This program aims to educate candidates in the field of Biomaterials at international standards, to provide them with fundamental knowledge in biomaterials throughout their education, and, in addition, to equip them with both theoretical and practical knowledge on materials, processes, and biocompatibility related to medical device materials in the field of biomaterials. With the support of this knowledge, the program seeks to enable students to conduct independent research in biomaterials; to gain theoretical and practical expertise on biomaterial-based medical devices; to investigate, understand, and interpret scientific problems across a broad spectrum including health, biology, chemistry, materials, and processing techniques; and to acquire the necessary skills for product design and production planning.
Among the priority areas identified following the 27th Meeting of the Science and Technology High Council (BTYK)—the highest decision-making body in shaping science policies in Türkiye—biomaterials has been included as a strategic field. It was emphasized that, in order to achieve a high value-added, product-oriented production structure, 20% of the domestic demand for medical devices and medical materials should be met through local production, and that the components with the highest potential impact on reducing the foreign trade deficit include biomedical equipment, diagnostic products, biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. In line with this vision, institutions such as the Ministry of Industry and Technology and TÜBİTAK have begun to provide substantial support for projects in this field. In addition to our Master’s Program, our newly established PhD Program is expected to contribute significantly to the healthcare sector by partially meeting domestic biomaterial needs through local production and by focusing on the design and production of personalized biomaterials.
According to the 11th Development Plan (2019–2023), published in July 2019 by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Directorate of Strategy and Budget, the establishment of a “Health Valley” is planned as an integrated healthcare ecosystem encompassing universities, research centers, laboratories, technology companies, application centers, physicians, and engineers, with the aim of enhancing Türkiye’s R&D and production capacity in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Technologies, a field that includes biomaterials. The plan envisions the creation of health technology development zones equipped with shared technological infrastructure and clustering support, as well as the establishment of accredited Centers of Excellence that will conduct analysis, validation, testing, and measurement activities covering medical device R&D, pre-clinical studies, prototype development, production, and post-production processes (Eleventh Development Plan, 2019–2023, July 2019, Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Directorate of Strategy and Budget).
Program Learning Outcomes
- To teach fundamental concepts in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine,
- To raise awareness of ethical values and potential ethical issues encountered in scientific research and laboratory practices,
- To develop collaborative skills through active participation in scientific studies,
- To acquire the ability to access scientific resources rapidly and interpret them accurately,
- To develop effective communication skills to present knowledge gained in the field of biomaterials at scientific meetings,
- To instill laboratory safety awareness and the habit of conducting laboratory work in accordance with biosafety regulations.
