Academic Support Program is pleased to announce the FUTURE Seminar Series Schedules for 2017-2018 Spring Term.

Seminar Programme:

• 21 February 2018 - Volkan Özgüz - "From Neurons to Computers: An Engineer's Attempt to Comprehend the Human Brain" 
• 7 March 2018 - Özlem Taştan Bishop - "Bioinformatics: At the Heart of Modern Biology Genomes to Diseases to Tools and Databases"
• 14 March 2018 - Ali Rana Atılgan - "To be a part of a network or not to be"
• 18 April 2018 - Stuart James Lucas - "Designer Food: How will we feed the World in 50 Years' Time?"
• 2 May 2018 - Erkay Savaş - "Crypto Revolution: Blockchain, Crytocurrencies & more"
• 16 May 2018 - Andrew Berry - "Genomics and Your Brain: Mutation and Aging in Nerve Cells"

Sabancı University Istanbul Policy Center Climate Change Studies Coordinator and Senior Expert Ümit Şahin Reveals "Carbon Lock-in in Turkey" Report 

Turkey still has considerable opportunities to avoid a deepening carbon lock-in

Sabancı University Istanbul Policy Center Climate Change Studies Coordinator and Senior Expert Ümit Şahin revealed the "Carbon Lock-In in Turkey: A Comparative Perspective of Low-Carbon Transition with Germany and Poland" Report. The report argues that Turkey still has significant opportunities to avoid a deepening state of carbon lock-in, and states that "Although Turkey is mostly fossil-dependent in energy consumption, it has advantages resulting from its developing electrical energy generation and transport industries which may be used to its benefit."

The Sabancı University Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) continues its efforts in enhancing knowledge about climate change with the concept of "carbon lock-in." The Center's Climate Change Studies Coordinator and Senior Expert Ümit Şahin revealed the "Carbon Lock-In in Turkey: A Comparative Perspective of Low-Carbon Transition with Germany and Poland " Report at an event held in Karaköy Minerva Han. The study compares Turkey, Germany and Poland with respect to their energy policies and attitudes to the global trend towards transition based on the concept of carbon lock-in.  The comparison investigates why Turkey has been unable to switch from a fossil fuel-dependent economy and energy system to low carbon. 

Carbon lock-in: High carbon emissions brought by technological or political factors
The study defines carbon lock-in as "political inertia." Lock-in occurs when there is a structure that prevents decreasing, or even increases, carbon emissions due to technological, economic, political or social factors. 

Speaking at the event, IPC Climate Studies Coordinator Ümit Şahin said,

The contrast between Germany, a pioneer in the transition to a low-carbon energy system despite being a heavily industrial country, and Poland, which is mostly dependent on coal for energy and seems determined to continue this dependency, as well as the comparison of these two countries with Turkey, give us an idea about transition dynamics. All three of these countries have economic systems that are dependent on fossil fuels, and either continue or seek to reduce this dependency." 

Turkey may transition to a low-carbon system through policy changes

Ümit Şahin argued that Turkey still had significant opportunities to avoid a deepening state of carbon lock-in, and stated that "Although Turkey is mostly fossil-dependent in energy consumption, it has advantages resulting from its developing electrical energy generation and transport industries which may be used to its benefit. It is far easier for Turkey to manage a rapid transition to renewable energy in electrical production compared to large and industrialized countries." 

Commenting on the fast growth of the road and construction sectors in Turkey, Ümit Şahin said that policy changes to ensure transition to a low-carbon system could reduce emissions from transport and buildings. Şahin continued: “Turkey still has the chance to skip polluting development and make an ecological leap. Such a political decision may help the country avoid carbon lock-in, which may cause great economic loss in the future. This policy change will also be a good opportunity for businesses to discard risks associated with abandoned assets." 

Ümit Şahin emphasized the following points about the comparison among Germany, Turkey and Poland when discussing policy recommendations to avoid carbon lock-in: 

ENERGY POLICIES IN GERMANY, POLAND AND TURKEY 

The report includes following determinations regarding Turkey’s, Germany’s and Poland’s energy policies: 

•          Germany’s large share in the world economy, its power system, and GHG emissions make its energy transition (Energiewende) extremely significant for international climate and energy policies. Furthermore, the current shift in Germany’s energy structure represents a viable example of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and escaping carbon lock-in. On the other hand, Germany faces many challenges. The continuing high share of coal in electricity production and the difficulties encountered by other sectors such as transportation and heating make it difficult for Germany to reach its targets. 

•          The main objective of Energiewende is to transform German energy policies from a fossil fuel- and nuclear-based system to a low-carbon system based on renewables and energy efficiency. Today, Energiewende has four pillars: phasing out nuclear power by 2022, mitigating climate change, improving energy security, and amending industrial policies targeting competitiveness and growth. 

•          Poland’s energy system and power production is largely dependent on coal -particularly, domestic coal. Despite a 2.7 percent drop in production figures over the last decade, the country is the biggest coal (hard coal and lignite) producer in the European Union, with a total production of 52.3 million tons in 2016. Polish hard coal accounts for 72 percent of all extraction in Europe and boasts of the largest share of fossil fuels for electricity generation after Australia.  

•          Furthermore, it holds sixth place for the lowest share of renewables in electricity generation among IEA member countries. Coal constitutes 79 percent of the country’s energy production and 51 percent of total primary energy supply (TPES). As for the development of renewable energy policies in Poland, this is mainly limited to its involvement in short-term EU policies. The country does not have any other energy transition plan to shift its energy sector from fossil fuels to renewables, including medium- and long-term targets for 2030 or 2050. 

•          Turkey’s energy system is dominated by fossil fuels, coal and natural gas in particular. Natural gas accounted for 34 percent, coal for 31 percent, hydropower for 24 percent, wind for 6 percent, geothermal for 2 percent, and other resources for 3 percent of electricity production. The basis of Turkey’s official energy strategy is to reduce energy resource imports. The aim is to reduce natural gas and coal imports used for electricity production and increase the share of domestic coal and particularly water as well as renewable resources such as wind and solar. 

•          However, looking at the increasing and ongoing subsidies provided by the state to fossil fuels, it can be deducted that Turkey does not have a policy to reduce fossil fuels in energy production. Even though coal’s share in electricity production has increased considerably in recent years, there has been no significant increase in the use of domestic 

sources. Turkey intends to increase domestic coal’s share in electricity production as well as the number of new renewable energy plants. It aims at keeping the share of renewable sources (including hydropower) at one-third by 2023. Since currently renewable sources account for approximately 32 percent of electricity production, we can see that Turkey intends to increase renewable energy capacity but does not foresee an increase in renewable’s share in electricity production. 

•          Turkey’s carbon lock-in situation is becoming increasingly tighter. Poland is a country with a long history of carbon lock-in and appears to further aggravate its situation. As for Germany, it embarked on the path to break carbon lock-in but has slowed down and been sidetracked in recent years. Some experts have even commented that Germany is back on a trajectory toward carbon lock-in. Nevertheless, out of the three countries Germany appears to have the best chance to escape from carbon lock-in, while Poland seems to resist. 

•          Turkey’s situation appears to be somewhere in between. Turkey has many opportunities to escape lock-in; however, it does not make the necessary efforts and even adheres to policies that will further aggravate the problem. Therefore, Turkey will probably find itself in a stronger carbon lock-in situation in the coming years. 

Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC), which promotes exchange of ideas and developments in energy and climate areas, continues to host important figures from these fields. Robert McNally gave a seminar titled as "The Return of Boom Bust Oil Prices” at Sabancı University Minerva Palas in Karaköy. McNally, consultant and President of the Washington-based energy market, policy, and geopolitical consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group, previously served as Senior Director for International Energy at the White House National Security Council.

"Price stabilization in oil is vital"

McNally began his presentation by saying that oil is the lifeblood of the modern world, and he added that all economic dynamics are in fact dependent on oil prices, i.e., fluctuations in oil prices caused important problems for growth indicators, central banks, air transport, military planning, etc.

McNally said that these fluctuations in oil prices are in the nature of oil and he expects unusual price fluctuations to continue, hence we must be prepared for volatility. McNally explained that there has been need to take measures against price fluctuations since the 1880s. The Rockefeller family’s, the Texas Railway Commission’s and the OPEC's role as price regulators, were highlighted. McNally noted that the United States quitted its role as a regulator in 1972, and that the prices fell sharply with the oil Saudi Arabia launched on the market in 1986. The fluctuations after 2006 were devastating for economies after the relatively routine price trend from 1986 to 2006.

"Today's fluctuations are unusual; be prepared for $20 - $150 "

Indicating that the fluctuations in today's oil prices are not normal compared to previous periods, McNally said:

"Everyone is wondering what the ‘new normal’ is. Today's fluctuations are not normal. There are various expectations. We should not be deceived by the stability of oil prices in the last 3 years. In terms of delicate balances of the market, it is necessary to be prepared for a new normal range of $20 to $150."

"Demand for petroleum-powered vehicles is high despite green policy"

McNally explains that the use of electric vehicles is going to increase, but this trend will not reduce the demand for oil. "States are setting very sharp targets that emphasize the use of electric vehicles and are taking steps to implement those targets. On the other hand, in very fast developing economies such as China and Central Asian countries, we see that oil-powered big vehicles are preferred over electric cars, even if ‘green policies’ are emphasized. So, as these countries grow, petroleum demand increases. "

Referring to the International Energy Agency's forecast of oil demand between 2015 and 2040, McNally noted that OECD countries are on a stable demand line, but the remaining countries have a growing demand. In conclusion he finished his presentation by stating: "I have doubts that we will use oil less."

After Mr. McNally’s informative presentation, a Q&A session leading to fruitful discussions was held. Energy industry executives, high level representatives from energy related associations and Energy Technologies and Management (ETM) MSc students attended the event, and a cocktail followed the talk.     

https://youtu.be/VY5RC8XOJ8o

Sabancı University is now a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)!

Sabancı University joined some 1200 institutions in more than 120 countries who are working with the United Nations to promote global priorities, including peace, human rights and sustainable development.  

What is the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)?

 In becoming a UNAI member, each institution is required to complete a minimum of one activity per year in support of at least one of the below ten principles.

Are you ready for Erasmus + and Global Exchange Applications for 2018-2019?

2018-2019 Academic Year Erasmus + and Global Exchange Programs application period started.

Online Application Starts: 05.02.2018 @9am – Ends: 01.03.2018 @4pm.

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

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director and Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) Honorary Chairman Dr. Fatih Birol re-elected as IEA Executive Director. 

Dr. Fatih Birol has been re-elected as Executive Director by the Governing Board of the IEA on 22 January 2018, at their last Ministerial Meeting. This unusual unanimous decision extended his mandate by another four years. Dr. Birol was the first person who was initially elected by unanimous vote and supported by all 29 member countries, in IEA’s 44-year history. This re-election of Dr. Birol only two and a half years into his first term is also historic, as no previous IEA Executive Director was given a second term mandate so quickly. This reflects the IEA Ministers’ high confidence in Dr. Birol and great satisfaction with the results that Dr. Birol has already achieved at the IEA. Dr. Birol’s leadership accelerated the implementation of the “modernization strategy”. This strategy has been based on “opening the doors of IEA” to emerging economies; widening energy security beyond oil to natural gas and electricity; and turning the IEA into a global clean energy hub. 

“While I am proud that our members have reaffirmed their confidence in me, I am aware that the decision would not have been reached without the strategic direction and guidance the board has given me and the hard work and dedication of IEA colleagues,” said Dr. Birol. 

Also on his Twitter account Dr. Birol stated “Humbled that our member countries have just entrusted me to a second term as IEA Executive Director. Looking forward to working with all partners to bring the IEA to new heights.” 

About Dr. Fatih Birol 

Prior to joining the IEA in 1995, Dr. Birol worked for six years as an oil market analyst at the Organization

of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna. Dr. Fatih Birol received numerous awards for his

contributions to energy world. Dr. Birol has been named by Forbes Magazine among the most powerful people in terms of influence on the world’s energy scene. 

Dr. Birol received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Emperor in 2014, the State Honor Award

from the Iraqi Government in 2013, the Order of the Polar Star from Sweden and the Order of Merit of the Republic from the Italian Government in 2012. In 2009, he was awarded with the German Federal Cross of Merit. Dr. Birol has also been decorated by the government of Austria, Golden Honor Medal in 2007 and by France, Chevalier dans l‘ ordre des Palmes Academiques in 2006. Prior to these, Dr. Birol received awards from the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey in 2005, the United States in 2004 and the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2002.

Students who have Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate diplomas or students enrolled at universities other than Sabancı University can apply to the courses offered by Sabancı University to participate as special students.

• To be registered as a student in a higher education institution to be able to take a course from undergraduate level,

• To be registered as a student in, or to be graduated from a higher education institution to be able to take a course from graduate level

The candidates apply for special student status should firstly meet the requirements determined by the relevant Faculty/Graduate School for the level of English.

Approval for special student application can not be considered as the approval of any diploma programs. Special students are not considered as Sabancı University student and can not benefit from the student rights.

 Transcript on which courses registered and course grades are printed can be given on demand to special students.


2017-2018 Academic Year Spring Term Special Student Application

The Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) partnered with the London-based rankings institution QS to determine the global competitiveness of Turkish universities by subject. This was the first subject-based rankings compiled by QS for universities in Turkey. 

The first subject-based rankings commissioned by YÖK include 10 Turkish universities among 1100 universities worldwide. A certificate of achievement was given to  Ankara, Bilkent, Boğaziçi, Ege, Hacettepe, ITU, Istanbul, Koç, METU and Sabancı universities in alphabetical order for appearing in the World University Rankings by subject. 

According to QS Rankings by Subject data, 10 Turkish universities were present in 24 of the 46 subjects assessed.

Sabancı University was ranked for the Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Science and Information Systems subjects. 

For a short recap of the past year, check out the gazeteSU Almanac 2017...

Sabancı University President Professor Ayşe Kadıoğlu handed over her duties to her successor Professor Hasan Mandal with a handover ceremony held at Sabancı University.

Sabancı University President Ayşe Kadıoğlu handed over her duties to Hasan Mandal at a ceremony hosted by Sabancı University Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı. As a founding member of Sabancı University, Ayşe Kadıoğlu served as faculty member, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Dean, and finally as President during her 20-year career at the institution. Ayşe Kadıoğlu will continue to be a member of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and dedicate some of her time to the Harvard University Center for European Studies.

After the opening of the ceremony by Secretary General Haluk Bal and introductory remarks by the parties, Professor Ayşe Kadıoğlu, accompanied by Sabancı University Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı, presented the "Inscription of Academic Freedom at Sabancı University" designed by the late FASS Studio and Workshops Director Bayram Candan to her successor, Professor Hasan Mandal. The handover ceremony ended with the laying of a commemorative brick prepared in the name of Professor Ayşe Kadıoğlu. 

“We come from a point of success. But success is a moving target. We will go even further. I believe that we have started a new term of raising bright young generations for the world."

Hosting the ceremony, Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı spoke about the selection process for the new president, and thanked all faculty and administrative members who supported the process.  

Güler Sabancı spoke: "This is the dawn of a new era. We will all run a new leg now.   We have built a young and successful university through your support. We come from a point of success. But success is a moving target. We will go even further.  We have created together, and we will continue developing together."

Güler Sabancı said: "Traditions have considerable place in our processes.  We are just starting our 20th year. In 2019, we will complete our 20th year in education. Everyone who has experienced these years has an important part to play in creating our tradition. Our colleagues will remember the transition phase from our Founding President, the late Tosun Terzioğlu, to Nihat Berker. I would like to remind you nevertheless.

The Sabancı University Board of Trustees has a practice that it takes very seriously: the process for seeking and choosing a president. When the time comes, the Chair of the Board of Trustees sets up a selection committee consisting of the Chair, a Board of Trustees member in an academic function, and another Board of Trustees member who is a businessperson not otherwise affiliated with the university. Our former presidents Tosun Bey and Nihat Bey were also a part of this process.  This team works with an independent advisor who has expertise on the subject and close knowledge of the academic world.  Sabancı University faculty are also given the chance to nominate themselves as candidates and compete. The first screening is completed by the independent advisor. Then, every member of the selection committee has separate and individual meetings with the 3 or 4 candidates on the shortlist, find a common ground, and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

Hasan Mandal was chosen as a result of this exact process.   In the interim when Hasan Mandal was a member of the Council for Higher Education, we spoke to him about the process and told him that he was the new presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I asked Ayşe Kadıoğlu to stand in for President as the position was vacant after Nihat Berker's resignation, and pleaded her to respond quickly. Because like nature, management abhors vacuum. She said yes within two hours, and we let the Council for Higher Education know.  Ayşe Hanım became our Acting President with no perceptible gap.  I owe her special gratitude. I would like to thank her for acting selflessly for the sake of our university, for the sake of building us into an institution, and for preserving our identity.

We may be a new university, but as you can see, we are stronger together. This unity and camaraderie that makes Sabancı University what it is today is an approach that keeps the university ahead of and above all things. I would like to thank Ayşe Hoca for her bright presidency. I would also like to welcome back the esteemed scientist Hasan Mandal.  His being here today feels like being back home. I am confident that you will all support Hasan Bey the way you did Ayşe Hanım. We will run a new leg led by Hasan Mandal.

As I welcome Hasan Bey, I believe that Sabancı University will reach new heights and stay ahead of the competition under his guidance.  I believe that we have started a new term of raising bright young generations for the world. I wish everyone great success and good fortune.”

“We must continue to surprise everyone, ourselves included, with what we can do at the university. I have no doubt that Sabancı University will continue to do what it does best, even in the most difficult time, and continue to be a pleasant surprise for everyone involved." 

Saying that she had learned lots from the administrators she worked with during her tenure as President, Ayşe Kadıoğlu explained that she found out that the key to solving every problem was being genuine at heart, and that Founding Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı was an inspiration and a great experience for her in this regard. Professor Kadıoğlu continued that she had learned that the best way to approach a problem was asking the most basic questions in a sincere way, and said that the Sabancı University Board of Trustees always had confidence in her. Ayşe Kadıoğlu said: “Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the late Sakıp Sabancı, had said that Sabancı University was the crown jewel of all Sabancı institutions. I have witnessed firsthand that we were indeed treated like a jewel. I have seen how precious the university was to Güler Sabancı, and how much time she devoted to the betterment of the university, and it made me feel even more responsible than I did." 

Saying that Hasan Mandal was no stranger to the Sabancı University community, Ayşe Kadıoğlu continued: “We all know Hasan Hoca for his dedication to getting a job done, and doing it in the best way possible. In fact, we have been working with Hasan Hoca for a long time--we were aware that we were going through a period of transition. He has personally helped my academic career along: while he was Vice-President of the university, he visited my office one day and, showing his signature humility, encouraged me to apply to a research project.  When I did, it yielded great benefits to my academic career as well as that of a PhD student of mine. Hasan Hoca always looks out for you, and does not make you resent it." 

Remarking that administrators could not shift the blame and had to step up to take responsibility under any circumstance, Ayşe Kadıoğlu said the following about Sabancı University Secretary General Haluk Bal: “Dearest Haluk Bey was my closest associate during this process--he always believed in me, and I had confidence in him, so we thought together and took responsibility together. He is a blessing to our university. He was an exemplary companion on this journey, and he never hesitated to take responsibility.” 

Sabancı University Academic Freedoms Text 

Addressing the faculty members attending the ceremony, Ayşe Kadıoğlu said, “My fellow faculty: universities exist so that you can produce and disseminate knowledge. This is not something that can be done without freedom. Our university has a strong foundation in this regard, evidenced by the Academic Freedoms Text drafted in its early years and announced to the world on its website. This text does not simply state that “All members of the University community involved in the practice of dissemination of knowledge are entitled to freedom in the conduct of their teaching in the classroom, of their research on or off campus, and in the publication, discussion and interpretation of research results" - it goes further than that to include: "The faculty and administration of Sabancı University are responsible for protecting the right of each member of Sabancı University to artistic expression or to freely expressing his or her personal scholarly opinion." This obligation or responsibility is critical. It is vital that we uphold the freedoms of our colleagues. Otherwise, the university will lose its reason of existence." 

Professor Ayşe Kadıoğlu concluded: “We must continue to surprise everyone, ourselves included, with what we can do at the university. I have no doubt that Sabancı University will continue to do what it does best, even in the most difficult time, and continue to be a pleasant surprise for everyone involved. I wish everyone a great journey." 

“The intellectual assets of our university, composed of its people, infrastructure and stakeholders, achieves global standards in competitiveness. 

I am delighted to be a part of this journey from personal excellence to creating and developing together.”  

Taking the floor, Professor Hasan Mandal said, “I would like to tell everyone that I am delighted to be among you once again, to have come home and been met with open arms. When I first joined Sabancı University 7 years ago, in March 2011, I was tremendously excited and more than a little self-concsious; yet the welcoming attitudes of my colleagues and their contribution toı the work I did transformed that into a dedication to work and create together. This led to our university gaining more recognition worldwide due to its achievements. 

Over the coming years, we will embrace our mission and reason for being, namely 'creating and developing together' to work towards our common goals in the faculties, centers and forums of our universities.

Our vision for the strategic plan from 2017 to 2022 is stated as follows: 'Sabancı University will advance its leadership and innovative position by conducting research that has transformative effects on the society, and by training individuals who will design the future.' And our targets for reinforcing the Sabancı University brand are:

• To maintain Sabancı University's leading role in education;
• To expand the volume of high-quality research;
• To attract and retain the best people;
• To ensure the financial sustainability of the university;
• To continue our leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship;
• To improve our level of internationalization. 

Our motto of "creating and developing together" will be the foundation on which we will build and implement this process. One of the crucial strengths of our university is its potential to develop and sustain cooperation. The fact that we have received a full 25 points in the Cooperation and Interaction component of the Entrepreneurial and Innovative Universities Index for 6 years in a row is a case in point.

The intellectual assets of our university, composed of its people, infrastructure and stakeholders, achieves global standards in competitiveness.

Our first priority will be to uphold the principle of transparency in all our dealings with our students, faculty, researchers, administrative personnel, internal and external committees, and all external stakeholders, and to complete all structural processes which will enable this.

The motto 'creating and developing together' gives me excitement every time I hear it. Being 'together' alludes to the perfection of being 'one' and singular, but it also carries over to being in unity. I view this as a journey from personal excellence to creating and developing together. I would like to conclude by saying how happy I am to be a part of this journey with you, and how marvelous it feels that our paths have crossed."

About Professor Hasan Mandal: 

Born in Eskişehir Province of Turkey in 1965, Hasan Mandal graduated from METU Department of Metallurgical Engineering in 1987 with high honors. He received his PhD from Newcastle University in 1992. He carried out postdoctoral research at Newcastle University from 1992 to 1994, and at Karlsruhe University in Germany from 1997 to 1998. 

Professor Hasan Mandal became an Assistant Professor in the Anadolu University Department of Ceramic Engineering in 1994. He assumed the title of Associate Professor in 1996, and Professor in 2001. Professor Mandal has authored over 140 papers, including 70 published in SCI-listed journals, and holds of 6 international patents.  He has 1200 citations and an H-index of 16. 

Professor Mandal has been the winner of several national and international awards including TÜBİTAK’s Science Award. He is the member of Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), World Academy of Ceramics (WAC) and Academia Europaea.  

Professor Mandal was the Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Anadolu University between 2006 and 2010, the Vice-President of Anadolu University from 2010 to 2011, and the Research and Graduate Policy Director and Vice President of Sabancı University between 2011 and 2015. 

Hasan Mandal was appointed member of the Council for Higher Education in April 2015, and became a member of the Steering Committee of the Council. He became Deputy Chair of the CHE in July 2016.