For the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), which has adopted the approach of being an innovative, participatory and sharing institution in order to support the technological independence of our country, to contribute to the development of its own technology and to the production of technology-based products under the guidance of science and technology since its establishment in 1963, 2020 was another full year.

IN 2020, IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WE TOOK THE "DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER" AND "SUCCEEDING TOGETHER" APPROACH TO A NEW DIMENSION, FOCUSING ON RESULTS-ORIENTED SOLUTION FINDING PROCESSES.

 

We Created COVID-19 Turkey Platform!

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of the TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Gene Engineering and Biotechnology, the COVID-19 Turkey Platform was established with a focus on developing and achieving together, and we achieved a mobilization in which a total of 436 researchers contributed to 17 vaccine and drug-focused projects. All of the different vaccine technologies studied in the world were developed on the platform by including innovative methods. Three of our vaccine candidates have reached the pilot production stage for clinical trials. The processes of a total of 8 vaccine candidates continue successfully. In our pharmaceutical projects, domestic and national drug syntheses were realized and 3 of our drug projects have reached the clinical research stage.

 

 

We Opened a Special Rapid Support Call for COVID-19!

 

 

In addition to TÜBİTAK's existing support in the fight against COVID-19, two special calls were opened under the 1507 SME R&D Startup Support Program. Within the scope of these calls, 48 projects on intensive care devices, diagnosis, masks, medicine, disinfection, personal protective clothing, IT applications and vaccines were supported with a budget of 17.5 million TL.

We Involved Our Youth in the Fight Against the COVID-19 Pandemic!

 

 

We launched the Trainee Researcher Scholarship Program (STAR) in April 2020 to encourage and support researchers who will take part in projects for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. 340 students and researchers applied to the program in 12 days and we supported 300 people.

We Did Not Ignore the Social, Human and Economic Impacts of the Pandemic!

 

 

In order to examine and research the current and projected problems and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of social sciences and humanities, and to develop solutions, we opened a special call titled "COVID-19 and Society: Social, Human and Economic Impacts of the Pandemic, Problems and Solutions", which supports projects with a maximum duration of 6 months with a support upper limit of 200,000 TL. A total of 682 project proposals from 160 different organizations were submitted to the call, which remained open for 15 days. As a result of the evaluations, we supported 102 projects.

We Accelerated and Encouraged Entrepreneurs' Business Ideas!

In the Coronathon Turkey Competition organized with the stakeholders and support of many entrepreneurs, universities, non-governmental organizations, Ministries and private companies in order to search for creative solutions to the problems created by COVID-19, we provided a total budget of 600.000 TL to each implementing organization in order to carry out accelerator programs for the entrepreneurs who ranked through ITU Arı Teknokent, METU Teknokent and Boğaziçi Teknokent, which are BIGG Implementing Organizations.000 TL budget. In addition, among the winning teams in the EUvsVirus Program Hackathon Competition organized by the European Innovation Council of the European Commission, we provided support within the framework of the accelerator program carried out by the BIGG Implementing Organization METU Teknokent to meet the needs of 1 Turkish team among the winning teams for the development and implementation of business ideas.

We made TUBITAK Popular Science Journals available for free access.

 

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the archive of TÜBİTAK Popular Science Journals was made freely accessible to everyone and approximately 12 million magazine content was downloaded free of charge in order to arouse the desire to research, ask questions, wonder and read in children and young people who continue their education from home.

We shared the results-oriented developments in vaccine and drug development and "diagnostics and systems".

 

In April, May and December, we held the "Vaccine and Drug Development" and "Turkey's Diagnostic Power" virtual conferences, each broadcast live to more than 130,000 participants. As the scientific world mobilized against the coronavirus, we launched the COVID-19 Turkey web portal with the idea that every challenge can also be an opportunity. The portal, which has approximately 1 million users, received 4 million visits.

AS TÜBİTAK, WE SUPPORTED R&D PROJECTS THAT WILL SHED LIGHT ON OUR COUNTRY IN ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY MOVE MOBILIZATION!

We have updated our system to take into account the past output and impact-oriented performances of the executives in the projects we support.

In order to support successful and high-impact projects of SMEs in our private sector-oriented R&D and innovation supports;

• commercialization performance of TUBITAK projects supported in the past,
• the company has applied for projects to international funds,
• the project proposal should be in one of the Priority Areas specified in the call text

Accordingly, we applied an additional point system to the projects.

For academic-based project proposals, we started to award additional points according to the following criteria.

• Output performance of the project coordinator (if any) within the scope of previously supported projects
• Alignment with the priority area topics in TÜBİTAK call planning and increase in Technology Readiness Level (THS)
• To be the project manager on behalf of the relevant institution/organization in the projects submitted to the programs directly supported by the European Commission grants within the scope of the Horizon 2020 Program
• Multidisciplinary / Interdisciplinary Projects
• University-University Cooperation or University-Industry Cooperation established within the scope of the project proposal

IN 2020 WE INCREASED OUR SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITIES!

In 2020, we supported 1179 projects with a total budget of 395 million TL within the scope of support programs for universities.

We Added Researcher Digital Credentials to ARBIS and Improved our Evaluator Panelist Algorithm.

With the contributions of YÖK, TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM and universities, we expanded the use of researcher IDs. Accordingly, we updated ARBIS to include "Researcher Digital Identity Information" such as ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID), "Web of Science ResearcherID", "Scopus Author ID" and "Google Scholar" links.

We obtained keywords from the publications of the researchers whose "Researcher Digital Identity Information" is included in ARBIS and the subject codes of the journals in which they publish. Using this data together with their other expertise information in ARBIS, we developed a decision support system (PaneList) to identify the most appropriate evaluators for applications submitted to TÜBİTAK.

2020 ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY INDEX.

The results of the "2020 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index", which was created under the leadership of our institution, were announced by our Minister of Industry and Technology, Mr. Mustafa Varank. In the 2020 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index, Middle East Technical University (METU) ranked first with 81.9 points, while İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) shared the second place with 74.9 points.

 

 

WE PUBLISHED THE "FIELD-BASED COMPETENCY ANALYSIS OF UNIVERSITIES" STUDY.

 

 

The "Field-Based Competency Analysis of Universities" study, the first of which was published in 2016, has been updated. The report, which examined 160 universities established in 2014 and before, on the basis of 11 indicators (four on volume and seven on quality) and 131 fields, was published in November 2020.

The purpose of the "Field-Based Competency Analysis of Universities" study is to enable universities to evaluate their performance on the basis of research fields in comparison with each other. It is also a helpful document for the private sector to find universities and research groups from which they can obtain the competencies and technologies they need. In this context, it has been prepared to support data-based decision-making mechanisms in various critical processes such as determining national policies, regional plans and institutional strategies.

WE CONTINUED OUR SUPPORT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR DURING THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC!

In 2020, we provided 669.1 million TL grant support within the scope of 3,225 projects supported by 2,500 companies.

In 2020, we introduced innovations to the support programs carried out by TÜBİTAK TEYDEB.

• The 1501 Industrial R&D Projects Support Program and 1507 SME R&D Startup Support Program, to which our SMEs can apply, started to be carried out with calls opened twice a year as of 2020.
• In order to reduce bureaucracy during the application phase, we switched from project-based pre-registration to organization-based pre-registration as of July 1, 2020.
• We enabled certified public accountants and public accountants to prepare project expenditure evaluation reports.
• We have accelerated our project evaluation processes and enabled online referee and audience visits within the scope of the project.
• Yerli malı alet/teçhizat/yazılım için %15 oranında ek destek vermeye başladık
• For projects with a budget of over 5,000,000 TL, we started to support this expense up to 20,000 TL in case of services for the economic feasibility report.
• We paved the way for transfer payments against promissory notes up to 150,000 TL per project.

We launched new support mechanisms for the commercialization process based on the "Doing Business Together" and "Achieving Together" approach.

• On 14 May 2020, we opened the Call for SME Support for Order-Based R&D Projects for the effective commercialization of SMEs' R&D activities. Under this new program, we aim for SMEs to develop R&D-based products or processes required by companies through co-financing by these companies and TÜBİTAK. In this call, we aim to transform solution proposals that meet customer requirements into commercializable outputs through R&D by SMEs. In the projects, SMEs will carry out the R&D activities as Supplier Institutions, while the outputs of the projects will be commercialized by the Client Institutions. 105 project applications were received and 79 projects were decided to be supported.
• Again on May 14, 2020, we opened the Patent-Based Technology Transfer Support Call, which aims to transfer patented technologies developed in universities, research institutions and technology development zones to industry. It was decided to support 14 of the 20 applications made to the call, and we aim to transfer 19 technologies worth approximately 13 million TL to industry within the scope of the supported projects.
• As of February 2020, we started the support process of 11 Interface Organizations supported in the BIGG+ Mentor Interface Call, which aims to support activities for the creation and execution of mentoring mechanisms to increase the business development and innovation capacities of SMEs. The number of mentors in the TÜBİTAK Mentor Pool increased from 1,306 to 1,462.

SMEs receiving mentoring services are monitored for progress in the following areas.

- Increase in turnover

- Increase in existing market share

- Entering new markets

- Increase in sales abroad or increase in existing sales abroad

• Devlet Malzeme Ofisi (DMO) TÜBİTAK işbirliği çerçevesinde 10 Aralık 2020 itibarıyla DMO Tekno Katalog’ta toplam 16,4 milyon TL tutarında satış gerçekleşmiş olup, bu satışların yaklaşık 11 milyon TL’si (%67) TEYDEB desteği alan firmalara ait oldu.

We continued to provide special support for technology-based entrepreneurship.

 

 

• Within the scope of the BiGG 1512 Techno-Entrepreneurship Capital Support Program, we provided approximately 48 million TL in grants to 531 entrepreneurs.
• Within the scope of the 2020/1 BiGG Phase 1 Call for Implementing Organizations, a total of 63 organizations were determined as Implementing Organizations. 15 entrepreneurs with PhD degrees who received support from the BiGG-1512 Techno-Entrepreneurship Capital Support Program were included in the training and mentoring process organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering in London between 18.01.2020-01.02.2020 and started working to internationalize their business plans.
• For the Tech-InvesTR Program, which was put into practice in cooperation with TÜBİTAK and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance signed protocols regarding the commitment of resources to 4 funds as a result of the negotiations with the funds. The process of signing project agreements between TÜBİTAK and university organizations participating in the funds for which the Ministry of Treasury and Finance signed protocols was initiated. The venture capital funds established within the scope of the Tech-InvesTR Program, which was established with the support of TÜBİTAK amounting to 52 million TL, have reached a size of approximately 1.7 billion TL, and we anticipate that this amount will be invested in 150 early-stage technology-based initiatives in our country in the next 5 years.

WE SUPPORTED HIGH-TECH PLATFORMS AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION NETWORKS BASED ON THE "DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER" AND "SUCCEEDING TOGETHER" APPROACH

 

 

We support high technology platforms and industry innovation networks in the fields of Domestic Pharmaceuticals-Vaccines, Medical Devices, Personalized Medicine, Additive Manufacturing, Smart Cities, Nanotechnology, Solar Energy and Advanced Material Technologies. These cooperation networks include 97 private sector organizations, 33 universities and 5 Public R&D Centers.

• Within the scope of the Industry Innovation Networks Mechanism (SAYEM), we supported large-scale collaboration platforms that will contribute to the localization and commercialization of high-tech priority product groups. We focused on R&D and innovation-based collaboration networks established by private sector companies with other companies in their supply chains, end-users, Technology Development Zones (TDZs) and universities. In 2020, we supported 23 platforms within the scope of Phase 1 of the SAYEM call. 4 platforms were eligible to proceed to Phase 2. The evaluation process for one platform is ongoing. Each platform will receive a support budget of 50-75 million TL.
• Within the scope of TÜBİTAK High Technology Platforms Call, we supported 17 different Platform applications in the first phase. We are in the process of initiating Phase 2 processes for 9 platforms that have passed the evaluation processes. Of these 9 applications, 3 were in the field of pharmaceuticals-pharmaceuticals (NACE 21), 3 in the field of medical devices, and the other 3 in the fields of electronics and optics (NACE 26). A total of 26 companies, 27 universities and 5 public R&D units are involved in these 9 platforms. Each platform will receive a support budget of 50 million TL.

WE STRENGTHENED THE INTEGRATION BETWEEN TURKEY'S RESEARCH AREA AND THE EUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA!

 

 

Avrupa’nın önde gelen kurumlarıyla ortaklıklar kurup, büyük ölçekli işbirliği projelerinde yer almayı mümkün kılan Ufuk2020 Ar-Ge ve Yenilik Programında Türkiye’nin başarısı, son iki yılda güçlü bir ivme kazandı. Türkiye’nin katılım payları ödeyerek dahil olduğu Çerçeve Programlardan sonuncusu olan ve 2014-2020 yılları arasında yürütülen Ufuk2020 Programına, bugüne kadar toplamda 265,5 Milyon Avro ulusal katkı payı ödendi.  Bu yıl açıklanan çağrı sonuçlarıyla birlikte, Ufuk2020 Programında 1293 Türk yürütücünün dahil olduğu 909 proje ile Türkiye’nin aldığı hibe destek miktarı 291,6 Milyon Avro’yu geçerek, 2004 yılından bu yana katılım sağladığımız Çerçeve Programlarda ilk kez ödediğimiz katkı payını aştı.  Ayrıca, 2019 yılında Türk araştırmacılarımızın hak kazandıkları hibe destek tutarı ödediğimiz yıllık ulusal katkı payını aşarak ilk defa %100’ü geçti ve %113 olarak gerçekleşti. Başta Ufuk2020 Yeşil Mutabakat Çağrısı olmak üzere, diğer çağrı sonuçlarının da açıklanmasıyla araştırmacılarımızın almış oldukları hibe destek miktarının daha da artması beklenmektedir. Bu başarılara ek olarak; son dönemde  Türk araştırmacılarımız, Avrupa’dan çok sayıda kuruluşun dahil olduğu büyük konsorsiyumlu projelerde  sadece ortak olarak yer almanın ötesine geçerek, bu konsorsiyumları lider olarak koordine etmeyi başarmış ve son iki yılda artan başarılarımızla birlikte çok ortaklı projelerde koordinatör sayımız 7’den 29’a çıktı. Ufuk2020 Programında ilk kez bu yıl Çevre, Güvenli Toplumlar, Enerji, Ulaşım ve Malzeme-İmalat alanlarındaki desteklenmeye hak kazanan çok ortaklı projelerde koordinatörler ülkemiz araştırmacılarından oldu.

As a result of intensive negotiations with the European Commission, Turkey was exempted from the contribution of 77.8 million Euros, which is the last installment to be paid for 2020 under the Horizon2020 Program, and this budget started to be used within the scope of new support programs that researchers in Turkey can benefit from. In this context, the first calls for 'Horizon2020 SME Tool Seal of Excellence' and 'Network Membership Support' were opened and the results were announced after the completion of their evaluations.

Efforts were made for the effective participation of Turkish Research Area (TARAL) stakeholders in the 'Green Deal' Call of the Horizon2020 Program with a budget of 1 Billion Euros. For this purpose, more than 40 events were organized, including the European Green Deal Information Day, which was attended by nearly 1000 Turkish researchers, and the Green Deal International Project Market Events, which were attended by nearly 900 researchers from 42 countries, reaching a total of over 4600 researchers.

In the European Commission's 2020 Turkey Report, TARAL's coordination efforts with the European Research Area (ERA) and Turkey's success in Horizon2020 were mentioned with appreciation and it was stated that Turkey's preparations for the science and research chapter are at a very advanced level. We aim to continue the success shown under the Horizon2020 Program, which will be completed this year, within the scope of the 9th Framework Program Horizon Europe, which will be carried out in 2021-2027.

IN 2020, DESPITE THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC, OUR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTINUED AT FULL SPEED!

2020 was a year in which we enhanced our multilateral and bilateral international cooperation programs to develop and sustain our country's science and technology capability in line with our national priorities and foreign policy.

In 2020, bilateral cooperation agreements in the field of science and technology were signed with six organizations (Colombia, Malta, Costa Rica, Germany, Malaysia and Sierra Leone), four of which are new countries. With these new agreements, the number of bilateral cooperation agreements increased to 62 countries and 88 organizations. In 2020, a total of 43 calls, including 26 bilateral and 17 multilateral calls, enabled Turkish researchers to develop cooperation with researchers from other countries. A total of 1701 project applications were received in 2020 through these bilateral and multilateral calls.

WE CONTINUED TO STAND BY OUR SCIENTISTS WITH OUR SUPPORT!

In 2020, we provided 236.5 million TL support to 13,624 scientists.

We Expanded Basic Sciences Support Scope

TÜBİTAK tarafından ülkemizin başarılı gençlerinin temel fen ve sosyal bilimlere yönelmesini teşvik etmek amacıyla yürütülen 2205-Lisans Burs Programı kapsamında burs miktarlarının tamamında güncellemeye gittik. Moleküler Biyoloji ve Genetik Bölümünü de destek kapsamına aldık. Program kapsamındaki 33 farklı burs kaleminde yaklaşık %100’e varan oranlarda artış yaptık.

We Successfully Continued the Industry Doctorate Program for Qualified Human Resources in Industry.

 

 

With the 2244 Industry Doctorate Program, we continued to encourage the training of qualified human resources with doctoral degrees needed in the industry within the scope of our country's 2023 targets through university-industry cooperation and the employment of doctoral researchers in the industry by focusing on the needs of companies. Within the scope of the program, we supported 308 cooperation projects of 49 different universities with 210 different industrial organizations in 2020. 1162 doctoral students started to be trained with these projects. We will provide PhD students with a monthly scholarship of 4,500 TL during their studies and employment support for three years after graduation.

We Reversed Brain Drain

 

 

Within the scope of the 2232 International Leading Researchers Support Program, which we launched to strengthen our country's position as an independent and leading country in the field of science, technology and innovation and to increase its competitiveness worldwide, we provided support to 127 leading scientists and researchers from 21 different countries, 98 of whom are Turkish and 29 of whom are foreign. Thanks to this program, researchers from global companies such as Amazon, Apple, Bosch, GE, Intel, Siemens, Volvo; leading research institutions such as CERN, CNRS, Max Planck Institute; and universities ranked among the top 25 universities in the world such as Harvard, Stanford, University of Oxford, Massachusetts of Institute Technology, University of Cambridge, Columbia University returned to Turkey and started their studies. Each of the supported qualified researchers will train 5 master's/doctoral students. In 2021, we plan to bring at least 100 more high-level researchers to Turkey with a new call.

We Opened the 3rd Call for Applications for the International Experienced Researcher Circulation Support Program

Alanında tecrübeli araştırmacıların araştırmalarını Türkiye’nin önde gelen akademi veya sanayi kurum ve kuruluşlarında yürütmeleri ve ülkemizin yurt dışındaki araştırmacılar için cazibe merkezi haline getirilmesi için “Uluslararası Deneyimli Araştırmacı Dolaşımı Destek Programı” başvuruya açıldı. Programın toplam bütçesi yaklaşık 14 milyon Avro olup bu bütçenin %45’i Avrupa Birliği Komisyonu tarafından, geri kalan kısmı ise TÜBİTAK tarafından karşılanmaktadır. Desteklenecek araştırmacıların her birine aylık brüt 5.050 Avro ücret ile birlikte 800 Avro araştırma, eğitim ve ağ kurma bütçesi vereceğiz.

We Launched a Support Program for Highly Qualified National Leading Researchers

 

 

We launched the 2247 - A National Leading Researchers Program to support domestic scientists who will carry out projects that have the potential to make important discoveries or inventions in all fields of science and technology, with the aim of achieving groundbreaking developments for our country.

We started to support projects with the 2247-B European Research Council (ERC) Projects Strengthening Support" Program in order to increase the rate of return from EU funds to our country and to enable them to receive support from the European Research Council (ERC).

Our Students Returned with Medals from International Science Olympiads

 

 

Since 1978, our students representing our country in the International Science Olympiads, in which we have been participating, have shown outstanding success especially in recent years. In 2018, our students won gold medals in every branch in all international olympiads. In 2020, our students, who continued to increase their success in international olympiads, honored our country with 44 medals.

 

 

The 52nd IChO-International Chemistry Olympiad 2020 exams were held online for the first time between July 23-29, 2020, hosted by Turkey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized in the fields of analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry, IChO 2020 was attended by 235 students and 166 academicians from 60 countries. Our 4 students who participated in this olympiad hosted by our country on behalf of our country brought 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals to our country.

We Launched 2 New Support Programs for Students in 2020

 

 

• A new STAR call has been prepared in order to create R&D cultures, encourage research activities and encourage successful students enrolled in formal education programs at undergraduate level. Within the scope of the STAR Scholarship Program announced by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in October, the STAR Project Portal (star.tubitak.gov.tr) was created. Within the scope of the call, which attracted great interest from project coordinators and undergraduate students, 1,963 TÜBİTAK projects were included in the STAR Portal, and 12,709 students applied to these projects. As a manifestation of the great interest in the program, the scholarship quota, which was previously announced as 1,000, was increased to 1,500.
• In order to encourage high school students to work on polar sciences in the Antarctic and Arctic regions and to contribute to our country becoming one of the leading countries in international scientific circles in the future with the qualified studies of students in this field, BİDEB and MAM Polar Research Institute launched the High School Students Polar Research Projects Competition. Applications will be received for the competition in 2021.

IN 2020, WE ORGANIZED MANY EVENTS, PROJECTS AND PUBLICATIONS THAT BROUGHT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOGETHER WITH SOCIETY!

 

 

 

TÜBİTAK leads science and society activities, organizes events, supports projects and carries out publishing activities with the approach "Science is for everyone!" in order to raise awareness of science and technology in Turkey and contribute to Turkey becoming a technology producing country.

To this end, in 2020;

• International Efficiency Challenge Electric Vehicle Races, International Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competitions and High School Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competitions were organized; a total of 219 teams participated in these events; a total of TL 650,000 was awarded.
• Within the scope of science and society projects, especially 4006 Science Fair Support Program Projects, support decisions were taken for 6,672 projects in 81 provinces and a total of approximately 47.6 million TL was allocated to these projects.
• TUBITAK Supported Science Centers were visited by approximately 210,000 people, and 25,000 people participated in educational workshops at science centers.
• 18 provinces opened Deneyap Technology Workshops, bringing the total number of Deneyap Technology Workshops to 30.
• For Bilim ve Teknik, Bilim Çocuk and Meraklı Minik magazines, a total of 142,000 magazine subscribers, a print run of approximately 3 million copies and total sales of TL 2.5 million were achieved.
• Within the scope of TÜBİTAK Popular Science Books, 47 new books were published, 60 books were reprinted and a total of 1,060,000 books were printed.
• TÜBİTAK Bilim Genç magazine reached 3 million users and 6.5 million page visits. Approximately 80,000 people were reached through 18 Science Talks organized online.

TUBITAK IMPACT at TEKNOFEST 2020!

 

 

At TEKNOFEST Aviation, Space and Technology Festival, where a total of 22 races were organized this year, TUBITAK Science and Society Presidency organized a total of 4 races, 3 of which were run by TUBITAK and 1 of which was a stakeholder.

• The "Efficiency Challenge Electric Vehicle Races", where university students competed in the Electromobil and Hydromobil categories to produce the most efficient electric vehicle, was held on September 1-6, 2020 at Kocaeli Körfez Raceway. Hundreds of students took part in the event and 48 teams participated. On September 6, 2020, a special race was organized at the Istanbul Park Formula 1 race track.

 

 

• "International Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competition" was held in Gaziantep Alleben Pond between September 15-20, 2020. 101 teams from Turkey and abroad participated in the competition. UAVs in the Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing categories developed by the students were evaluated based on their skills such as flight and maneuverability, autonomous flight, transportation and dropping to the desired area.

 

 

• High School Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competition was organized for the first time. The "High School Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competition", organized for the first time in 2020 in the Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing categories, was held in Gaziantep Alleben Pond between 16-20 September 2020. 70 teams participated in the competition.
• The "Robotaksi Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition", organized by TEKNOFEST under the coordination of TÜBİTAK, Bilişim Vadisi and HAVELSAN in order for the participants to gain competence in the field of autonomous vehicle technologies, original design, algorithm and reporting, was held in Bilişim Vadisi between 7 - 10 September 2020. 17 teams participated in the competition.

 

 

• Within the scope of TEKNOFEST 2020, the third of the Rocket Competition, which was organized by TÜBİTAK SAGE and Roketsan A.Ş., was held in Aksaray Salt Lake Hisar Shooting Range. A total of 516 teams applied to the competition organized in low, medium and high altitude categories and 82 teams were entitled to shoot.
• The final exhibition and award ceremony of the University Students Project Competitions organized by TÜBİTAK for 8 years was held at TEKNOFEST in 2020. 1,903 students applied to the competition with 1,045 projects, and 73 students who were successful as a result of the final exhibitions took part in TEKNOFEST with 36 projects.

 

 

The awards were given to the winning teams in all races by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the award ceremony held at TEKNOFEST Gaziantep Middle East Fair Center on 26-27 September 2020.

Great Interest in Science and Society Support Programs

 

 

• In 2020, 91 projects from different disciplines were supported within the scope of the "4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program", which aims to provide the target audience with a broad vision of ecology within the framework of nature-related issues, to enable the target audience to understand scientific concepts and processes and to create the environments necessary for their application.
• Since 2013, 23 projects from different disciplines, from social fields to science, were supported in 2020 within the scope of the "4005 Innovative Educational Practices Support Program", which aims to provide innovative educational practices to educators, especially teachers and academics.
• Since 2013, 6,504 projects were supported in 2020 within the scope of the "4006 TÜBİTAK Science Fairs Support Program", which aims to create an environment where 5th-12th grade students can conduct research on topics they have determined within the framework of the education-training program and in line with their own interests, exhibit the results of their research, and learn by having fun together with students and audiences. Approximately 35 million TL resources were allocated to science fairs carried out under the program. Within the scope of this program, where young people, the guarantors of our future, gain experience in preparing and presenting scientific projects, sub-projects were carried out in 30 thematic areas such as "Biodiversity", "Aviation and Space", "Robotics and Coding", "Internet of Things", which will shed light on the future.
• In 2020, 54 projects were supported within the scope of the "4007 Science Festivals Support Program", which aims to disseminate science culture and communication in the society, to convey scientific knowledge to the participants and to convey the interaction between science and technology through activities.

 

 

 

Science and Technology Workshops Opened at the Presidential National Library

 

 

The installation of Science and Technology workshops by TÜBİTAK in the Presidential National Library was completed on June 25, 2020. Technology Workshop, Discovery Workshop and Design and Production Workshop were established within this scope.

A total of 5630 students continue to receive training in the workshops actively opened in 30 provinces within the scope of the Experiment Turkey Project.

 

 

Within the scope of the Protocol on the Establishment of 100 Deneyap Technology Workshops in 81 Provinces, which is supported within the scope of the Presidential 100-Day Executive Program, in addition to the existing 12 Deneyap Technology Workshops; Deneyap Technology Workshops opened in 18 provinces in 2020, including Adıyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Ağrı, Antalya, Çanakkale, Çorum, Elazığ, Gaziantep, Isparta, Kahramanmaraş, Kastamonu, Malatya, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Şanlıurfa, Tokat and Yozgat. 18 Deneyap Technology Workshops were opened by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on September 24, 2020. In 2020, written exams and practical exams were held for students who will study in the newly opened workshops. In this context, a total of 2,880 students started training on October 31, 2020. In addition, within the scope of Deneyap Technology Workshops, young people were trained in "Design and Production", "Robotics and Coding", "Electronic Programming and Internet of Things", "Software Technologies", "Advanced Robotics", "Aviation and Space Technologies", "Energy Technologies", "Nanotechnology and Materials Science", The interview program was initiated to enable them to get acquainted with current research topics in the fields of "Artificial Intelligence" and "Cyber Security", innovations and discussions in the field, national and international competitions, and to develop their curiosity about the field, their desire to research, question and learn, and to contribute to their career awareness.

Turkey's First Space and Aviation Themed Science Center Opened

 

 

Gökmen Space and Aviation Education Center (GUHEM), which was opened with the support of TÜBİTAK within the scope of the "4003 Science Center Establishment Support Program", is the first space and aviation-themed science center of our country. GUHEM was opened on 30.10.2020 by Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank.

In addition, the groundbreaking ceremony of the science center building was held on 17.10.2020 within the scope of the Project to Establish a Science Center in Gaziantep.

TÜBİTAK Popular Science Journals Continued to Be Indispensable in Turkey

By the end of 2020, Bilim ve Teknik, Bilim Çocuk and Meraklı Minik magazines reached a total of 142,000 magazine subscribers, a print run of approximately 3 million copies and total sales of 2.5 million copies.

Bilim ve Teknik (ages 15 and up), Bilim Genç (ages 12 and up), Bilim Çocuk (ages 7 and up) and Meraklı Minik (ages 3 and up) magazines are published in order to present scientific and technological developments in the most accurate, rapid, original and comprehensible language to all segments of society and people of all ages.

Bilim Genç Magazine Reached 3 Million Users

Appealing to young people aged 12 and above and published free of charge, the new design of the Bilim Genç digital magazine has been in use since September 2020. TÜBİTAK Bilim Genç magazine, which has reached 30 million views since it was opened to visitors in April 2015, reached 3 million users with 6.5 million views in 2020.

Books of Our Local Authors Printed

A total of 47 new books (7 Adult, 33 Children and Youth, 7 Preschool) were published in TÜBİTAK Popular Science Books; a total of 60 books (9 Adult, 40 Children and Youth, 11 Preschool) were reprinted. In 2020, the total number of book editions exceeded 1 million.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of TÜBİTAK MAM, the book "The Birth of TÜBİTAK MAM, The Establishment of the Institute" was published, describing the founding adventure of MAM, Turkey's R&D understanding and activities at that time.

In order to raise awareness in children against the coronavirus pandemic, the book "What is Coronavirus? Coronavirus Guide for Children" book was published and the book was promoted through the COVID-19 Turkey Web Portal.

Starting in 1937, the book "I Decided to Build a Fighter Aircraft" was published, which describes the developments of the Nu.D.40 aircraft, which was designed as an innovative and original Turkish fighter aircraft, the drawings of its prototype and the aerodynamic tests conducted in Germany, based on primary sources.

We Reached Approximately 80 Thousand People with Science Talks

 

 

Approximately 80,000 people were reached through 18 Science Talks organized by the Editor-in-Chief of Digital Publications. With the science talks, students had the opportunity to get to know scientists closely, learn about their experiences, life stories, professions and research topics.

TÜBİTAK Science Publications Continue to Reach Every Corner of Turkey

 

 

 

 

In cooperation with the Governorship of Tokat, 88 thousand TÜBİTAK Popular Science Publications were delivered to students from 871 different schools in Tokat.

Bilim ve teknoloji kültürü oluşturmak ve öğrencilerin popüler bilime olan merakının artırılması amacıyla Gaziantep Şahinbey İlçe Belediyesi ve TÜBİTAK işbirliği ile söz konusu belediye sınırları içerisinde yer alan anaokulları ile ilk, orta ve lise dereceli okullara; TÜBİTAK Popüler Bilim Yayınları %50 indirimli olarak temin edilerek yaklaşık 200 bin adet kitap ilgili İlçe Millî Eğitim Müdürlüklerine gönderildi.

TÜBİTAK ve Konya Meram Belediyesi arasında yapılan Protokol çerçevesinde, Meram Belediyesi tarafından 20.813 adet TÜBİTAK popüler bilim kitabı %35 indirimli olarak temin edilerek 152 okula dağıtıldı.

TUBITAK popular science publications sales stores were opened in Üsküdar Science Center (Bilim Üsküdar) and Gaziantep Şahinbey District.

Muş Governorship and Muş Directorate of National Education distributed 20,294 TUBITAK popular science books to a total of 500 primary, secondary and high schools in Muş Center and 5 districts (Bulanık, Hasköy, Korkut, Malazgirt, Varto).

2020 TÜBİTAK AWARDS ANNOUNCED!

 

 

The 2020 evaluation studies for the "TÜBİTAK Science, Special, Service and Incentive Awards" and the "Polar Studies Award", which are given by TÜBİTAK to support research and development activities in scientific and technological fields and to provide opportunities for the training and development of scientists and researchers, were finalized.

TÜBİTAK Board of Directors decided to award 4 Science Awards, 1 Special Award and 13 Incentive Awards in 2020. The list of our award-winning scientists https://www.tubitak.gov.tr/tr/haber/2020-yili-tubitak-odulleri-aciklandi can be accessed from the link.

 

 

WE CONTINUE TO APPROACH OUR COUNTRY'S 2023, 2053 AND 2071 GOALS WITH OUR NEWLY ESTABLISHED INSTITUTES AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES!

 

 

7 Critical Infrastructures to Save Turkey from External Dependency in Technology

TÜBİTAK RUTE Engine Center of Excellence, TÜBİTAK MAM Energetic Materials Laboratory, TÜBİTAK MAM Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Bioelectronics Center of Excellence, TÜBİTAK MAM High Temperature Materials Research Center, TÜBİTAK MAM Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Bioelectronics Center of Excellence, and TÜBİTAK MAM High Temperature Materials Research Center, which will free our country from foreign dependency and make Turkey a technology producer rather than a technology market, Development and Repair Center of Excellence, TÜBİTAK UME Photovoltaic Performance Test Center, TÜBİTAK SAGE Environmental Tests Center and TÜBİTAK SAGE R&D Service Building were inaugurated on August 9, 2020 at TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus with the presence of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

WE CONTINUED TO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPED BY TUBU̇TAK RESEARCH CENTERS AND INSTITUTES!

In 2019 and 2020, 6 different TÜBİTAK technologies were transferred under 10 license agreements signed. The sectors of the transferred technologies range from defense industry, information security and informatics, food, biotechnology and medical metrology.

Ten license agreements were signed: 3 for Real Time Infrared Trace Management System Technology (GEZKİY), 2 for Mini TEMPEST PC-II Device Technology, 2 for Long Lasting Yogurt Technology, 1 for Intraocular Lens Technology, 1 for High Temperature Resistant Polymeric Resin Technology and 1 for Infrared Ear Thermometer Reference Calibration System.

In 2020, 4 license agreements were signed for Long Lasting Yogurt Technology, Infrared Ear Thermometer Reference Calibration System, Intraocular Lens Technology, High Temperature Resistant Polymeric Resin technology.

WE CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COUNTRY'S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DRIVE WITH OUR GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPED IN OUR INSTITUTES!

OUR COUNTRY'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY IS GETTING STRONGER WITH THE DOMESTIC AND NATIONAL PRODUCTS OF TÜBİTAK SAGE.

 

 

• Since 2013, TUBITAK Defence Industry Research and Development Institute (SAGE) has been indigenously and nationally developing two different Air-Air Missiles, namely GÖKDOĞAN Beyond Sight and BOZDOĞAN In-Sight, within the scope of the GÖKTUĞ Project. In 2020, all ground tests were successfully completed and the certification activities of both missiles are continuing at a great pace. In the first months of 2021, on-board certification tests are planned to be carried out.

 

 

 

• Within the scope of the Precision Guided Stand-Off Munition Development Project, the development of the SOM-B2 missile with the Sequential Penetrating Warhead of the SOM Weapon System, one of our first national cruise missiles, was completed and the second firing test was carried out on June 23, 2020. In 2021, the qualification of the SOM-B2 missile will be completed and it will be included in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force.
• The ground tests of the SOM-J missile, which is being developed as a state-of-the-art, modern weapon system compatible with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) internal weapon station, which can be used on F-16 aircraft, have been completed, and testing activities have started with F-16 aircraft. In 2021, firing tests from F-16 aircraft are planned to be carried out.
• The Precision Guidance Kit-82 (HGK-82), which has been developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE since 2012 to provide guidance capability to unguided general purpose bombs, and whose design and certification for F-4 and F-16 platforms have been completed, has entered the inventory of the Air Forces Command. HGK-82, whose first product deliveries were completed by TÜBİTAK SAGE and serial production activities for the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces are ongoing, has eliminated foreign dependency in the need for 500 lb class guidance kits, which are frequently used in the operational environment and whose equivalents can be procured from abroad with special export permits.

TÜBİTAK SAGE, which has successfully completed the design, integration and production of the HGK-82 weapon system, has also carried out the design and production of critical subsystems such as the engine, antenna, thermal battery and pyrotechnic components used in the HGK-82 weapon system with national capabilities in its own infrastructure, and continues the integration activities of the National Global Positioning System (KAŞİF) and the National Inertial Measurement Unit (ATLAS). In the firing carried out on July 10, 2020 within the scope of the HGK-82 National Component Project KAŞİF integration, the HGK-82 ammunition successfully hit with high precision.

THE EVENTS THAT WILL TAKE TURKEY TO THE SPACE LEAGUE TOOK PLACE AT TÜBİTAK SPACE!

 

 

• Our Satellites Successfully Completed Their Tests

 

 

It is aimed to minimize foreign dependency in critical space technologies by sending the subsystems developed in the IMECE Infrastructure Project to space with the IMECE Satellite Project in order to meet the high-resolution imagery needs of our country. Especially with the development of imaging, communication, satellite management equipment (flight computer), electric propulsion, power and orientation determination subsystems with national capabilities, our country will have commercial equipment with high added value that will take place in the domestic and international markets. In the İMECE Satellite Project developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY, Flight Model productions have started. Within the scope of the İMECE Project, activities for equipment qualifications are continuing, and the Thermal Structural Qualification, Electrical Model Integration and RF Antenna Model tests were successfully completed.

In the TÜRKSAT 6A Project, where Turkey's first indigenous communication satellite is being developed, four different models are being produced at the system level. Among these models, the "Thermal Structural Sufficiency Model" and the "Electrical Electronic Satellite Model" have been completed. Starting in 2020, the "Engineering Model" and "Flight Model" production and integration activities continue.

With the launch of the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite into orbit, a significant portion of our country's need in the field of communication satellites will be met for 15 years, and thus our country will be among the 10 countries capable of developing communication satellites. With the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite, services will be provided to a very wide geography with coverage areas in Europe, North Africa and Asia in addition to Turkey.

• First National Satellite Mission Control Center Established

With the National Ground Station Development Project carried out within TÜBİTAK UZAY, Turkey's first satellite mission control center designed and produced with domestic capabilities has been established, and the capability to produce ground station systems in our country has been gained. The Ground Station, which will be used for our İMECE satellite, will be compatible with GÖKTÜRK-1, GÖKTÜRK-2, RASAT satellite and all our new generation earth observation satellites. The 7.3 meter diameter antenna, which was nationalized within the scope of the project, is the largest diameter reflector antenna ever designed and manufactured in Turkey. While the project has enabled domestic companies to develop new capabilities, the country has gained new areas of technology and has gained an advantageous position in economic and strategic terms.

Within the Optical Systems Research Center established by TÜBİTAK UZAY, infrastructures for the development of electro-optical systems in satellite systems and space-qualified precision optical products are established and production is carried out.

• We Follow Agriculture from SPACE

TÜBİTAK UZAY ve GAP BKİ ortaklığında yürütülen GAP Bölgesi’nde Hassas Tarım ve Sürdürülebilir Uygulamalarının Yaygınlaştırılması (HASSAS) Projesi kapsamında uzaktan algılama teknolojileri kullanılarak öncelikle gübre olmak üzere doğru tarımsal girdiyi (su ve ilaç, vb.) tespite dönük hassas tarım çalışmaları yürütülmektedir. Bu çalışmalarla en yüksek maliyetli girdi olan gübre kullanımında %25’e kadar tasarruf sağlandı. Proje kapsamında geliştirilen Hassas Tarım Uygulama Yazılımı ve Çiftçi-Danışman Arayüzü ile ülke kaynaklarının etkin ve verimli kullanımına katkı sağlanmaktadır.

• Ballistic Image Analysis and Recognition System Disseminated.

With the indigenously and nationally developed Ballistic Image Analysis and Recognition System, which compares the bullet casings and cores found at the crime scene with the bullet casings and cores previously obtained and stored in a database to find the casings fired from the same weapon, 18 BALISTICA Systems were developed in 14 provinces for the General Directorate of Security and Gendarmerie General Command in Turkey and 14 BALISTICA Systems were developed in 13 different provinces for the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia.

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM PRODUCES INNOVATIVE AND NATIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR OUR COUNTRY'S NEEDS WITH ITS STUDIES IN THE FIELDS OF INFORMATICS, INFORMATION SECURITY AND ADVANCED ELECTRONICS!

 

 

• Foldable Metal Mine Detector "OZAN" in Turkish Armed Forces

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, savunma alanında geliştirdiği teknolojileriyle Türkiye’nin güçlenmesine öncülük etmeye devam ediyor. Savunma Sanayi Başkanlığı (SSB) ile TÜBİTAK BİLGEM arasında imzalanmış olan “Metal Mayın Dedektörü Tedarik Sözleşmesi” ile 917 adetlik Katlanabilir Metal Mayın Dedektörü-OZAN Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri’ne teslim edildi. TÜBİTAK mühendisleri tarafından %100 milli ve özgün olarak geliştirilen OZAN sistemi performans testlerini başarı ile tamamladı. Askerimizin sınır ötesi ve sınır içi intikal bölgelerinde gerçekleştirdiği mayın ve el yapımı patlayıcı aramasını hızlı, kolay ve yüksek doğrulukta yapılabilmesi için geliştirilen OZAN, hafifliği, boyutu ve görev tamamlama yeteneği ile de TSK’nın sahadaki en önemli yardımcılarından olacaktır. 2020 yılının son çeyreğinde alınan 450 adetlik sipariş ve 2021 yılı ilk çeyreğinde tamamlanacak teslimat ile ilk yurtdışı satışı da gerçekleştirilmiş olacaktır. Ayrıca BİLGEM tarafından geliştirilen Elde Taşınabilir Metal Mayın Dedektörü -3 (ETMTS-3) için de 2020 yılı sonunda 200 adetlik sipariş alınmış olup teslimat ile birlikte ETMTS-3’ün ilk büyük yurtdışı satışı da gerçekleştirilecektir.

 

 

• Domestic and National Real-Time Operating System will be the brain of domestic technology and domestic software in critical areas

The real-time operating system, which we realized with one hundred percent national resources, will be used as the main computer in our national fighter aircraft and as the main software in platforms such as Gökbey. TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and HAVELSAN signed the Real-Time Operating System (GİS) Cooperation Project Framework Agreement.

The Real-Time Operating System, which has been developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM since the concept stage, is a system that executes the desired operation without delay (in real time) and prevents the occurrence of situations such as hangs/non-responsiveness, and is used in various R&D projects by the Turkish Industry in many critical sectors such as Aviation, Space, Automotive, Rail Transportation, Nuclear Power Plants, Medical Electronics, especially Turkish Defense Industry Companies. This cooperation between TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and HAVELSAN is expected to serve the development of many critical technology areas, especially defense and aviation, based on domestic and national software.

• High-power laser studies reach mass production stage

With the High Power Laser System Project, national laser systems and infrastructures that only a few countries in the world have were developed. The infrastructure for R&D, design, realization and testing of High Power Laser Systems was established, and an environment was provided for the testing and evaluation of these systems in a controlled environment. In 2020, the indigenously developed Vehicle Mounted Laser System successfully passed the acceptance tests and was entitled to be accepted into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), becoming Turkey's first national laser system in compliance with military standards. The national mobile laser defense system with national high-power laser sources that can be used in defense and industry was completed as a by-product.

 

 

• Factory Acceptance Tests of Underwater Phones Completed

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, which has developed underwater phones for more than 40 naval platforms and transferred the technology of these systems to the industry, has developed the "New Type Underwater Phone" for our new submarines with an air-independent propulsion system. The "New Type Underwater Phone", whose design and production processes were completed within BİLGEM, entered the inventory of our defense industry as a national and domestic solution.

• The MÜREN Command and Control Project, which started with the Modernization of the Ay Class Submarines, continues with the Preveze Class, Supporting Our Independence in Naval Defense

The foreign-origin Combat Management System (CMS) currently in service on our Ay and Preveze Class Submarines has been replaced by the National Production Integrated Combat Management Systems to be developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM with completely national and domestic resources. In order to increase our independence in our naval defence, we have completed the modernization of the command and control systems of our submarines for the Ay class, and we continue our work for the Preveze class. "Müren Laboratory" was opened by BİLGEM within the Research Center Command (ARMERKOM) under the Naval Forces Command.

• National Ship Degaussing Systems in International Arena

Design work is continuing for the four Ship Magnetic Trace Suppression Systems to be delivered as part of the PAKISTAN National Ship Project. These systems are used as "countermeasures" against mine systems triggered by magnetic traces. Development work is ongoing for the Magnetic Trace Suppression System of the MİLGEM 5th Ship, which is envisaged as a frigate class.

• Turkey's First Artificial Intelligence Supported Signal Intelligence Platform (KAŞİF), which will be used for intelligence purposes in terrorist operations, is about to be completed

The multi-dimensional radio communication signal analysis platform to be developed within the scope of the Kâşif project will provide our country with the most superior capabilities in the field of signal intelligence, paving the way for its use in many new areas related to this subject.

• Blockchain Research Network (BAG) Established

The Blockchain Research Network (BAĞ) platform was established to facilitate and contribute to blockchain studies in Turkey. The service providers of the platform established within the scope of the project and the first nodes of the blockchain test networks were provided by BİLGEM. The BAG platform, whose aim is to facilitate R&D activities on issues related to blockchain technology and to enable researchers who want to conduct R&D to work together, will rapidly increase national know-how by combining the strengths of researchers working in various fields of blockchain and enabling our researcher resources to develop various pilot projects together. On the BAG platform, blockchain test networks, in which organizations such as BİLGEM, universities, THY, HAVELSAN and Turkcell are stakeholders, have been activated. The National Digital Identity Management Infrastructure project is also being developed using BAG system resources. The completion of the project will enable us to be among the countries that have a say in the fields of Blockchain and Digital Identity, which are emerging as candidates to make radical changes in every aspect of our lives, and to increase our competitiveness.

 

 

• We Introduced Light Train and Metro Signalization Technology to Our Country

TÜBİTAK BİLGEM has expanded its national signaling project in land train lines and brought light train and metro signaling technology to our country. The first application was made in the Gayrettepe 3rd Airport metro. TÜBİTAK BİLGEM will continue to support TCDD in its ongoing and new signaling projects in order to achieve the target of "completing the signaling of all railway lines", which is among TCDD's 2023 targets, with a significant domestic contribution.

• Turkish ID Card Made More Functional and Widespread

The following functions have been added to the Next Generation Electronic Identity Card:

• Easy to carry, durable and environmentally friendly (credit card size and 10 years lifetime)
• Secure against counterfeiting, falsification and identity fraud (Visual and electronic security elements)
• Multi-factor authentication (Electronic Certificate, Photo, PIN, Biometrics)
• Role Based Access Mechanism (Authorization based access to data)
• Contactless use (ICAO 9303 Passport application)
• Compliant with international standards (ISO-7816, ISO-14443, ICAO 9303)
• Electronic signature (NES) can be uploaded.

• Big Data and Cloud Computing Work Continues

Open source cloud-based services, big data analytics and machine learning studies are being carried out at B3Lab. Within the scope of the Cloud Computing and Big Data Research Laboratory (B3LAB) project, which is planned to develop completely domestic and national solutions, open source cloud software and big data analytics software are being developed. Our B3LAB prototype data center, which has a capacity of 20,000 cores, has been established and started to provide services to universities and the private sector as a pilot within the scope of R&D studies. The domestic and national storage product sapphire storage was developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and made ready for use by the civilian and private sectors. In cooperation with TurkStat, the TurkStat Big Data Advanced Analytics Project, based on big data and artificial intelligence, was launched to calculate inflation more precisely.

 

 

TÜBİTAK INSTITUTE OF RAIL TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES (RUTE) "BRINGS TECHNOLOGY TO THE RAIL"!

 

 

TÜBİTAK Rail Transportation Technologies Institute made a strong start in 2020 with the goal of achieving technological independence of our country in the Rail Transportation Sector.

• E5000 Type Electric Mainline Locomotive Traction Motor Produced

The prototype National Traction Motor developed together with TÜRASAŞ within the scope of the E5000 Electric Mainline Locomotive Development project successfully passed all tests.
The development of the subsystems of the E5000 Electric Mainline Locomotive, which has been developed nationally by meeting all standards with its subsystems, will be completed in 2021. The locomotives to be produced by TÜRASAŞ will be delivered to TCDD Tasimacilik for freight and passenger transportation services.

• Developed Systems Come to Life in Rail Vehicles

DE11000 diesel electric shunting locomotives, produced by TÜRASAŞ with the technology of TÜBİTAK RUTE and equipped with traction systems tested, have reached 8000 km. DE11000 locomotives have been used by TCDD Tasimacilik A.Ş. with the developed National Traction System for nearly 2 years with trouble-free road experience.

DE10000K and DE6000K diesel electric shunting locomotives, which were produced by TÜRASAŞ with the technology of TÜBİTAK RUTE and equipped with traction systems tested, reached a total of 75000 km. 7 diesel electric shunting locomotives have been actively used by Kardemir A.Ş. for more than 6 months with the developed National Traction System.

TUBU̇TAK MARMARA RESEARCH CENTER (MAM) CONTINUES TO BE A CENTER WHERE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ARE DEVELOPED WITH ITS RESEARCH CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY, RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE!

 

 

In 2020, examples of prominent projects are presented below.

TÜBİTAK MAM Environment and Cleaner Production Institute

• We offer National Solutions while protecting our environment.

The Dissolved Oxygen Sensor, which is used in wastewater treatment plants in our country and was supplied from abroad, was developed domestically with the facilities of TÜBİTAK Institutes. Field studies of the product are continuing successfully, and the licensing and sales process will be initiated following its completion.

• We produce local solutions for a quieter life

Instead of noise barriers supplied from abroad, the first domestic Glass Fiber Reinforced Shell Concrete Noise Barrier System and Glass Fiber Reinforced Foam Concrete Filled Noise Barrier System, which meet all the requirements of the General Technical Specification for Noise Barrier Works, were developed in Turkey.

• We are in the field for wastewater treatment

Özel sektör işbirliği ile kentsel atıksu arıtma tesislerinden çıkan arıtma çamurlarından biyogaz miktarının %20-30 oranında arttırılmasını sağlayan Ultrases Destekli Kavitasyon Sistemi geliştirildi. Sistemin ülkemizdeki ilk saha uygulamasına Erzurum Büyükşehir Belediyesi ERBASAT tesisinde başlandı.

• The MAM Ship is on duty for 220 days in four seasons.

 

 

Within the framework of opening historical shipwrecks known as "Underwater Cultural Heritage" in our country to diving tourism, the first studies were initiated with the capabilities of TÜBİTAK MARMARA Research Ship at the H.M.S. Majestic shipwreck in Çanakkale. A "Diver Tracking System" was developed to ensure the life safety of divers in the region, which will be named "Gallipoli Historical Underwater Park". In addition, a 3D virtual reality model of the shipwreck was prepared, providing both archaeological documentation of the structure and the opportunity for visitors who are not interested in diving to examine the wreck virtually on the water.

TÜBİTAK MAM Energy Institute

• Fuel Cell Power Supply / Fuel Cell Military Bag developed.

In the "Fuel Cell Power Supply" project, an air-breathing and cooled 50W fuel cell system was developed to be used in charging various military and civilian devices such as radios, telephones, etc. and prototyped in an industrial design suitable for the end user.

• The current estimation system for Hydro Electric Power Plants was implemented.

We have successfully commissioned the Flow Forecasting Basin Optimization Model Development and Dissemination (ATHOM) system in the Seyhan basin, which enables users to access all relevant outputs with the web-based monitoring software, to forecast the flow to dams and hydroelectric power plants (HEPPs), to derive daily, monthly and annual operating schedules with the optimization model, and to access all relevant outputs by users, and we have initiated the dissemination project to cover the Euphrates, Tigris, Yeşilırmak, Kızılırmak and Ceyhan basins.

• We continue to expand the wind monitoring and forecasting system (RITM)

We started to improve the Wind Monitoring and Forecasting Center (RITM) system, which covers all wind power plants in our country and monitors and forecasts the electrical energy generated from the wind live, by increasing data sources, further developing and accelerating existing data structures and forecasting algorithms.

• TÜBİTAK-EÜAŞ cooperation in Arslantaş HEPP

We worked with EÜAŞ on the control systems of Arslantaş HEPP, which has an installed capacity of 138 MW, and made the first unit operational until June, when irrigation started in Çukurova, and all units were operational by September.

• First unit of KEBAN HEPP commissioned locally and nationally

Within the scope of our ongoing project at Keban HEPP, the 3rd largest HEPP in our country, we have installed all systems and fully commissioned the first of the 8 units in the scope.

• EÜAŞ-TÜBİTAK take the first step towards developing a domestic hydroelectric turbine

Vertical type Francis turbine, Synchronous Generator, Speed Regulator to increase the efficiency and availability of hydroelectric power plants, Following the successful achievement of the goals and objectives of MİLHES, in which the Warning System and SCADA system (all electromechanical equipment of a HEPP) were indigenized, we initiated the project for the design and commissioning of the systems of 4 units (4×40 MW) at Sarıyar HEPP, which is 4 times the size of Kepez-1 HEPP, and we came closer to the goal of keeping USD 8.2 Billion in the country.

 

 

• National Solar Power Plant project was realized in Urfa Ceylanpınar

We successfully completed the MİLGES project, which aims to create the necessary infrastructure for Turkey to become a country that produces photovoltaic (PV) based solar power plant equipment needs with its own technology and exports them to the world, and successfully commissioned a Solar Power Plant (SPP) with a capacity of 6 MW in Urfa Ceylanpınar TİGEM enterprises.

 

• We opened our National Inverters to the foreign market

We have initiated a project to transfer a different type of the 1 MW central inverter we developed within the scope of MİLGES through technology transfer abroad.

• We took our place in Turkey Photovoltaic Technologies Platform

We took part as a stakeholder in the Turkey Photovoltaic Technologies Platform project launched this year, which will enable us to reach the product range for all power needs by adding the Array Solar Inverter to our Micro Inverter and Central Solar Inverter product portfolio.

• TEİAŞ and TUBITAK solution partnership predicted electricity production with little error

We created detailed models of the protection infrastructure that ensures the protection of the electricity transmission system operated by TEİAŞ against failures and unforeseen situations in an analyzable way, and predicted the electricity generation of unlicensed solar power plants connected to the distribution systems with little error.

TÜBİTAK MAM Food Institute

• We established Turkey Food Innovation Platform (TÜGİP).

Within the scope of the activities of the "Development of Research and Innovation Facilities for Increasing the Regional Competitiveness of the Food Sector Project" financed by the EU and the Republic of Turkey within the scope of the Competitive Sectors Program of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and carried out by TÜBİTAK MAM Food Institute, TÜGİP - Turkey Food Innovation Platform was established. TÜGİP is a technology platform established to bring together all stakeholders, especially SMEs operating in the food sector, to systematically compile problems and produce solutions.

• We Licensed 8 Products Under the Project for the Development of Food Supplements from Echinacea and Sage
• Within the scope of domestic production of food supplements imported to our country, Food Supplements in powder, instant, tablet and capsule forms from Sage and Echinacea plants were developed and products were licensed.

 

 

TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Chemical Technology (KTE)

• We continue to prevent foreign dependency in energetic materials

Completed at the end of 2020, the National Energetic Materials Characterization Center Infrastructure Project brought Turkey's first laboratory with a pilot-scale production infrastructure, where new generation energetic materials used in military munitions and rocket fuels production processes are developed for the Turkish Defense Industry.

• Our submarines will breathe with TÜBİTAK

Indigenous carbon dioxide scavengers were developed for our submarines and made available to the naval forces.

• We both add value to Bor and protect the environment.

We initiated the Trimetic Borate Production project. "Obtaining Water of Dischargeable Quality from Boron Plant Wastewater" Project Completed. Synthesis and production of a ligand used in boron cleaning applications from boron wastewater was realized. Using this ligand (octyl-chloro-saligenin), the amount of boron in boron plant wastewater was reduced below 10ppm through experimental studies.

• We continue to develop medicinal products with high added value from plants grown in our country

"Development of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product" (GBTU) Project Completed and "Development of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product from Hedera helix L. (wall ivy) Plant" Project Launched. Within the scope of the "Development of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products" (GBTU) project, a strong pharmaceutical R&D infrastructure at world standards has been established. With this project, a product was developed from the root of Ruscus Aculeatus (Rabbit's Nozzle) plant used against circulatory system disorders. After the completion of this project, the contract for the project titled "Development of Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product from Hedera helix L. (wall ivy) Plant" supported by a private sector company was signed.

• "Development of New Generation Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Their Use as Thermal Interface Materials" Project Completed.

Thermal conductive polymer nanocomposite production technology was developed and thermal interface material formulation was made. The thermal interface material performances of the developed thermal pad samples were realized in the test system established by ASELSAN SST. Within the scope of the project, thermal interface materials with a thermoplastic matrix containing hexagonal boron nitride with a thermal conductivity of 0.7-1.0 W/m-K were developed.

TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE)

 

 

• Fourth National Antarctic Science Expedition

The Fourth National Antarctic Science Expedition was carried out within the scope of the "Antarctic Scientific Research and Science Base Project", which is carried out under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. With a team of 24 people consisting of 22 Turkish and 2 visiting foreign researchers, fifteen projects were successfully completed on the Antarctic Continent in February - March 2020. In addition, within the scope of bilateral collaborations within the expedition, two researchers visited the bases in Poland and Belgium to carry out project studies.

• Environmental Regulation Published within the Scope of Antarctic Agreements.

Under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the "Regulation on the Implementation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection in Antarctica" was published in the Official Gazette dated June 13, 2020 and entered into force. The regulation, to which TÜBİTAK MAM KARE also contributed by giving its opinion during the preparations, became a building block for Turkey's application for "consultant member country" status within the scope of the Antarctic Treaty.

• We are now a member of the European Polar Board.

The application made by the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute on behalf of our country to the European Polar Board, one of the most important platforms for cooperation in polar research, especially among European countries, was accepted. With this membership, the way for cooperation with European countries on polar research has been further opened.

• Our documentary Antarctica, the Black Box of the Planet is online.

One of the two documentaries filmed during the Fourth National Antarctic Science Expedition, "The Black Box of the Planet: Antarctica", one of the two documentaries shot during the Fourth National Antarctic Science Expedition, was premiered at the Presidential Complex with the participation of officials who had previously taken part in the National Polar Science Expeditions.

• TRT World Antarctica Chronicles are online.

TRT World broadcasted the English-language documentaries shot as part of the Fourth National Antarctic Science Expedition. The Turkish-made documentaries, which aroused great interest, revealed life at the poles and the difficulty of scientific studies.

TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Materials (ME)

• We completed the establishment of the "High Temperature Materials Research, Development and Repair Center of Excellence" and realized "Single Crystal Turbine Blade Production".

With the "High Temperature Materials Research, Development and Repair Center of Excellence" established within the TÜBİTAK MAM Materials Institute, the necessary infrastructure was established for the development and production of superalloy materials used at critical and strategic high temperatures for the space, aviation and energy platforms of our country in advanced material technologies. One of the important outputs of the work carried out at the Center of Excellence was the production of the "TURBINE BLADE WITH SINGLE CRYSTAL COOLING DUCT, the Most Critical Part of the Domestic Helicopter GÖKBEY Turboshaft Engine".

Single Crystal Super Alloy materials, which are coated to create a thermal barrier in addition to cooling channels to enable use at high temperatures and high pressures, are also one of the critical materials for the domestic production of the NATIONAL FIGHTER AIRCRAFT (MMU) engine.

 

 

• We now have a say in superalloy development.

R&D studies were initiated by creating the necessary infrastructure for the production of stainless steel and nickel-based super alloys needed for use in space, aviation and energy platforms. With the infrastructure and know-how acquired, production was started by obtaining the required alloys by primary melting method, transforming them into aviation quality stainless steel and nickel-based super alloys by secondary melting method and improving the mechanical properties of these alloys with secondary processes. The necessary equipment for the testing, characterization and verification of all kinds of high-temperature critical metallic materials produced and studied have been brought to our institution and are used intensively.

• MAM imprint on space-qualified solar panels.

Prototypes were successfully developed within the scope of the Space Qualified Solar Panel Development Project. Within the scope of the İMECE Satellite Project, space-qualified solar panel prototype, thermal-structural qualification model, qualification model production and tests were successfully carried out in accordance with international standards within the TÜBİTAK MAM Materials Institute Photovoltaic Technologies Center. Currently, the domestic solar panel flight model production continues and is planned to be delivered in May 2021.

TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Earth and Marine Sciences

• We have completed the Modernization of the Country Elevation System.

Started in 2016 under the coordination of the Directorate General of Mapping (DGMM), the Modernization of Turkey's Elevation System and Improvement of Gravity Infrastructure Project was successfully completed. In the project, which was carried out in cooperation with five public institutions and organizations (DGMM, TÜBİTAK MAM, TÜBİTAK UME, MTA, TPAO), the country's elevation system, which is currently almost unable to meet the needs, was modernized in the light of scientific and technological developments and with new approaches. In this way, an infrastructure that can be used in other fields of earth sciences such as geophysics, geology, mining and petroleum exploration was created with the local gravity data collected throughout the country.

• We are in the regions with our post-earthquake observation stations

The aftershock studies for the September 20, 2020 Niğde-Bor earthquake and the October 30, 2020 Aegean Sea-Izmir earthquake were successfully carried out within the scope of the Major Earthquake Aftershock Emergency Observation Surveys, with the TÜBİTAK MAM Earth and Marine Sciences Institute team arriving in the region in a short period of 18 hours and setting up online earthquake observation stations, and important data on the fracture system that caused the earthquake, which may be repeated in a long time, were recorded before the aftershock activity ended.

 

 

• We are closely monitoring the Thrace Basin

Within the scope of the Monitoring of Shale Gas Drilling Activities in the Thrace Basin Projects, the possible seismic activity that may be caused by the drilling activities involving hydraulic fracturing carried out by MARSA and CORPORATE companies were monitored during the study period upon the request of the companies. As a result of the 3-year-long projects within this scope, it was observed that the activities in this period did not cause any seismic activity and shared with the project partners. It is very important to monitor this type of hydraulic fracturing drilling in Turkey as well as in the world as long as the work continues.

• Thanks to the Carbon14 Age Determination analysis performed at the TÜBİTAK MAM Earth and Marine Sciences AMS Laboratory, our cultural assets and historical artifacts were prevented from going abroad. More than 600 Carbon14 age determinations for archaeology and earth sciences, which form the basis of many news articles such as "Göbeklitepe: Zero Point of History", "Karahantepe excitement after Göbeklitepe", "The oldest person in Western Anatolia lived in Bilecik", which are important archaeological discoveries of recent years, were made in the press.

TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Gene Engineering and Biotechnology

 

 

• Together we fight against COVID 19, together we will win

Under the auspices of our Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of the TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Gene Engineering and Biotechnology, the outstanding achievements of our researchers mobilized in 17 projects within the scope of treatment-oriented drug development projects and vaccine development projects for immunization under the COVID-19 Turkey Platform continue. The platform includes 3 drug molecular modeling projects, 2 domestic synthetic drug synthesis and production projects, 2 convalescent plasma, 3 recombinant neutralizing antibodies and 8 vaccine candidates.

 

 

• We continue to develop antibodies

Within the scope of the Development of Neutralizing Antibodies Against COVID-19 Project, we carried out humanization studies of candidate neutralizing antibodies. The antibodies to be produced will constitute raw material for Covid-19 ELISA and rapid diagnosis kits.

• We carry out genetic studies to preserve the unique tastes of our country

Development and Pilot Scale Production of Yogurt and Cheese Cultures Specific to Our Country Project; We carried out whole gene sequencing studies in order to show that our local yogurt and cheese starter cultures obtained from different regions of Turkey are different from imported commercial culture bacteria and to define their important technological properties. In this context, we have revealed genetic diversity by performing whole gene sequencing of 250 cultures using next generation sequencing technology.

• Synthesis of Compounds and Unique Natural Molecule Analogs to be Identified from Molecule Libraries with Hybrid Virtual Screening Methods, Investigation of Their Efficacy Against COVID-19 in Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Viral Effects Project: The main objective of this project is to investigate in silico the activities of large molecule libraries containing thousands of existing synthesized molecules against SARS-CoV-2 target protein structures (Main Protease, Spike/ACE2, TMPRSS2, etc.). In this study, databases containing hundreds of thousands of small molecules will be prepared and screened for SARS-CoV-2 target structures. As a result of the screening, the neutralization efficiency of the molecules to be identified will be tested in vitro and in vivo in animal models.
• Building a 3D Lung Cancer Model for Drug Screening

The 3D cell culture system targeted in the project has been developed. It will be possible to test possible drug candidates that may be effective in cancer treatment on this system, and 2 of the 6 new candidates tested in the study were found to be effective.

• Identifying New Therapeutic Agents in Lung Cancer

In order to develop an antibody array-based diagnostic system, 19 different peptides specific to lung cancer were detected on the cell surface. To be used for therapeutic purposes, 5 peptides that can penetrate into cancer cells were identified.

• Developing a Genetically Modified Warrior T Cell-Based Treatment System

The genetics of T cells, which are immune system cells, will be changed to make them sensitive to cancerous cells and conditioned to destroy cancerous cells.Development of Targeted Molecules Suitable for the Use of Photodynamic Therapy for Both Diagnosis and Treatment of Tumors" Project: Two conjugated molecules suitable for use in photodynamic therapy treatment were produced.

• Developing a High-Speed Test Kit for E.Coli Detection.

"E.coli Strip Test System", one of the kits needed for the analysis of some dangerous pathogens in drinking water, has been developed. With the analysis result in minutes, up to 10 bacteria can be detected and diagnosed with high sensitivity.

• We are establishing Turkey Vaccine and Drug Production Center

Medikal Biyoteknoloji Mükemmeliyet Merkezi Alt Yapı Projesi – MediBiyo projesinin %90’lık kısmı tamamlandı. Kurulacak bu altyapının, şu anda Türkiye’de aşı ve ilaç aday moleküllerinin GMP standartları üretiminde kullanılması planlanıyor.

• We study the living material of Antarctica

First Identifications of Antarctic Environmental Samples, The first identifications and examinations of the living material obtained from soil and water samples brought to the country in 2019 were completed with the support of KARE.

• Domestic Immunoaffinity Column (Food Analysis Kit) Developed.

Within the scope of this project, a kit (Immuno affinity column) used in mycotoxin analysis in foods was developed. The patented molecule that qualifies the product was registered in Europe, Eurasia and Turkey.

WITH TÜBİTAK UME, ALL MEASUREMENTS MADE IN OUR COUNTRY ARE SECURED!

 

 

• TÜBİTAK UME Produces Domestic and National Atomic Clock for Positioning Satellites. TÜBİTAK National Metrology Institute (UME) has succeeded in producing the first national and domestic Rubidium-based atomic clock as a result of the studies initiated for the production of laboratory-type atomic clocks for use in positioning satellites with its own means in accordance with TÜBİTAK's understanding of producing pioneering, national and domestic alternatives in every field.
• New Era Begins in COVID-19 Diagnostic Kits. TÜBİTAK UME has produced RNA-based reference materials to improve the measurement quality of PCR tests used in COVID-19 diagnosis in Turkey. These new reference materials will increase the accuracy of PCR tests and will also be used in the internal quality control of PCR kits.

TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM, THE ONLY CENTER IN OUR COUNTRY THAT CONNECTS ALL ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN TURKEY TO EACH OTHER AND THEN TO GLOBAL RESEARCH NETWORKS, OFFERED HIGH INTERNET CAPACITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC!

 

 

• High Internet Capacity Increases Provided to Universities

Üniversitelerin uzaktan eğitim sürecine geçişi sebebiyle artan kapasite ihtiyaçlarını karşılayabilmek için gerekli önlemler alınmış ve hız artışı talepleri ivedi olarak karşılanmıştır. Bu artışlar sonrasında ULAKNET Ankara-İstanbul-İzmir üçgenindeki omurga devrelerinin toplam kapasitesi 140Gbps (60Gbps, 40Gbps, 40Gbps) kapasiteye ulaşmıştır. Benzer şekilde sadece Ankara’dan temin edilen küresel Internet bağlantısı, biri Ankara’dan diğeri İstanbul’dan olmak üzere iki ayrı bağlantıya dönüştürülmüş ve toplam kapasite 140Gbps’ye çıkarılmıştır. Üniversitelerin artan kapasite ihtiyaçlarını karşılayabilmek için yeni MetroEthernet toplama portları aktif edilmiş, Ankara’da ilk kez 100Gbps kapasiteli port kurulumu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu kapsamda son bir yılda yapılan kapasite artışları geçen yıla göre yaklaşık olarak %130 seviyelerine gelmiştir.

• Universities Allocated Resources from Cloud Infrastructure for Distance Education

Expansion and improvement works were carried out in the Distance Education Infrastructure provided to universities through cloud services, and the infrastructure resources requested by the universities within the scope of the distance education service they will provide were allocated. In this context, resources were allocated to the Distance Education Project offered by Sakarya University to 15 newly established universities, the YÖK Virtual Lab Project and 12 different universities through cloud services.

A video conference system was installed to meet the needs of our institution and universities.

• EOSC (European Open Science Cloud) Membership Accepted

EOSC (European Open Science Cloud) aims to establish an interoperable, secure and federated infrastructure for different disciplines that enables the sharing, protection and reuse of research data produced and used in scientific studies. In order for the research communities and research infrastructures in our country to be included in this unique European-wide structure, to benefit from it and to participate in competitive projects, becoming a member of the EOSC was considered as an important parameter and TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM applied for EOSC membership. Our membership was approved in December 2020.

• Web-Based User Interface Service Launched for Researchers

Our OpenOnDemand server, a pioneering web-based user interface application in TRUBA (Turkish National Science e-Infrastructure), was put into service for our researchers. Necessary work has been carried out to ensure that our new data center to be established includes the most advanced technology.

• Pardus, Our National Operating System, Became Widespread

In 2020, Pardus versions 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 and 19.4-1 were released. New applications and arrangements were made to facilitate end-user and corporate use. The development of Pardus ETA version for smart boards used in schools continued in coordination with the Ministry of National Education, and the number of Pardus users reached nearly 80 thousand. Work on Pardus conversion and installations continued in institutions such as the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Strategy and Budget Directorate, Presidency of Religious Affairs, BTK, ISKI, AFAD, and the Ministry of Health. The boxing of the Octopus Integrated Cyber Security System was completed and its successful use began. Endpoint security system and NAC modules were also completed. Engerek Identity Management System was installed in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, where it has been successfully providing service for years, as well as in the Presidency of the Presidency of Strategy and Budget.

Pardus is now in widespread use in TÜBİTAK units. By 2021, all units of TÜBİTAK will have switched to the Pardus system.

 

 

• DergiPark Breaks User Record During Pandemic

TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM çatısı altında hizmet veren DergiPark’ın günlük ziyaretçi sayısı 150 bini aştı. 2020 yılında 215 milyondan fazla akademik içeriğe erişim sağlayan  DergiPark’ın Google gibi arama motorlarında ilk sıralarda gelmesi dünyanın birçok bölgesinden ziyaret edilme sıklığını artırıyor. İçeriğin %87’sine Türkiye’den erişilirken, %13’üne ise sırasıyla ABD, Almanya, Hindistan, Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti, Birleşik Krallık, Endonezya, Azerbaycan ve Çin‘den erişilmektedir. Türkiye’den erişime baktığımızda 3 büyük şehrimizi Adana, Bursa, Konya, Antalya, Diyarbakır ve Gaziantep izlemektedir.

In the distance education environment implemented under pandemic conditions, the group under the age of 25 had the highest increase in access to DergiPark with 1.3 million new users. The number of instant users reached 13 thousand. DergiPark, one of the important content providers of our country, ranks high among the data providers to the European Union Open Access Platform OpenAIRE and many other platforms. According to December 2020 data, there are 2,016 journals, 489,507 scientific articles and 351,329 registered users.

• Impact Factor of TÜBİTAK Academic Journals Continues to Increase

In recent years, the visibility of TÜBİTAK academic journals in important worldwide search sources has been increasing. After the Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences entered PubMed, which is widely used in the field of health and life sciences all over the world, the Turkish Journal of Biology started to be scanned in PubMed this year. Following this, Turkish Journal of Chemistry became the third journal among the academic journals published by TÜBİTAK to enter the PubMed database.

• TR Index Improves the Quality of National Publications, Measures Citation and Impact

TR Index, which provides access to national scientific journals in the field of Science and Social Sciences to ensure that they are published at international standards and to increase their scientific quality, and to access these publications and project result reports supported by TÜBİTAK, continues to measure the citation and impact of publications and projects and to provide analysis. Serving as Turkey's first and only institutional and audited index, TR Index produces reports on the performance of authors, journals and institutions, as well as collaborations and competency analysis.

• We continued our support for Open Science and National Open Archives.

Harman is a software that archives and stores the contents of open archives in a digital environment, accesses the content at the address where it is located, and collates metadata of the content in international standards. In 2016, 60 open archives were included in Harman, while in 2020, open archive content and metadata of 133 institutions were included in Harman with 1,626,466 records.

In 2020, the open archives of universities such as Hacettepe and METU, which have large content and number of records, joined Harman. Data continued to be provided from Harman to the university open archive system created at YÖK.

The number of publications in our Aperta database increased from 8311 in 2019 to 48657 at the end of 2020. In addition to publications, the first research data started to be uploaded in mid-2020.

• The National Bulk Catalog continues to renew its traditional usage records

The National Collective Catalog (TO-KAT), the most widespread and comprehensive collective catalog of Turkey's libraries, continued to break records in 2020 with the number of member libraries and branches, the number of total and unique records, and the number of annual scans. The 2020 data was realized as follows:

• 203 Libraries, 567 Branch Libraries
• ~12.9 million unique records
• ~29.9 million total records
• ~5.6 million scans
• ~69 thousand MARC record downloads

WITH TÜBİTAK TURKEY INDUSTRY DISPATCH AND MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (TÜSSİDE), WE SIGNED IMPORTANT WORK ON NATIONAL PRIORITIES.

• Turkey Open Source Platform Created.

The Open Source Platform initiative was launched with stakeholders from public and private sector companies, non-governmental organizations, universities, educational institutions and communities to transform and rapidly develop our country's software ecosystem. In this direction, studies have been initiated to reduce foreign dependency, increase financial savings and eliminate possible cyber security problems by developing domestic open source solutions. These efforts aim to create an open source software ecosystem in Turkey, increase the number of software developers and develop exportable software products. In this context, the number of stakeholders participating in the work has increased to 95, while the number of founding members has increased to 17 and the number of sponsoring members to 5. Within the scope of Turkey Open Source Platform activities, Turkish Natural Language Processing (NLP), Pardus Dissemination, PostgreSQL and Mobility projects were launched. In addition, the development of a Data Labeling tool and a Digital Badge platform was initiated. In 2021, it is aimed to launch projects focusing on the development of open source tools. As another area of the platform, work on the establishment of 2 software schools with a capacity of 2250 students continues in Bilişim Vadisi and Vadi İstanbul.

• National Strategies on Priority Technologies Developed

We identified national strategies, roadmaps and critical projects for the focus areas included in the "2023 Industry and Technology Strategy" document for the realization of the National Technology Move. In this context, the development of strategies on "National Artificial Intelligence", "Mobility Vehicles and Technologies", "5G and Advanced Connectivity Technologies", "Smart Life and Health", "Digital Transformation in Finance and Trade" and "Digital Transformation in Industry" were carried out together with all ecosystem stakeholders.

AN INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRING SERIES OF ONLINE SEMINARS WAS ORGANIZED IN 2020 WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF SCIENTISTS FROM THE WORLD'S LEADING UNIVERSITIES IN THE FIELD OF BASIC SCIENCE

 

 

In order to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific studies and science-based processes, TBAE organized an internationally inspiring Online Seminar Series with the participation of scientists from the world's leading universities, especially Harvard, Cornell, MIT, Stanford universities. In this context, 16 seminars were organized on advanced topics in basic science and interdisciplinary fields.

Considering the high quality content of these seminars, the speeches were broadcast live on all of TÜBİTAK's social media platforms. While 200-350 people watched these speeches live, the total number of views of the videos exceeded 150,000.

BUTAL, WHICH RESEARCHES, DEVELOPS AND DEVELOPS OUR COUNTRY'S TEST / ANALYSIS AND INSPECTION METHODS AND OFFERS THEM TO THE SERVICE OF ITS CUSTOMERS WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVICES, WAS AWARDED THE BURSA EFQM EXCELLENCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN 2020!

TÜBİTAK Bursa Test and Analysis Laboratory (BUTAL) continues to support the private sector, public institutions and universities with more than 300 methods with international accreditation in its field by contributing to the increase and sustainability of the scientific and technological competitiveness of our country through testing/analysis, inspection and training. By increasing the variety of test/analysis services, it contributes to reducing the number of samples and test analyzes that have to be sent abroad.

In addition to scientific activities, TÜBİTAK BUTAL organized workshops for families and children, technical trips for students and on-line trainings for public and private sector employees in 2020. In addition to its existing quality infrastructure, it also implemented the Zero Waste Management system and was crowned with the EFQM Bursa Excellence Achievement Award.

AS TÜBİTAK, WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH AND BE A PIONEER IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN 2021!

In 2020, despite the pandemic and the resulting economic difficulties, our budget was more than doubled as an indicator of the importance our country attaches to science and technology and the trust in TÜBİTAK.

As an innovative, guiding, participatory and sharing institution in the fields of science and technology that serves to improve the quality of life of our society and the sustainable development of our country, we declare that we will continue to support academic and industrial research and development activities and innovations, to develop research and technology in line with national priorities, to raise awareness in all segments of society, to support and encourage academic activities with scholarships and awards, and to work with all our strength to increase the competitiveness of our country.

With these feelings, we wish that 2021 will bring success, happiness, peace and prosperity for all of us, especially health.