Prof. Dr. Sertaç Öztürk Honored with the Prof. Dr. Engin Arık Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Sertaç Öztürk, a faculty member in the Department of Basic Sciences at İstinye University, was honored with the Prof. Dr. Engin Arık Scientist Award, presented by the Turkish Physical Society, in recognition of his scientific studies, contributions to science communication, and efforts to support the development of young researchers.

The Prof. Dr. Engin Arık Scientist Award presented by the Turkish Physical Society (TPS) is regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in Türkiye’s physics community. The award has been presented since 2008 to preserve the memory of high-energy physicist Prof. Dr. Engin Arık, who lost her life in the tragic plane crash in Isparta in 2007.

Prof. Dr. Engin Arık is recognized as a prominent scientist known for her efforts toward Türkiye’s full membership in CERN and for her visionary academic research advocating the use of thorium reserves in nuclear energy production. The award primarily aims to preserve the vision she brought to Turkish physics and scientific development, while encouraging researchers who conduct outstanding scientific work in this field.

Honored for His Scientific Productivity and Contributions to Science Communication

Prof. Dr. Sertaç Öztürk, a faculty member in the Department of Basic Sciences at İstinye University, received the Turkish Physical Society Prof. Dr. Engin Arık Scientist Award in recognition of his high-quality and diverse scientific studies with broad impact, his open and collaborative approach, his science communication activities for wider audiences, and his contributions to the development of young scientists.

Considered one of Türkiye’s most prestigious awards in physics, the honor recognizes not only scientific productivity but also researchers’ contributions to scientific collaboration, public-facing science communication, and the development of the next generation of scientists.

Commenting on the award, Prof. Dr. Sertaç Öztürk stated that it represents far more than a milestone in his career. He emphasized that carrying forward the legacy of an emblematic scientist such as Engin Arık who devoted herself to advancing accelerator physics and particle detector research in Türkiye is an invaluable source of moral motivation and responsibility for any scientist.

Prof. Dr. Sertaç Öztürk’s receipt of this distinguished award stands as an important reflection of İstinye University’s high-quality research in the basic sciences and its vision of producing science at an international level.