Institution

TURKEY

Contact person:
Mr. Fatih Mehment Sahin
Tel: +90-312-4275039
Fax: +90-312-427 74 83
e-mail: Fatih.Sahin@tubitak.gov.tr

Description of the institution

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBÝTAK) is the leading agency for management, funding and conduct of research in Turkey. The Council is an autonomous institution and is governed by a Scientific Board whose members are selected from prominent scholars. TÜBÝTAK is responsible for promoting, developing, organising, conducting and coordinating research and development in line with national targets and priorities.

TÜBÝTAK reports directly to the Prime Minister and acts as an advisory agency to the Turkish Government on science and research issues. It supports innovation, academic and industrial R&D studies, develops scientific and technological policies and manages R&D institutes, carrying on research, technology and development studies. Furthermore, TÜBÝTAK funds research projects carried out in universities and other public and private organisations, conducts research on strategic areas, develops support programs for public and private sectors, publishes scientific journals, popular science magazines and books, organizes science and society activities and supports undergraduate and graduate students through scholarships.

General Science and Technology policy issues

The highest level decision makers on the science and research policy making are the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Council of Ministers, State Planning Organisation (DPT), Supreme Council of Science and Technology (BTYK) and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK).
DPT is responsible for providing consultation for the government in the determination of the economic, social and cultural policies and targets including science and research.

The Supreme Council for Science and Technology (SCST) headed by the Prime Minister is the highest body for designing the Turkish science policy.

The Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) is a scientific platform as a basis for communication and debate on public issues and to contribute to the development of national policies based on scientific principles.

The Turkish Technology Development Foundation (TTGV) is the most important NGO in the S&T sector. It works for the mission of supporting the development of technological innovation capacity of Turkish industry.

The main actors in financing research and development activity are the Ministry of Finance, the Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade, TÜBITAK, TTGV and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.