TÜBA will continue accepting applications for its doctoral award program, which it runs as a partner of TEKNOFEST, until March 20, 2026. In addition, following a decision by the Academy Council, the “Fuat Sezgin History of Science Doctoral Award” will be presented for the first time this year.

Since 2021, TÜBA has granted the TÜBA–TEKNOFEST Doctoral Science Award to recognize doctoral theses produced in Türkiye in TEKNOFEST priority areas, a partnership it has been a part of since 2019. The now traditional award program grants prizes to the authors of theses ranked through scientific peer-review evaluations in four main categories: Science and Engineering; Health and Life Sciences; Social Sciences and Humanities; and Basic Sciences. Following the scientific evaluation processes and by decision of the Academy Council, for 2026 the author of the first-ranked thesis will receive 200,000 Turkish lira, the second-ranked 150,000 Turkish lira, and the third-ranked 100,000 Turkish lira.

With the introduction of the Fuat Sezgin History of Science Doctoral Award as of 2026, the program also aims to encourage original research in the history of science.

Authors of doctoral theses in the following fields may apply for the award: technology and design; artificial intelligence; machine learning; autonomous systems; robotics and mechatronic systems; modeling and simulation technologies; energy; hybrid and electric vehicle technologies; air, space, and unmanned underwater systems; information and communication technologies; cybersecurity and cryptology; education; health; agricultural and ecological technologies; and biotechnology. In addition, theses addressing themes of the National Technology Initiative — including international relations, development policies, educational approaches, and security policies — are also eligible.

Applications may be submitted individually or institutionally through nominations by TÜBA members, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), the Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB), and university rectorates. Applications must be submitted digitally via www.bilimodulleri.tuba.gov.tr by 20 March 2026. Eligible theses must have completed their defenses in 2024 or 2025 and must have been produced in Türkiye.