Sabri Ülker Foundation Strengthens Global Science Ecosystem with "Science Ambassadors" Network

Sabri Ülker Foundation expands Future Science Leader Award on global scale. Past award recipients will now guide next-generation researchers as "Science Ambassadors," contributing to the advancement of international scientific collaborations.

Continuing to bring its scientific expertise to an international platform, Sabri Ülker Foundation has launched a new phase in its Future Science Leader Award program. The Foundation has established a new structure that brings together scientists recognized with the award in previous years under the "Science Ambassadors" umbrella, contributing to the global science network.

Operating on the understanding that science advances not only through new research but also through the development of new science leaders, Sabri Ülker Foundation has initiated the application process for the 2026 Future Science Leader Award. Applications will be accepted between 25 June 2026 and 25 April 2027 via scienceaward.sabriulkerfoundation.org.

Science Ambassadors will mentor young researchers
The Sabri Ülker Future Science Leader Award, which supports research that adds value to society in food, nutrition and public health, will not only recognize successful research in the new phase; it will also contribute to the development of young scientists through the "Science Ambassadors Network" composed of past award recipients.

The network, which aims to strengthen international collaborations, will increase knowledge sharing among scientists while expanding the global impact of the award program.

The Science Ambassadors Network, an important step in the Foundation's global vision, was unveiled at a launch event marking the opening of applications for the 2026 Future Science Leader Award. At the event, past award recipients Assoc. Prof. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar, Dr. Maria Elsa Pando San Martin and Assoc. Prof. Cesarettin Alaşalvar shared their scientific journeys, international achievements and the societal impact of their research with participants, inspiring young researchers.

The science gallery prepared for the event presented the scientific publications, patents, research projects and international collaborations of researchers who had received awards in previous years to visitors.

Yahya Ülker: "We will expand scientific impact further with Science Ambassadors"
Speaking at the event, Sabri Ülker Foundation President Yahya Ülker noted that the Foundation has brought its scientific expertise accumulated over more than 15 years to an international level, and spoke as follows:

"As Sabri Ülker Foundation, since 2009 we have contributed to the dissemination of reliable scientific information, and we consider supporting research that will benefit human health among our priorities. The place our Future Science Leader Award program, which we launched ten years ago, has reached today is a great source of pride for all of us.

The more than 1,500 scientific publications, over 25 patents and patent applications, more than 300 research projects and over 150 international collaborations produced by our award-winning scientists to date show that our program supports not only individual achievements but also global scientific impact.

With the Science Ambassadors Network we are launching today, we aim to reach these success stories to more researchers and contribute to the development of new science leaders. The Future Science Leader Award is now no longer just an award program; it continues on its path as a platform that brings scientists together, strengthens international collaborations and expands the societal impact of science."

Assoc. Prof. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar: "This award gave our research international visibility"
2021 Sabri Ülker Future Science Leader Award recipient and Science Ambassador Assoc. Prof. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar described the award's impact on her career in these words:

"Science is a long-term journey requiring effort and determination. During this process, support that comes at the right time is especially important for young researchers. The Sabri Ülker Future Science Leader Award was an important support that increased the visibility of our research, strengthened our motivation to develop new projects and enabled us to progress toward our international goals with firmer steps.

My most important advice to young researchers would be never to lose their sense of curiosity, to pursue their scientific goals with courage and to believe in their own potential. I genuinely believe that scientists trained in Türkiye will make very important contributions to global science."

Applications will continue until 25 April 2027
Candidates applying for the Sabri Ülker Future Science Leader Award must;

-Be under 45 years of age,
-Hold a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent doctoral degree,
-Apply with original work of high scientific quality and with potential for societal impact,
-Prepare their application file in English.

Candidates will be able to apply directly. The application process starting on 25 June 2026 will continue until 25 April 2027. The researcher selected as Future Science Leader will receive a USD 100,000 award.