International Gathering on Functional Materials and Nanotechnology at UNAM 

Bilkent University National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM) and the University of Twente’s MESA+ Institute jointly organized the “Bilkent University UNAM and University of Twente MESA+: Functional Materials and Nanotechnology Workshop 2025” on March 19–20. Aimed at strengthening scientific ties and fostering knowledge exchange, the event brought together leading researchers in materials science and nanotechnology. Prof. Hilmi Volkan Demir (Director of UNAM, Chair of the MSN Institute) and Prof. Hans Hilgenkamp (Scientific Director, MESA+) opened the event. Rector Kürşat Aydoğan and Dutch Ambassador H.E. Joep Wijnands also addressed participants. Rector Aydoğan emphasized the global competitiveness of UNAM and the importance of international research partnerships. Ambassador Wijnands highlighted the value of scientific collaboration in deepening ties between the two countries. Over two days, experts presented on topics including nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, nanophotonics, micro-nanoelectronics and quantum technologies. Speakers included Dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin and Prof. Muharrem Bayraktar (MESA+), and from Bilkent University: UNAM Asst. Prof. Wonmi Ahn, Assoc. Prof. Bilge Baytekin, UNAM Assoc. Prof. Engin Durgun, UNAM Asst. Prof. Aykut Erbaş, Assoc. Prof. Yegan Erdem, UNAM Asst. Prof. Fatih İnci, Assoc. Prof. Selim Hanay, UNAM Asst. Prof. Mustafa Ordu, Asst. Prof. Emre Ozan Polat, UNAM Asst. Prof. Talip Serkan Kasırga, and Dr. Gürkan Yeşilöz. The multidisciplinary platform fostered knowledge exchange and included sessions on collaborative opportunities. Significant steps were taken toward enhancing partnerships in international research, especially within the EU’s programs.