Candidates announced for the Turkey Chapter Chair elections
Dear members of the MCAA Turkey Chapter,
As you know, your chapter is running elections for the Chair position.
Please find below the eligible candidates in alphabetical order:
- Sara Banu Akkaş
- Sureyya Akyuz
- Tuğçe Katipoğlu-Yazan
- Younes Rezaee Danesh
You can read about each candidate's manifesto below.
What happens next?
The election poll will open for voting on 1st August at 00:01 CEST, and remain open until the 4th of August 2024 at 23:59 CEST. During this time, candidates are asked to refrain from campaigning.
Information about voting will be emailed to members and published on the Chapter page.
Candidates’ manifestos
- Sara Banu Akkaş
After my 8-year research career in biology, I have been a research manager at METU and its Technopolis, Ankara, Türkiye since 2008. I support researchers trying to receive EU funding for their dream projects. I also have been a researcher in 2 FP6 and 2 FP7 projects, and coordinator of 2 H2020 Researchers’ Night and 1 Horizon Europe COFUND (on-going) project. After becoming a member of MCAA in September 2023, I became the vice-chair of the Turkey Chapter. As vice-chair, I have organized 2 trainings, the second of which was exceptionally innovative and successful for our chapter. In this training, as the MCAA Turkey Chapter we not only collaborated with the MCAA Board and MCAA Bridging Science and Business WG, but also received significant support – including financial – from TÜBİTAK, METU and İTÜ. This 2-day hybrid event, entitled “MCAA MSCA PF Training and Evaluation Session & How to use AI in Research?”, which took place on May 30, 2024 in Ankara and May 31, 2024 in İstanbul, gathered nearly 100 researchers, research managers, and representatives from esteemed institutions around Türkiye. Moreover, the speakers were not only from the supporting institutions but also from Bilkent University (Ankara), DEÜ (Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir), İYTE (İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir), YTÜ (Yıldız Technical University, İstanbul), and University of Göttingen, Germany. We listened to presentations on the MSCA PF program, as well as the EURAXESS Initiative. We held panel discussions with not only MSCA PF fellows but also MSCA PF evaluators. We also organized mini-reviews by MSCA PF evaluators to researchers sending their 2-page summaries of their MSCA-PF-2024 proposals. The cascade effects of this training are still continuing.
If elected as Turkey Chapter Chair, my vision is to create opportunities to get together, as to be stronger together we need to get together! My first strategy will be to continue organizing innovative events as the one described above. The strategy of joining an info day on MSCA programs with a complementary skill (such as AI in research in the event described above) will be continued. My second strategy will be to co-develop events with the MCAA Turkey Chapter Members. Since the profile of the MCAA Turkey Chapter corresponds to more senior researchers, the needs of whom can vary from early-stage researchers, co-development is crucial in order to determine the variety of needs. Lastly, the spirit of collaboration – as depicted strongly in the event described above – will be continued.
I hope to incorporate my experience as a COFUND project coordinator; talent developer supporting researchers turn their research ideas into granted projects; “METU HR Strategy for Researchers WG” and “METU Gender Equality Plan WG” member; ambassador on behalf of Türkiye in the Horizon Europe-funded “Co-creating the Future of Research Management” project; member of Toastmasters – a nonprofit educational organization that enhances public speaking and leadership skills.
- Sureyya Akyuz
I am experienced administrator since I worked as Head of department at the Bahçesehir university I’m Turkey for 5 years and I have been Marie Curie alumni since 2013. I have been supervising PhD and MSc students since 2010 and acted as leader in both national and international projects. Recently I have been vice chair of Turkey chapter for the last one year of recent administration and with the help of this experience it would be the perfect opportunity for me to hold chairmanship for the next elections.
- Tuğçe Katipoğlu-Yazan
As an enthusiastic environmental scientist, academician, and volunteer for training fresh minds, I involved in many national/international meetings, projects, organization committees, and events in my academic career. I am eager to contribute the vibrant MCAA community as Turkey Chair by organizing various activities and meetings, engaging chapter members, academia, industry and public to share knowledge. I plan to work for supporting Turkey Chapter goals with following activities:
• Increasing the visibility of the MCAA Turkey Chapter on a local and global scale by creating social media accounts (Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram), keeping them active and improving existing website.
• Raising awareness about EU-funding opportunities for early-stage researchers by organizing informative meetings and sharing experience on proposal writing.
• Promoting attendance to communication activities with children and high schools to reach out and communicate to society on science and research.
• Facilitating establishment of multi/transdisciplinary collaborations by meeting peers from industry, academia, and MCAA fellows through organization of a series of local and collaborative events with industry and other Chapters.
• Sharing stories and experiences of MCAA members in their career path.
• Sending frequent (i.e. monthly) informative e-mails to members about:
- Global MSCA events
- Highlighting research positions in Turkey posted in EURAXESS
- Frequent reminders about important MCAA services such as Whistleblowing Channel, Micro Grant, Academy Platform and Learning Program.
- Suggestions for training tools from MCAA Learning Platform COURSERA
- Younes Rezaee Danesh
The mission of the MCAA resonates deeply with my own values and professional goals. I am dedicated to promoting excellence in research and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all members. As Chair, I will work tirelessly to advance our mission, ensuring that our Chapter is a vibrant, active community where members can thrive both personally and professionally. Throughout my career, I have developed strong leadership and organizational skills that I believe will be invaluable in this role. I have successfully led various projects and teams, demonstrating my ability to manage complex tasks, allocate resources effectively, and maintain clear communication with diverse stakeholders. Building a strong, interconnected community is a priority for me. I am passionate about creating opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, and support each other’s professional journeys. By organizing events, facilitating discussions, and encouraging collaboration, I will strive to create an environment where members feel valued and motivated to contribute to our collective success.
One of the key benefits of the MCAA is the professional development opportunities it offers. I am committed to expanding these opportunities within the Turkey Chapter. By organizing workshops, seminars, and networking events, I aim to provide our members with the tools and knowledge they need to advance their careers. Effective budget management is crucial for the success of any organization. I have experience in managing budgets for various projects, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and transparently. Clear and consistent communication is essential for keeping our Chapter engaged and informed. I pride myself on my ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, from individual members to organizational leaders.