Four BAU Academics Inducted into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts
The European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), one of the world's most prestigious academic networks, has elected Prof. Dr. Serdar Durdağı, Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata, and Dr. Erman Türkili from Bahçeşehir University (BAU) as new members during this year’s general assembly. Including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Gürses Tarbuck, who was inducted last year, the number of BAU academics in the academy has risen to four.
EASA supports studies in fields such as Humanities, Medicine, Arts, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Economics, and Environmental Sciences. It comprises approximately 2,000 academics, including 38 Nobel Laureates. Following a rigorous evaluation of their careers and interdisciplinary, human-oriented international works, Prof. Dr. Serdar Durdağı (Dean of the BAU Faculty of Pharmacy), Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata (Department of Sociology), and Dr. Erman Türkili (BAU Conservatory) were officially named members.
Prof. Serdar Durdağı, known for his work in AI-aided drug design and development, expressed his honor:
“I see this membership not just as a personal achievement, but as a validation of the knowledge we produce together and our vision for social contribution. I believe the interdisciplinary approach is indispensable for both scientific innovation and social impact. I will continue to develop joint projects with researchers from different fields and strive to contribute to a scientific ecosystem that pushes boundaries and prioritizes the common good.”
Prof. Dr. Ulaş Sunata, Director of the BAU Center for Migration and Urban Studies (BAUMUS), known for her research on migration and sociology, stated:
“It is gratifying to see our work valued in a European context. As science transcends borders, it serves humanity and beyond even more effectively.” Sunata added that EASA membership provides a significant chance to reach more partners and academics for international collaborations.
Dr. Erman Türkili, recognized for his educational methods in early childhood and autism, became the first person from Turkey to be elected to EASA in the field of Music.
“It is a great honor for me to have an academic from Turkey selected in my field. Knowing that a name from Turkey will represent us among the 47 members in the music category makes me proud of my country,” said Türkili.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Gürses Tarbuck, whose membership was accepted in 2024, emphasized the importance of the growing number of Turkish academics in the academy:
“Membership in the European Academy means an institution's scientific capacity is recognized by Europe. Having four academics from BAU here is very valuable; it increases our international visibility and strengthens our position on the European research map. It raises the university's academic brand value.” Tarbuck also noted that members are selected not only for scientific competence but also for intellectual contributions that create an impact on a European scale.
The European Academy of Sciences and Arts conducts scientific and cultural activities for the benefit of people living and working in Europe. By bringing together European scientists and artists to examine problems from diverse perspectives, the academy aims to create an independent pool of knowledge. It focuses on interdisciplinary dialogue, the synthesis of different ideas, and the creation of international scientific discourse.
TR
