Cooperation protocol signed between Medipol and TÜBİTAK MAM

A Cooperation Protocol was signed between Istanbul Medipol University and the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM). At the ceremony held on the North Campus, the protocol was signed by Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, and Prof. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM.

The protocol brings together Istanbul Medipol University’s academic research expertise with TÜBİTAK MAM’s research infrastructure and researcher capacity within a common framework. Through this cooperation, the two institutions aim to develop projects focused not only on fundamental research but also on direct application, real-world implementation, and product development.

FROM PROTOCOL TO IMPLEMENTATION
During the signing ceremony, emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring that collaborations do not remain merely on paper but are translated into tangible initiatives. In this context, discussions focused on identifying priority areas and bringing researchers and existing research infrastructures together through joint projects.

It was noted that the priorities outlined in Türkiye’s Twelfth Development Plan and related policy documents could serve as a guide in aligning these initiatives with the country’s strategic needs. Direct engagement with public institutions, industry stakeholders, and appropriate funding sources based on the identified priority areas was also highlighted as a way to accelerate the process.

ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE WILL BE TRANSLATED INTO REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS 
The discussions highlighted the importance of transforming scientific knowledge generated at universities into tangible projects in strategic fields such as health, biotechnology, and food.

It was emphasized that cooperation among universities, the public sector, and industry plays a critical role in advancing research from prototypes to production and practical use.

The challenges experienced in accessing critical products and technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic were also cited as an example underscoring the importance of reducing external dependence and strengthening domestic research and development capacity.

GÜNTÜRK PRESENTED A GIFT TO ÖZSOY
Following the signing of the protocol, Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, presented a gift to Prof. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM. The ceremony concluded after discussions on visits to research facilities and concrete steps that could be taken as part of future joint initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Özgen Ercan, Vice President for Climate and Life Sciences at TÜBİTAK MAM; Yasemin Işık Örgüç, Private Secretary to the President of TÜBİTAK MAM; Zahide Şenalp, Director of Ankara Medipol TTO; Prof. Yeter Demir Uslu from Istanbul Medipol University School of Health Sciences, along with Research Assistants Sefer Aygün,  Büşra Sevim, and Kevser Şahin from her team; and Lecturer Salih Onaran from the Vocational School of Health Services.