Boğaziçi University

Boğaziçi University (BOUN, Türkiye) is one of the country's leading research universities, recognized for its strong academic profile, advanced research infrastructure, and commitment to innovation. Ranked among the world's leading universities in Engineering and Technology, BOUN hosts numerous research centers and laboratories and maintains a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment. The university has particular strengths in biomedical engineering, neurotechnology, life sciences, and translational research, supported by its Technology Transfer Office (BOUN-TTO), which facilitates national and international research collaborations, innovation, and knowledge transfer. BOUN is also an active member of the European University of Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU) alliance, reflecting its strategic commitment to advancing research and education in brain sciences and neurotechnology.

This project aligns closely with BOUN’s research and educational mission by addressing the growing need for professionals capable of developing neurotechnological solutions to challenges affecting human health and functioning. The project aims to establish a sustainable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) platform for engineering students and early-career engineers, laying the foundation for the proposed BOUN R&D School (BÜ ArGe Okulu). By bringing together academic expertise, sectoral needs, and emerging developments in neurotechnology, the platform will support workforce development, promote awareness of neurotechnology-related challenges and solutions, and contribute to strengthening national capacity in this strategic field. The following section presents the BOUN team and the partner institutions, collaborators, and consultants contributing to the project.

BOUN Team:

Prof. Dr. Yasemin Bayyurt – Project Coordinator, BOUN/Lleida University

Prof. Dr. Esin Öztürk Işık – Project Co-coordinator, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, BOUN

Prof. Dr. Can Yücesoy – Researcher, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, BOUN; NeurotechEU PI

Prof. Dr. Gülcan Erçetin – Researcher, Department of Foreign Language Education, BOUN

Assoc. Prof. Senem Yıldız - Researcher, Department of Foreign Language Education, BOUN

Assoc. Prof. Şebnem Yalçın - Researcher, Department of Foreign Language Education, BOUN

Res. Assist. Dr. Sezen Bektaş Yüksel - Researcher, Department of Foreign Language Education, BOUN

Boğaziçi University Lifelong Learning Center (BÜYEM)

Director Dr. Tamer Atabarut and Executive Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Necati Aras will collaborate in transferring the scientific knowledge developed in this project into lifelong learning programs during the planning, creation, and course design phases of BÜYEM and the BU R&D School.

Kadir Has University – Computer Engineering Department

Prof. Dr. Feza Kerestecioğlu will contribute to the development of the online education platform and the design of its educational content, particularly in relation to engineering-focused training modules and professional development courses. Drawing on her experience in CPD-focused Erasmus+ projects (e.g., ENRICH and related initiatives), a similar platform model will be adapted and further developed for the BÜ R&D School, ensuring an accessible, sustainable, and scalable learning environment for the project's target groups.

Maltepe University

Dr. Gökçe Güvercin Seçkin will support the project as an adult education expert, particularly in training trainers throughout different phases of the project.

ASPİLSAN Enerji A.Ş.

Established in 1981, ASPİLSAN produces batteries for various civil and military applications. Dr. Özlem Köylü Alkan will contribute to developing content for testing, verification, scaling, and R&D analysis processes within the project.

Karel Kalıp Sanayi A.Ş.

Operating since 1994, the company provides mold production and engineering services. Dr. Alper Sarıkan will contribute to content development regarding production processes within the BU R&D School.

Interact-Technologies

The company develops innovative solutions in robotics and AI, especially in physical rehabilitation technologies. Prof. Dr. Volkan Patoğlu will contribute to biomedical device development content.

Glakolens

Founded based on research at Boğaziçi University, the company developed a non-invasive biosensor for monitoring intraocular pressure. Prof. Dr. Arda Yalçınkaya will contribute to biomedical sensor-related content in this project.

Inovita

Inovita and ISEK aim to transform life sciences research into economic value through university-industry collaboration. Activities include pilot production facilities, accredited testing labs, sector analyses, and innovation programs. Seda Şenol, Ahmet Turan Talaş, and Selin Arslanhan will contribute by supporting sector collaborations and identifying training needs.