Koç University has been awarded funding for two research projects under the European Research Council’s (ERC) Proof of Concept (PoC) programme, both conducted in the field of electrical and electronics engineering.
According to a statement from the university, 33 of the 60 ERC grants awarded to Türkiye since 2012 are led by faculty members at Koç University, underlining the institution’s strong presence in European research funding.
Innovative Approach to Vision Loss
One of the supported projects is led by Prof. Dr. Sedat Nizamoğlu, a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The project aims to develop an innovative solution for vision loss caused by optic nerve damage.
Building on a nanocrystal-based technology previously developed under the ERC Starting Grant project titled “Retinal Network Optoelectronics,” the new study adapts this technology to address optic nerve injury and regeneration.
The project focuses on supporting nerve healing through a wireless, flexible implant powered by near-infrared light. The system is designed to selectively target damaged tissue without harming surrounding healthy areas.
The research will be conducted under the clinical supervision of Prof. Dr. Murat Hasanreisoğlu from the Department of Ophthalmology at Koç University Hospital, with contributions from Dr. Humeyra Nur Kaleli. The team plans to test the system in vivo, marking a critical step toward clinical application.
High-Precision Components for Quantum Technologies
The second ERC PoC-supported project, titled “Acoustic Ultra-High Quality Factor Resonators for Oscillators, Radar and Applications (AURORA),” is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Onbaşlı, a faculty member in both the Departments of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Physics.
The project aims to enhance the performance of acoustic resonators, which are fundamental components in radar and oscillator systems. Building on outcomes from the earlier SKYNOLIMIT project, the research seeks to transform these advances into a technology with strong commercial potential.
The project will employ artificial intelligence-assisted design and manufacturing approaches to develop next-generation resonators. These components are expected to have applications not only in electronics and communication systems, but also in quantum technologies and advanced sensors.
Highly Selective Funding Programme
The ERC Proof of Concept grant is considered a highly competitive funding mechanism, designed to help translate strong fundamental research results into practical applications. The programme supports activities such as prototype development, safety and efficacy testing, preclinical validation, and commercialization.
To date, ERC-supported projects at Koç University include:
- 22 projects in engineering
- 8 projects in social sciences
- 3 projects in molecular biology and genetics
Of these, 21 are main ERC grants, while 12 are commercialization-focused Proof of Concept projects.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök