TÜBİTAK Launches Initiatives to Counteract Brain Drain

Türkiye has launched programs to encourage skilled researchers to return from abroad, bolstering its position in science, technology, and innovation. The move aims to strengthen Türkiye’s standing as a leading nation in these fields.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) has introduced the 2232-A International Leading Researchers Program and the 2232-B International Young Researchers Program for 2024. These programs are designed to motivate Turkish scientists who have excelled in high-level scientific or technological research in their respective fields and have gained experience working abroad to return to Türkiye.

TÜBİTAK announced that applications for the programs will be open from January 24 to April 30, 2024.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır shared on his social media account, “It’s time to advance science and technology in Türkiye. We’ve launched the 2024 call for TÜBİTAK International Leading Researchers and International Young Researchers Programs to bring leading scientists to our country and counteract brain drain. We are committed to making Türkiye a hub for groundbreaking scientific studies.”

Meanwhile, after Dr. Umut Yıldız chose to resign from his position at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and come back to Türkiye after 21 years, Kacır expressed, “Remarkable developments are unfolding. Congratulations to Dr. Umut on his decision. We eagerly anticipate your return, along with our other researchers. We are prepared to welcome our scientists back to our country.”