First Prize in the National R&D and Innovation Competition to Asst. Prof. Mert Yıldırım!

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Department of Industrial Engineering faculty member Asst. Prof. Mert Yıldırım has achieved great success with his advanced material technologies project developed with a circular economy approach. Yıldırım was awarded the first prize in the "Academician Category" in the "National Industry-Oriented R&D and Innovation Project Competition" organized by Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone (AOIZ) Directorate for the fifth time this year.

Top of 182 Projects

The competition, which was organized with the aim of integrating new technologies into the industry, strengthening university-industry cooperation and spreading innovation culture, attracted great attention from Turkey this year as well. 182 projects from 62 different universities were included in the meticulously carried out evaluation process.
The projects were evaluated using the "blind refereeing" method on the basis of scientific merit and the potential to contribute to industrial practices. Thanks to this method, the identities of the candidates were kept confidential and a transparent and objective evaluation process was provided.

The Emphasis on Circular Economy

Asst. Prof. Mert Yıldırım's award-winning project focuses on the development of sustainable advanced material technologies and is shaped on the basis of the circular economy model. This approach aims to provide environmental and economic solutions to the industry in line with the principles of efficient use of resources and revaluation of waste. Yıldırım's study was found remarkable in terms of both its academic originality and its sectoral applicability.
At the award ceremony held in Adana on May 21, 2025, successful projects were shared with the public. Asst. Prof. Mert Yıldırım was presented the award by Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar. Industry representatives, academics and local administrators showed great interest in the ceremony.

Strong Contribution to University-Industry Cooperation

This award, which is an important source of pride for Istanbul Gelisim University, also once again revealed the visionary stance of the university in the field of R&D and innovation. Yıldırım's success reveals the potential of university-industry cooperation to produce concrete and qualified outputs, and sets an example that will inspire young researchers.