Assist. Prof. Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker (affiliated with Materials Science and Nanotechnology and Neuroscience Graduate Programs) and Assist. Prof. Dr. Bilge Baytekin (affiliated with Department of Chemistry and Materials Science and Nanotechnology Graduate Program) received Middle East Technical University (METU) Prof. Mustafa Parlar Encouragement Award. Every year, the Middle East Technical University Parlar Foundation recognizes the achievements of scientists and scholars from a variety of fields for their exceptional research productivity, in honor of the late METU Professor Mustafa Parlar. Dr. Seker and Dr. Baytekin received their awards at a ceremony held in METU Cultural & Convention Center on 19 December 2018.
Dr. Seker is awarded for his research on synthetic biology, genetically engineered biosystems and Dr. Baytekin is awarded for her contributions in Mechanochemistry, polymers for energy applications, and soft robots.