Bilkent University National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM) and the University of Twente’s MESA+ Institute jointly organized the “Bilkent University UNAM and University of Twente MESA+: Functional Materials and Nanotechnology Workshop 2025” on March 19-20, 2025. Aimed at strengthening scientific ties between the two countries and fostering knowledge exchange, the event brought together leading academics and researchers in materials science and nanotechnology.
Following the opening remarks by Director of UNAM and Chair of the MSN Institute Prof. Hilmi Volkan Demir and Scientific Director of the MESA+ Institute Prof. Hans Hilgenkamp, Bilkent University Rector Prof. Kürşat Aydoğan and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Turkey, H.E. Joep Wijnands, also addressed the participants. Rector Aydoğan emphasized the significant contributions of international research partnerships to science, noting that with its advanced infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach, UNAM has become a globally competitive research center. He expressed confidence that this workshop would pave the way for international collaborations under programs like the European Union’s framework initiatives. As the guest of honor, Ambassador Wijnands highlighted the value of scientific collaboration between the two countries. He expressed his belief that such events greatly contribute to strengthening joint efforts and deepening scientific dialogue, underscoring his confidence in the continuity of this partnership.
Throughout the two-day event, experts delivered presentations on a wide range of topics, including nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, nanophotonics, micro-nanoelectronics, and quantum technologies. Speakers included Dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin and Prof. Muharrem Bayraktar from the MESA+ Institute, as well as Asst. Prof. Wonmi Ahn, Assoc. Prof. Bilge Baytekin, Assoc. Prof. Engin Durgun, Asst. Prof. Aykut Erbaş, Assoc. Prof. Yegan Erdem, Asst. Prof. Fatih İnci, Assoc. Prof. Selim Hanay, Asst. Prof. Mustafa Ordu, Asst. Prof. Emre Ozan Polat, Asst. Prof. Talip Serkan Kasırga, and Dr. Gürkan Yeşilöz from UNAM, who shared their insights and experiences with the participants.
The multidisciplinary platform provided by UNAM and the MESA+ Institute not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge among researchers but also allowed for special sessions to explore opportunities for scientific collaboration. Furthermore, significant steps were taken toward enhancing partnerships in international research projects, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s programs.
