Volume 01 | Spring 2015
Te c h n o S p h e r e
Technology Projects and Trends
In the 16th meeting of Council for Science and Technology (SCST) in November 2007, the
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOpreparation of a strategy and action plan was finalized with TUBITAK’s coordination. During the
GY HUMAN RESOURCES
preparation stage, all stakeholders were included via 12 workshops, 2 ad hoc working committees
STRATEGY AND ACTION
and 5 working groups. More than 500 research personnel participated in the workshops from
PLAN 2011-2016” IS THE
different sectors. Ad-hoc government committees developed strategy and actions stemming from
MAIN POLICY DOCUMENT
the workshop results and working groups. “Science and Technology Human Resources Strategy
IN THIS FIELD.
and Action Plan 2011-2016” have five main strategic aims are:
Increase the number of HRST and improve the sectoral
distribution of HRST
Improve the working environment of HRST
Increase mobility of researchers
Develop skills and experiences of researchers
Increase the employment capacity for HRST
During the preparation and implementation phase of the strategy, new amendments to the regulations were made and new
programs implemented. For instance, foreign researchers gained the rights for receiving Project Incentive Bonus (PIB) from
TUBITAK projects and work permit requirement was removed for those studying in universities and public research institutes
for maximum 2 years, and working in projects in the frame of EU Pre-accession programs.
How can Turkey Improve
One of the main strategies and improvement is to make Turkey a center of attraction for both Turkish researchers living abroad
and international researchers. Selected programs introduced or improved since 2010 are presented below.
Name of the Program
Brief Explanation
2221 - Fellowships for Visiting
Scientists and Scientists on
Sabbatical Leave:
Given to international scientists/researchers who would like to give workshops/
conferences/lectures, or conduct R&D activities in Turkey. It is possible to apply
the program for short – term (up to 1 month), long-term (up to 12 months) and
for sabbatical leave (from 3 months to 12 months).
Program is partially supported by the EC-FP7 Marie Curie Actions-PeopleCOFUND and coordinated by TUBITAK. The scheme offers incoming mobility of
100 Turkish and foreign experienced researchers for periods of 20-24 months
(the 4th and last call will be 12 months).
International Researchers
2232 - Postdoctoral Reintegration Fellowship Program
Scholarship dedicated for Turkish researchers willing to pursue their careers in
Turkey. Support includes 24 months of scholarship and research fund.
Turkish Citizens
2213 International Graduate
Scholarship:
Given in priority areas, 60.000$ for the first 2 years of PhD studies, in universities
among TIMES 500 ranking list.
Turkish Citizens
2236 - Co-Funded Brain Circulation Scheme (Co-Circulation
Scheme)
Target Group
Turkish Citizens and
Intern