Taking place in the Atatürk University Faculty of Engineering Conference Hall, the inter-institutional cooperation signing ceremony and the inauguration of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research Laboratory were jointly organized by Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) and Atatürk University.

The inaugural ceremony started with the participation of Atatürk university rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Professor Dr. Erdal Çelik, Director of Research and Technology for the Turkish Aviation and Space Industry, Deputy Governor Ahmet Özdemir, Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, vice rectors, faculty deans, academicians, and students.

Director of Research and Technology for the Turkish Aerospace Industry, Prof. Dr. Erdal Çelik stated in the ceremony's opening remarks that the aviation and space industries are domains in which technological advancements occur at an accelerated rate and test the limits, adding that TUSAŞ, given its preeminent position in this domain, bears a significant obligation to influence forthcoming technologies and contend internationally.

"Laboratory assignments will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting."

Çelik made the following remarks: "The establishment of the TUSAŞ Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research Laboratory at Atatürk University, an initiative between the university and industry, represents a significant stride in the development of cutting-edge technologies for the aerospace and aviation sectors. The objective of this laboratory is to enhance Turkey's competitiveness in the international aviation and space sectors through research in six strategic domains. Within this framework, a fundamental objective of the laboratory is to furnish young individuals with practical exposure to the aviation sector and to impart to them expertise in this pivotal domain. Through engagement in laboratory projects, pupils will be afforded the chance to apply their theoretical understanding in a real-world setting, thereby enhancing their readiness to make valuable contributions to the aviation sector. A further opportunity provided by this laboratory is the chance to engage in collaborative initiatives between universities and industries. By collaborating with the technology company TUSAŞ, students will acquire practical experience in developing solutions to aviation challenges through these projects. The operations of this novel laboratory encompass fuel cell-based power systems, hydrogen technologies, hybrid system design modeling, and fuel cell modeling studies."

"Studies on fuel cell-based power systems design, hybrid system design, and fuel cell modeling will be conducted in the new laboratory."

Turkish Aerospace Industries, a prominent international player in the aerospace sector with a ranking among the top one hundred, provides an extensive array of services and products that are tailored to its clients and products across six strategic domains: aerospace systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, structural, aircraft, helicopters, space systems, and MMU, contingent upon the specific project topics. The commencement remarks of the rector's address were, "It functions within the fields of engineering and technology." Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı underscored the criticality of research and development (R&D) endeavors for staying abreast of evolving technologies and maintaining a competitive edge in markets reliant on innovative technologies. He further emphasized the importance of fortifying the information and resource network accessible for R&D purposes, in addition to broadening the domains of R&D activities.

Professor Dr. Çomaklı: "Within this framework, TUSAŞ endeavors to integrate the academic and technical infrastructure of universities into its solution mechanisms for R&D needs. This integration would allow universities to seamlessly integrate into its R&D ecosystem, where they could avail themselves of boundless academic resources while staying abreast of cutting-edge technologies. Today, TUSAŞ inaugurates the AtatÜrk University-TUSAŞ Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research Laboratory at the Faculty of Engineering, as part of its research on university-industry cooperation. In this new laboratory, research will be conducted in the following areas: PEM fuel cell modeling, design and modeling of hybrid systems, and the development and construction of fuel cell-based power systems.

The Research Laboratory will house a significant number of researchers. Its purpose is to fulfill the mission of training competent researchers for the defense and aviation industries. This will be achieved through the collaborative development of advanced R&D solutions for TUSAŞ's distinctive platforms, which will involve the participation of academics and students from our university. One thousand cores will be allocated from the TUSAŞ HPC system for the laboratory's sophisticated R&D endeavors. Students will also be financially supported by LIFT UP, LIFT UP+ and LIFT UP++ programs within the scope of the projects they will work on here."

"While we offer highly effective training, our area of expertise is quite limited."

Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Sekmen expressed delight and pride at the fact that TUSAŞ, one of the few institutions in our country, has established such a technological laboratory at Atatürk University, adding that in this time, we must be robust as a nation and state.

Mayor Sekmen, citing deficiencies in university-industry collaboration in Erzurum, stated, "A number of our municipality's businesses are operating in accordance with these technological advancements. I affirm that a portion of the tasks that need to be completed can be accomplished in collaboration with TUSAŞ. Laboratory efficiency will increase as a result of these partnerships, and our brother students will receive excellent preparation for the future. A scarcity of application domains stands as a prominent challenge confronting our universities. Although we offer highly effective training, our area of application is quite limited. No matter what branch they are in, we should direct our children not only to theoretical but also practical training."

The inter-institutional cooperation protocol was signed by Turkish Aerospace Industry R&D and Technology Director Prof. Dr. Erdal Çelik and Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı subsequent to the inaugural speeches.

During the protocol-adherent inauguration of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research Laboratory, which will be located in the Faculty of Engineering, the visitors engaged in conversation with the students who were hard at work.

Rector Çomaklı introduced Prof. Dr. Çelik the Units

TUSAŞ R&D and Technology Director, Prof. Dr. Erdal Çelik, Tusaş University relations manager Dr. Süleyman Demir and TUSAŞ Technology Development Engineer Dr. Seda Sivri were extended cordial receptions by Rector Çomaklı in the rectorate. The attendees were granted an introductory tour of the operational divisions that were unveiled as part of the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project by Prof. Dr. Çomaklı on behalf of Atatürk University.

Information was provided by the unit administrators to Rector Çomaklı and Prof. Dr. Çelik during their visits to the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, the Corporate Communication Directorate, the Research University Monitoring and Evaluation Office, the Data Management Office, and the Digital Transformation and Software Office.



Directorate of Corporate Communications – October 18, 2023