Guest researcher Dr. Bejan Hamawandi and leading researcher Dr. phys. Kaspars Pudžs from the Laboratory of Organic Materials at ISSP UL visited the Department of Engineering Sciences at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa from September 24-27, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration and exchange knowledge on the characterization of thermoelectric materials with Professor Sedat Ballikaya and his group. Dr. Hamawandi and Dr. Pudžs received a comprehensive laboratory tour during the visit, showcasing the available equipment and ongoing research projects. Faculty members and students presented their current research on thermoelectric materials, highlighting recent advancements and challenges. Engaging discussions were held regarding potential collaborative projects, focusing on material synthesis, characterization techniques, and device optimization.
Various collaboration opportunities were explored during the visit. Professor Ballikaya demonstrated their thermoelectric property measurement equipment and explained the capabilities of these devices. A mutual decision was made to pursue project calls and funding sources that would support both European and Turkish scientific organizations. Plans were also made to submit a joint M-Era.net project proposal next year. Researchers from Latvia and Turkey exchanged samples to explore potential opportunities and enhance their collaborative research efforts. Additionally, research opportunities at ISSP UL were presented and discussed, which greatly interested Professor Ballikaya. These opportunities included XPS and EXAFS measurements, high-resolution SEM microscopy, and computer modeling possibilities, such as thermoelectric module modeling using COMSOL.
The visit by ISSP UL researchers to Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa proved highly productive, leading to new collaborations and strengthening global ties in thermoelectric materials. The exchange of knowledge and ideas will undoubtedly contribute to advancing research and innovation in this field.
