Sabancı University positions itself to be one of the most innovative and research-oriented universities in Turkey. As part of its philosophy, the University aims to direct its research efforts primarily towards applied and strategic research with the objectives of advancing knowledge, supporting teaching and contributing to the progress of the community.
The research activities at the university aim to enrich educational programs while contributing to social and economic development. All research projects are conducted within the faculties (Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences and Faculty of Management), centers, and forums through an interdisciplinary approach between the fields of science, technology and arts.
Establishing a world class university is a great challenge for its founders, administrators, faculty, staff, and students, namely, all stakeholders. But, it is an even greater challenge to establish a new world university that has a research-orientated perspective. Sabancı University, established with the overall goal to generate and disseminate knowledge, developed its mission to contribute to the development of science and technology as well as disseminate knowledge created to the benefit of the community.
Continuous Progress at Research
For the past ten years, the research activities at Sabancı University have progressed rapidly. You can find some major achievements below:
* PhD student now constitute 35% of the total graduate population and this figure will reach 50% in the coming years,
* The cited publications per Sabancı faculty have doubled in 10 years,
* In terms of faculty research funding obtained from the EU Framework Programs, TUBITAK Programs, and other grant funding institutions; SU is one of the leading universities in Turkey,
* Considering the amount of funding per researcher, SU is ranked as number one and at least double that of its competitors in Turkey,
* Some of the awards coming from European Union, National and International institutions have been received by our faculty members representing firsts for Turkey,
* Start-up companies have been established by our students and faculty members,
* A number of international patents have been received and patents applications are being done continuously,
* There is a growing number of networking activities amongst our stakeholders during seminars, conferences visits and joint research projects.
* As of 2009, research contracts undertaken with the business community and NGOs now total 5.3 M Euro, representing 17% of the total active funded research budget.
Since its establishment, many national and international research projects have been initiated in cooperation with various national and international institutions. Current research grants and contracts have reached approximately 31,3 M Euro.
Sabancı University’s founding principles created academic programs and institutional structures departing from the classic department system and adopting a more interdisciplinary approach. Graduate programs are designed to prepare students for career-specific fields and research. The main sources of grants are the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and European Commission Framework Programs.
Framework Programs
Sabancı University is ranked fourth with 19 projects, totaling 3,4 M Euro at the 6th Framework Program. It is ranked first according to the amount of grant per researcher among Turkish universities.
Sabancı University is highly successful at the 7th Framework Program and is a leader with 34 projects amounting to a budget of 6 M Euro among Turkish universities. According to TUBITAKs official results, Sabancı University ranks second, after Middle East Technical University, in total number of grants under the 7th Framework Program. The number of People, Marie Curie International Re-integration Grants (IRG) as part of 7th Framework Program has reached 16. Sabancı University has been rewarded the most number of Marie Curie Grants (IRG), providing support to researchers choosing to repatriate to their home country.
More: Research Area and Units
