Leading figures from the scientific community gathered at the “Creative Thinking, Innovation, and Education Panel,” organized in collaboration between Yıldız Technical University and the Orhun Education and Research Foundation. Ergun Kırlıkovalı, the inventor of polymer technologies, and international education expert Prof. Dr. Murat Taş were presented with the Orhun Foundation 2026 Science and Service Award.

Hosted by Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ), the “Creative Thinking, Innovation, and Education Panel” and the “Orhun Foundation 2026 Award Ceremony” were held on April 22, 2026, at the Otağ-ı Hümayun in the Davutpaşa Campus. Organized with the aim of fostering the creation of knowledge, transforming it into social benefit, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the event brought together the academic community and students. 

Ergun Kırlıkovalı, the inventor of the radar-invisible (stealth) polymer technology used in American B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets, who attended the event, spoke on “The Golden Triad: Creativity, Innovation, Entrepreneurship”; and Prof. Dr. Murat Taş, a faculty member at San Antonio College in the U.S. and President of the San Antonio Turkish-American Association, shared his experiences in international education and diaspora studies with the participants through his speech titled “Strategic Steps for the Turkish-American Community.”

“A person exists through knowing and doing within their inner world”

Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector for Education and Teaching at YTÜ, who delivered the opening address, noted that innovation and creativity are inherent in human nature, stating, “A person is defined by two things within their inner world: knowing and doing.” Highlighting the foundational role of the harmony between knowledge and action in human self-realization, Karakaya remarked, “In a new world shaped by artificial intelligence, time has accelerated; we must keep pace with time while remaining human.”

“Reaching scientific knowledge while preserving our values and essence is our true need”

Prof. Dr. Ramazan Korkmaz, President of the Orhun Education and Research Foundation, touched upon the historical foundations and cultural reflections of academic cooperation in the Turkic world, stating, “As depicted in the Orhun inscriptions, we must be ourselves without trying to be like others.” Emphasizing that nations weaken when they sever ties with their roots, Korkmaz stated, “Reaching scientific knowledge without losing our identity, by preserving our essence and integrating with our foundational values, is what we truly need.” 

"Added value begins with creativity and takes shape through innovation"

Ergun Kırlıkovalı, known for the advanced polymer technologies he developed for the U.S. defense industry, noted that a disciplined innovation process is essential on the path to success, stating, “Success is a journey, not a destination. There is no prosperity without added value.” Sharing advice distilled from his 50 years of engineering and entrepreneurship experience with the young attendees, Kırlıkovalı said, “The future is now at the threshold of the present; it begins with creating added value, takes shape through innovation, and is crowned by entrepreneurship.”

 Students’ questions were answered

Following his speech, Ergun Kırlıkovalı answered students’ questions. In response to a query about whether systematic note-taking during the innovation process leads to perfectionism and slows down progress, he emphasized the vital importance of documenting knowledge in writing. Kırlıkovalı remarked, “A two-second note jotted down in a lab notebook can save you weeks of wasted effort.” Highlighting the need to maintain traditional recording methods in a digitalizing world, the successful scientist reinforced the universality of his 10-step innovation model by saying, “This system applies not only to engineering or chemistry, but also to law, art, and agriculture.”

"Being Turkish is a privilege to be proud of on the international stage"

Prof. Dr. Murat Taş, who stands out for his work in international education and strategic management, focused on the social power of diaspora activities, stating, “The Turkish community in America has the potential to be very successful, but we must come together to utilize this potential more effectively.” Taş emphasized that young people planning careers and education abroad must maintain strong ties to their own culture, stating, “We have a wonderful culture; we should not be ashamed of our identity, but rather proudly represent it as a privilege.”

Science and Service Awards Find Their Recipients

Following the speeches, the award ceremony—organized to highlight scientific output and social contributions—began. Prof. Dr. Ramazan Korkmaz, President of the Orhun Education and Research Foundation, and Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector of YTÜ, presented the Orhun Foundation 2026 Science and Service Award to Ergun Kırlıkovalı and Prof. Dr. Murat Taş in recognition of their work in the fields of innovation and education.

 The panel, which brought together science, innovation, and strategic thinking, concluded with a group photo taken to commemorate the day following the award presentation.