The Fiba Renewables Professorship (FYE Professorship) is a unique academic position designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and society, while supporting academic freedom and enabling the development of high-impact research projects. Initiated through Özyeğin University’s visionary approach, this title represents a pioneering model in Turkey’s higher education landscape.

Supported by Fiba Renewables, this special professorship is awarded to distinguished scholars with a strong record of national and international achievements. First granted in 2022 to Professor Dr. Pınar Mengüç, the FYE Professorship recognizes both past accomplishments and the potential for future contributions. Prof. Mengüç, who has led groundbreaking interdisciplinary research at the intersection of energy, environment, and economy, has launched numerous innovative projects focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate-related challenges under this title.

The FYE Professorship offers not only institutional backing but also the intellectual freedom necessary for research centers like EÇEM to undertake more creative and impactful work. For example, it has enabled support for a project in collaboration with TÜSİAD that explores strategic approaches to improving energy efficiency within Turkish industry—an initiative that exemplifies strong university-industry-civil society engagement. This type of supported title also strengthens the university’s mission of contributing to society, allowing academic work to create value beyond scholarly output.

This model presents a powerful example of how institutionally-supported academic titles can make a difference in Turkey’s higher education system. The broader adoption of similar professorships in other fields could greatly enhance the scope and impact of academic research, enabling scholars to carry out high-value, independent, and socially relevant work.

In essence, the Fiba Renewables Professorship is far more than a title—it is an innovation platform built on academic freedom, institutional trust, and societal responsibility. The influence of this position continues to inspire and guide scientific efforts toward a more sustainable future.