International science diplomacy and sustainable academic ecosystems gain depth not only through financial R&D funding, but also through the intergenerational transfer of intellectual capital and institutionalized mentorship networks. Especially in multidisciplinary fields such as biomedicine, food technologies, and preventive public health, integrating young researchers into global supply and knowledge networks is a decisive parameter for long-term innovation indices. Moving with the mission of disseminating reliable scientific information, the Sabri Ülker Foundation has transformed its award program, now entering its tenth year, from a single monetary award template into a multinational scientific development network. Announced at an official launch event, the "Science Ambassadors Network" is structured as a corporate ecosystem where past award winners transfer their experience to new-generation researchers.
Macro Performance Metrics and Patent Inventory
The rational outputs of the projects supported by the foundation since its establishment in 2009 and the Future Science Leader Award program are reflected in the corporate impact report through the following quantitative data:
Publication and Project Volume: The scientists supported under the award program to date have generated more than 1,500 scientific publications and over 300 research projects contributing to global literature.
Intellectual Property and Network Management: While more than 25 patents and patent applications have been registered as a result of the developed projects, over 150 international collaborations that directly feed cross-border technology transfer have been implemented.
Within the scope of the science gallery opened during the launch event, the patent, publication, and international consortium studies of past award winners, including Assoc. Prof. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar, Dr. Maria Elsa Pando San Martin, and Assoc. Prof. Cesarettin Alaşalvar, were presented to stakeholders.
Corporate Evaluations: Platform-Oriented Transformation
Analyzing the global vision of the foundation and its contributions to the science economy at the event, Sabri Ülker Foundation President Yahya Ülker expressed the new phase of the program with the following words:
The point reached today by the Future Science Leader Award program, which we started ten years ago, is a source of pride for all of us. We are launching the Science Ambassadors network today so that these success stories can reach more researchers and inspire new science leaders. From now on, the Future Science Leader Award continues on its way as a platform that brings scientists together, strengthens collaborations, and increases the social impact of science, moving beyond just an award program.
2021 award winner and Koç University Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar drew attention to the motivational leverage of corporate funds and visibility on young academics, emphasizing the role of such support in moving scientific projects originating from Turkey more strongly toward international targets.
Sabri Ülker Future Science Leader Award Application Parameters
The new application process and candidacy criteria officially announced at the launch will be conducted within the following rational framework:
Age and Academic Degree Limit: Applicants must not have turned 45 years old and must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree.
Methodology and Language Requirement: Due to international jury evaluation processes, original research files with high scientific rigor and the capacity to create concrete or potential social impact must be prepared entirely in English.
Timeline and Financial Fund: The process, which will accept direct applications, will start on June 25, 2026, and continue until April 25, 2027. Applications will be managed through the
scienceaward.sabriulkerfoundation.orgportal, and the researcher selected as the Future Science Leader by the jury evaluation will be awarded a financial prize of 100 thousand dollars.
