit, and we started to build something out of those dreams. But it was in October 1999, when I saw our first students gather around at the Information Center, that I finally realized that our dreams had come true. Dream on - it's good for you!”

Please click below for the full Closing Lecture by Tosun Terzioğlu.

Next in the series of interviews with alumni who pursue their graduate careers in reputable research universities abroad is the story of Zeynep Selçuk (FENS, BIO 2018). Zeynep told us what made her stand out in the admission process, and her experiences. She also gave some tips for students who are considering graduate education abroad.

Interview: Melek Sarı

“Beyond grades are the projects you did, internship history, and most importantly, social activities and volunteering.”

MS: Which university are you in, and what are you studying Zeynep?

ZS: I am doing a master's degree on Biotechnology in the University of Edinburgh. For my dissertation, I am working on the synthesis of Taxol, an important cancer drug.

MS: Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?

ZS: Edinburgh ranks quite high among universities, especially in natural sciences and social sciences. I wanted to make the most of what the university had to offer to me. Besides, Edinburgh is astoundingly beautiful!

MS: What reasons other than academic achievement were factors in your admission?

ZS: Academic achievement and GPA are always important but one thing I realized during the application process was that beyond grades are the projects you did, internship history, and most importantly, social activities and volunteering. Especially if you can explain how you have developed yourself through these in your statement of purpose, you start to make a difference.

MS: Based on your experience, what advice would you give prospective graduates who plan to study abroad?

ZS: First of all, they should start looking into the master's programs they want well ahead of time. The application deadline for many universities is in January. It is of course difficult to keep up with schoolwork while also trying to complete applications. I left it until the last minute and almost didn't make it.

The education system in Britain is different from what we have been used to. Writing skills have great weight here, and statements of purpose are worth a lot. You should be able to discuss all factors that will support their decision to admit you as concisely as possible. Finally, explaining what you have done is not enough; you should also discuss how they helped you develop, and what contribution they made to your career.

Good luck, and I hope you make the right choices.

Our series of interviews with alumni will continue.

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Member Zehra Sayers became the first Turkish national to win the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy given since 1992.

Sabancı University alumni continue graduate education in the leading research universities of the world. Last year, 8% of our undergraduate alumni chose to pursue graduate education in prestigious universities abroad.  

We asked Burak Aksar (FENS, EE 2018) what he considered when he made his choices, his experiences in the process, and his advice to students thinking of going abroad for education.

Interview: Melek Sarı

MS: Which school are you in, and what are you working on now?

BA: I am doing a PhD on Computer Engineering at Boston University, and my focus areas for now are Monitoring & Management of Large-scale Distributed Systems, High-Performance Computing, and Machine Learning Based System Design.

MS:  Why did you choose Boston University?

BA: The university is quickly climbing the ranks and offers excellent facilities. Its research capabilities cater to every area of interest, and it is ideally located for student interaction and cooperation. I was also planning to start my own company, so I thought the entrepreneurship environment in Boston would help.

“Don't be afraid to take action about the ideas you have, and keep your dreams three sizes too large..”

MS: Why do you think you were admitted to this university?

BA: Graduates of Sabancı University are global individuals who can adapt to the global environment quickly, and express themselves better in such an environment. The examples set by previous graduates are an influence on us as well. There is also the fact that an interdisciplinary attitude and the capability to look at life from different perspectives were my key takeaways from Sabancı, and helped me along the way.

MS: Any advice or recommendations to new graduates?

BA: I have been actively involved in music and sports in university. I am working on a PhD and also looking to start my own business with the motive to touch people's lives.

If you have discovered what you like and are able to integrate them into your life, I think you are on the right path. Don't be afraid to take action about the ideas you have, and keep your dreams three sizes too large. Finally, when you need answers or advice, do not hesitate to contact people who may provide you with what you need.

Collaboration Space Workshops continue in February.

Collaboration Space February Workshops  

CoSpace General Usage and Safety Training 

12 February, 14 February, 18 February, 22 February, 26 February, 28 February 2019 at 13:00 

Starts with the introduction to the space and usage, continues with occupational health safety training.

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3D Print Workshop 

14 February, 20 February, 26 February 2019 at 14:00

Giving a general idea behind the 3D printing technology and how to use it continued with 3D printign slicing and learning how to print.

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Soldering Workshop 

13 February, 21 February, 1 March 2019 at 11:00

Basic soldering techniques will be shown for soldering pcb circuits and electronic components. Attendees will be able to practice their newly learned skills aftermath.

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Introduction to Music Production with GarageBand

19 February 2019 at 20:00 

Users will be introduced GarageBand program and will be thought how to make music in it. Foundation of sounds, editing and using them in GarageBand will be practiced.

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS) Member Dr. Emre Erdem was chosen for the TÜBİTAK 2232 - Research Fellowship Program for Returning Researchers with the project "ZnO Nano Kristalleri ve Grafen Köpük Elektrot Malzemelerin Sinerjik Etkisiyle Üretilen İleri Nesil Süperkapasitörler" where he is implementer. The advisor of the project is Dr. Canan Atılgan. 

The TÜBİTAK 2232 - Research Fellowship Program for Returning Researchers aims to encourage Turkish nationals who have research experience in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, Medical Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences to return to and continue their studies in Turkey.

Sabancı University Big Data Analysis and Visualization Lab (BAVLAB) and MIT Human Dynamics group won second prize in the "Social Integration" category of the "Data for Refugees Competition" organized by Türk Telekom.

Started by Türk Telekom early last year on the current situation and integration of Syrian refugees, the competition aims to generate solutions to issues faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey. The competition is organized by Türk Telekom in association with Boğaziçi University and TÜBİTAK, and endorsed by international institutions including UNICEF, UNHCR and International Organization for Migration.

The categories of the competition were security, health, education, employment, and social integration. 100 submissions were made to the competition. Winners received their prizes at an award ceremony on January 21, 2019.

The Sabancı University team led by BAVLAB Directors Burçin Bozkaya and Selim Balcısoy, together with the MIT Human Dynamics group, developed a data analytics approach that yielded important findings regarding the social and economic integration of Syrian refugees. This will contribute to policy development and support programs. The study will be published as a book chapter in 2019. 

A panel discussion was held on the role of companies in fighting domestic violence on Monday, February 4, at the Sabancı Center as part of the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum, TÜSİAD and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) project on "Business Against Domestic Violence" to help women take action against systematic pressure and violence they encounter at home or in their close relationships.

"The society as a whole has to act in order to adopt a policy of zero tolerance to violence against women"

The panel discussion titled “Multiple Perspectives on Fighting Domestic Violence and the Role of Companies” began with introductory remarks by TÜSİAD Gender Equality Working Group Chair Oya Ünlü Kızıl. Oya Ünlü Kızıl said, “As we celebrate the fifth year of the 'Business Against Domestic Violence' project, I commend the 51 companies for owning up to this serious issue and taking steps towards a solution. I know that each and every participant of the project had valuable experiences that need to be disseminated. The society as a whole has to act in order to adopt a policy of zero tolerance to violence against women. Public authorities, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations need to unite in a stance for this purpose. It will take a holistic approach and extensive cooperation to tackle an issue so complex and multi-dimensional."

“We cannot speak of gender equality or justice unless we eliminate violence against women"

Melsa Ararat

Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum Director and Chief Researcher Melsa Ararat gave a speech titled “The Business Against Domestic Violence Project as a Participatory Action Search and Social Action Example”. Melsa Ararat said, “We cannot speak of gender equality or justice unless we eliminate violence against women. But fighting violence against women is far from easy. It entails fighting male-dominant power relationships that have permeated every social norm, every institution and every understanding in the society. It requires a workplace safety and work performance perspective as well as a historical, social and political focus. We try to explain to companies that the inequality hits them as well as the economy, involve them in our research, and interpret outcomes together to facilitate their becoming active players in this fight. This is where I believe the roles played by TÜSİAD and member companies sets an example to the world. By taking active part, companies not only protect the safety and well-being of their own employees, but also contribute to Gender Equality as one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Academics in this panel have studied on the issue of business and domestic violence from a multidisciplinary lens."

“Women's visibility in social life, participation in politics, presence in business, and continuing education are still contested issues” 

Following the speeches, UNFPA Gender Program Coordinator Meltem Ağduk moderated the panel discussion on "Multiple Perspectives on Fighting Domestic Violence and the Role of Companies". Speakers were Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa-Foreign Trade / Women's Studies Application and Research Center Assistant Professor Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu, Istanbul University-Political Science and International Relations / Women's Studies faculty member Professor Fatmagül Berktay, Istanbul University-Political Science and International Relations / Women's Studies faculty member Associate Professor Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu, and Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum-BADV Project Manager Sevda Alkan.

Photo (left to right): Sevda Alkan, Fatmagül Berktay, Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu, Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu, Meltem Ağduk

eltem Ağduk stated, “Although people claimed that the 21st century would be the 'century of women', women's visibility in social life, participation in politics, presence in business, and continuing education are still contested issues; women and girls continue to suffer discrimination in every area. The 1990s were when fighting violence against women started to become institutional, while in the 2000s, the institutionalization went deeper and governments and the private sector became a part of it.” 

Assistant professor Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu discussed the rate of women's participation in the economy in the EU, OECD and Turkey, and said that the quality of jobs offered to women was another challenge. Özge İzdeş Terkoğlu said that Turkey had one of the world's largest gender differences in employment, continuing, "The staggering gender difference in employment in Turkey, and its being exacerbated by cultural and economic bottlenecks has structural root causes."

Professor Fatmagül Berktay spoke, “Recognizing cultural and other differences is a prerequisite for a democratic society. Culture and tradition have inherent power relations which generally work against women in our society. The demand for gender equality is not a demand for 'sameness' that rejects differences. To the contrary, it is a call for respecting differences while ensuring equality in terms of fundamental human rights both in law and practice. The human rights of women are universal and enshrined in laws. Therefore, we must defend equality in both the public sphere and law at all times, and argue that concepts such as 'justice' that are being treated as its substitutes are misleading. Women do not want to be 'the same as men'; they want to be recognized as the equal humans that they are, and exercise each of their rights equally. This should not be a discussion matter in the 21st century."

Associate Professor Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu said, “Despite its issues, the feminist movement in Turkey made key contributions to the political and social culture in Turkey with its pluralistic potential, policies that tackle difference and equality issues together, methods, approaches and objectives, and continues to do so."

“We believe that a multi-dimensional issue requires a holistic approach, and that cooperative efforts which engage different stakeholders play a key part in its resolution”

Nevgül Bilsel Safkan

Closing remarks of the meeting were delivered by Sabancı Foundation General Manager Nevgül Birsel Safkan. “We cannot treat women's issues as distinct matters, nor can we develop solutions by segregating issues.  Therefore, we believe that a multi-dimensional issue requires a holistic approach, and that cooperative efforts which engage different stakeholders play a key part in its resolution. The Business Against Domestic Violence Project implemented by the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum in association with TÜSİAD, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Sabancı Foundation sets a brilliant example in this regard. The project ensures the cooperation of different actors, and empowers businesses to become stakeholders that play an active part in fighting domestic violence while recommending tangible solutions. By refusing to stay silent in a difficult subject like domestic violence, taking responsibility to fight the issue, and being bold in its moves, businesses are doing a great job. I believe that all participating companies not only ensure the equality of their own employees, but also make a significant contribution to social justice."