A University-Industry Cooperation Protocol regarding the admission of graduate students based on R&D projects was signed between Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ) and İnform Elektronik San. ve Tic. A.Ş. 

Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ), which brings together R&D activities and graduate education through university-industry collaboration, has taken another practical step forward. A University-Industry Cooperation Protocol regarding R&D Project-Based Graduate Student Admissions was signed between Inform Elektronik San. ve Tic. A.Ş. and YTÜ. 

The protocol was signed by YTÜ Vice Rector for Education and Teaching Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya and Inform Electronics Ind. and Trade Inc. R&D Director Fevzi Zengin, with the participation of YTÜ Institute of Natural Sciences Director Prof. Dr. Selçuk Çebi.

The model, to be implemented within YTÜ’s Institute of Natural Sciences, aims to transform companies’ R&D projects into academic research and graduate thesis projects.

R&D Projects Will Be Converted into Graduate Theses

Under the “R&D Project-Based Graduate Student Admission” model, prepared by the YTÜ Institute of Natural Sciences and approved by the YTÜ Senate, employees of R&D companies will be able to transform the projects they are working on into master’s or doctoral thesis projects. Companies will be able to submit applications for up to three employees per academic year across their master’s and doctoral programs combined.

Following the company’s submission of the designated R&D topic and the application for the candidate employee, the suitability of the project for a graduate thesis will be evaluated by the relevant department and the Institute’s Administrative Board. If candidates who meet YTÜ’s graduate application and admission requirements are accepted into the program, a thesis advisor will be assigned to the student in the first semester. The R&D project will be carried out in conjunction with the graduate education process under the guidance of the advisor.

R&D efforts will be strengthened through academic advising and grant support

Under this model, companies’ technical and scientific problems can be transformed into academic research under the guidance of YTÜ faculty members. If deemed necessary, a second thesis advisor may also be assigned to the project.

During the thesis phase, the R&D project is expected to be transferred to the TÜBİTAK 1505 University-Industry Cooperation Support Program or similar grant programs. The goal is to strengthen the academic quality of companies’ R&D projects, connect graduate theses with national funding, and transform research outputs into technology and products.

A joint research model for the company, the employee, and YTÜ

R&D Project-Based Graduate Student Admission enables a company employee to work on a real R&D problem in their own sector while pursuing graduate-level education. While companies address their technical challenges using YTÜ’s academic knowledge and research capacity, students are able to relate their academic work to the industry’s real-world needs.

The model aims to contribute to the development of qualified R&D human resources, the enhancement of companies’ project development capabilities, and the strengthening of research collaborations between the university and industry. Any intellectual and industrial property rights that may arise within the scope of the project will be regulated through separate agreements to be concluded in accordance with the contributions of the parties.