Nano and biotechnology capacity building in Turkey
The 'Middle East Technical University Central Research Laboratory in Nanotechnology, New Materials, New Processes and Biotechnology' (Metu-Center) project developed human and equipment resources at the Middle East Technical University Central Laboratory (METU-CL) based in Ankara, Turkey. The aim was to raise the facility's research capacity so that it would match the standard of leading European institutes. The Metu-Center project aimed to use nation-wide networks that were previously established, and thereby have an impact on the entire country. Integration with European centres was also a key objective. METU organised a number of activities including workshops, seminars and exchange visits for both students and experienced researchers. Joint project proposal preparations were also conducted. Research standards were improved through support given to new students and the establishment of a new laboratory to study the applications of nanotechnology. The laboratory was unique in Turkey and comprised a clean room equipped with an electron beam lithography system. New multifunctional materials, production processes and devices (NMP), molecular biology and biotechnology were also developed. This was done to improve the capacity for food quality and safety. Metu-Center cooperation with top European research centres also stands to help improve research capacity at METU-CL. A number of national projects have already been initiated by METU. Project outcomes will enable Turkey to make a greater contribution to nanoscience, nanotechnology research and biotechnology.