IKU-SPECTRA:
Molecular Sciences and Spectroscopy Applied Research Center is established
within Istanbul Kültür University to conduct advanced research and promote
scientific excellence in the fields of molecular sciences.
Our
center is shaped by the Spectroscopy@IKU ERA-Chair Project, the first project
in Türkiye funded by the European Research Agency (ERA) under the Horizon
Europe Framework - Widening Participation and Strengthening the European
Research Area (WIDERA) ERA-CHAIRS Programme. With a budget of 2.5 million Euros,
the project will be developed over the next 5 years at Istanbul Kültür
University, laying the foundation for a Center of Excellence (IKU-SPECTRA)
equipped with advanced instrumentation and specialized human resources to
foster research and innovation in physics, chemistry and materials sciences
with spectroscopy as the unifying vector.
Our
research focuses on critical scientific areas, including environmental,
atmospheric and space chemistries, as well as materials sciences with
pharmaceutically relevant materials at the core of our investigations. By
employing advanced molecular spectroscopy techniques, we explore the structure
and reactivity of atmospheric molecules and investigate the polymorphism
exhibited by molecular crystals, a crucial concern for the pharmaceutical
industry. These research activities are supported by state-of-the-art
laboratory infrastructure and advanced computational methods, enhancing
Istanbul Kültür University's scientific capacity and its international
visibility.
As
part of our mission, IKU-SPECTRA contributes to the strengthening of the MSc
Program in Physics and the creation of a new Physics PhD Program at IKU,
fostering an attractive and stimulating environment for young national and
international researchers.
We
are also proud to host Türkiye’s first matrix isolation spectroscopy facility,
along with modern Raman imaging and X-Ray diffraction laboratories. As a new
hub for scientific excellence, IKU-SPECTRA offers high-quality services to
national and international academic and industrial users, positioning Istanbul
and Türkiye as privileged international platforms for knowledge-based services
and advanced technology transfer to societal stakeholders.
As
a whole, IKU-SPECTRA aims to make Istanbul Kültür University an internationally
recognized major player in spectroscopy, while contributing to global
scientific agendas such as the European Strategic Research and Innovation
Agenda (SRIA) and the Green Deal.
At
IKU-SPECTRA, we strive not only to enhance IKU's research capacity but also to
establish ourselves as a leading center in spectroscopy in the region. We aim
to foster interdisciplinary collaborations while advancing scientific knowledge
through national and international partnerships, ultimately serving society.