Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal Awarded for the Ninth Time

The Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal, awarded to recognize successful scientists trained in Turkey who have contributed to universal knowledge, found its owner for the ninth time this year.

Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre was deemed worthy of the Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal for his groundbreaking research in quantum technologies and networks. Koç University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti, presenting the medal recipient, stated:

"We are presenting the 2024 Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal to a highly esteemed scientist. With his extraordinary and pioneering contributions in quantum optics and quantum technologies, and his significant contributions to understanding the fundamental principles of quantum systems and deepening knowledge in this field, we congratulate Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre from Cambridge University, this year's medal recipient. We take great pride in honoring the achievements of outstanding scientists from Turkey who have gained global recognition." Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre said in his address, "This award from Turkey is very precious to me. If this occasion inspires one more student to take an interest in science, that would be the greatest award for me."

Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre, who was deemed worthy of the Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal for his pioneering work in quantum optics and quantum technologies and his extraordinary contributions to understanding the fundamental principles of quantum systems and deepening knowledge in this field, has been leading the Cavendish Laboratory of the Physics Department at Cambridge University since 2023, where he joined in 2007.

Awarded alternately one year in Science, Engineering and Medical Sciences and the following year in Administrative, Social, Human Sciences and Law, the Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal is presented to successful and pioneering scientists trained in Turkey who have not yet reached the age of 50 and have contributed to universal knowledge both domestically and internationally.

Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti: "Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre's research has the potential to create transformation in critical fields such as health and energy"

Koç University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti spoke at the ceremony as follows: "Koç University ranks first in the YÖK Research Universities rankings today. In just 31 years, we have become one of the leading universities in the country in engineering, medicine, science, law, social sciences, business and economics. Our academics' publications and citations, awards they have won, and success in European Union funding are at the highest level. Approximately 20,000 of our graduates have moved into critical positions in our country and around the world, beginning to lead in scientific, industrial, entrepreneurial and societal fields.

"Through the Koç University Rahmi Koç Science Medal, we aim to ensure that the work of important scientists from Turkey who are recognized globally is also recognized in our country and to strengthen their ties with us. This year, we are hosting a scientist who stands out for his groundbreaking research in quantum technologies and networks.

This research not only enhances data security but also has the potential to create transformation in critical fields such as health and energy. I congratulate Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre, recipient of the 2024 Koç University Rahmi Koç Science Medal, and through this medal I wish for Mete's work to be known more widely in Turkey and for him to establish strong ties with Koç University. All the best to Mete in his future work!"

Prof. Dr. Nur Yalman: "Our essential duty is to educate well-trained youth who can express themselves freely in equality and freedom, with freedom of thought and expression"

Prof. Dr. Nur Yalman, Chair of the Koç University Board of Trustees, congratulating award recipient Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre, recalled that Koç University has passed its 31st founding anniversary this year and said: "What a great source of pride that this exciting venture is adorned with the principles of our Republic and draws strength from them! How fortunate we are that, just as our Founder tasked us to do, we are able to raise generations for the Republic with free thinking, free conscience, and free understanding... Our country is full of very brilliant young people looking toward the future with enthusiasm. Their receiving a good education, being able to express themselves freely in equality and freedom, and developing within freedom of thought and expression is our indispensable duty."

Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre: "Our being here this evening means the celebration of science in Turkey."

Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre, recipient of the 2024 Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal, said in his address at the ceremony, "It is very precious to me that the research I conduct with my team is honored in this way, especially since it comes from my country. If this occasion inspires one more student to take an interest in science, if different segments of society incorporate science more into their lives, if respect for science increases, if interest in academic life grows, then that would already be the greatest award for me. Our being here this evening also means the celebration of science in Turkey. I thank you very much for making this possible. In this regard, I sincerely thank Mr. Rahmi Koç, his family, and Koç University for considering me worthy of this Science Medal."

List of scientists who have received the Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal since 2016: 

Prof. Dr. Aydoğan Özcan – 2016 – Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

Prof. Dr. Daron Acemoğlu – 2017 – Economics

Prof. Dr. Metin Sitti – 2018 – Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Robotics

Prof. Dr. Filiz Garip – 2019 – Sociology

Prof. Dr. Hatice Altuğ – 2020 – Biomedical Engineering

Prof. Dr. Ali Hortaçsu – 2021 – Economics

Prof. Dr. Bilge Yıldız – 2022 – Nuclear Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering

Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zarakol – 2023 – International Relations and Political Science

Prof. Dr. Mete Atatüre – 2024 – Physics