If you are an ambitious undergraduate student aiming to step into real-world scientific research in 2026, this is an opportunity worth serious attention. Özyeğin University has officially announced the 2026 edition of its Undergraduate Research Summer Program, welcoming talented students from Turkey and across the world to gain hands-on experience in scientific research.
This structured summer internship reflects the university’s strong research orientation and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to immerse undergraduate students directly into active research projects under faculty supervision.
Why the 2026 Edition Stands Out?
This is not a passive internship. You are not just observing research — you are contributing to it.
Each participating faculty member defines a specific research project within their specialization. Selected students work directly with academic supervisors and become part of ongoing scientific research teams. This format ensures meaningful engagement in real research processes, methodologies, and problem-solving environments.
The program aims to:
- Provide undergraduate students with direct scientific research experience
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across departments
- Support students who are considering research-based career paths
For students planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree, this type of structured research experience significantly strengthens academic profiles.
Program Duration and Structure (2026 Intake)
- Program Period: June – August 2026
- Internship Type: Voluntary summer research internship
- Selection Method: Evaluation by relevant faculty members
- Project Timeline: Determined by supervising faculty during the summer term
Students are expected to actively engage in assigned tasks and maintain professional communication throughout the program.
Financial and Institutional Support Provided
Although categorized as a voluntary research internship, the university provides comprehensive academic and logistical support:
- Full laboratory access
- Technical training relevant to the project
- Academic mentorship and supervision
- Accommodation during the summer term
- Lunch support
If a research project extends beyond the summer term, academic guidance and laboratory access may continue, though accommodation support is limited to the summer period.
For international students, this support structure significantly reduces living expenses during the internship.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
The Undergraduate Research Summer Scholarship 2026 is open to:
- Undergraduate students enrolled at universities in Turkey
- Undergraduate students enrolled at universities outside Turkey (international applicants)
- Current undergraduate students of Özyeğin University
There are no nationality restrictions, making this a globally accessible research opportunity.
2026 Research Areas and Project Themes
The 2026 edition features cutting-edge research themes aligned with global innovation trends. Areas include:
- Next-Generation Metamaterials: Design and Simulation
- Robotics Laboratory Internship – Artificial Tissue Development for Surgical Robotics
- AI-Enhanced Optimization for Manufacturing and Transportation Systems
- Designing Retail Strategy Taxonomy for AI-Powered Document Intelligence
- Validating AI-Derived Business Models of Top Retailers
- AI Analysis in Retail Filings
- Integrated Mechanical Design and Locomotion Control of a Bipedal Robot
- Blockchain-Based Optimization Framework for Green Vehicle Routing
- Sustainability Narratives in the Battery Electric Vehicle Industry
- Circular Production Route for Sustainable Geopolymer Mortar Using Industrial Waste
- AI-Native Wireless Communication Systems
- Digital Twin Modeling for Wireless Channel Characterization
- Linear Algebra Applications for Future Data Scientists
- Migration Studies in a Changing Technological and Climate Landscape
- Coalition Formation and Game Theory Models
- Leadership and Followership Theories Among Young Adults
- AI-Driven Recruitment and Legal Implications
- Compensation Structures and Team Performance
Each accepted student is assigned to one specific research project and works closely with a faculty mentor.
This interdisciplinary range makes the program highly suitable for students in engineering, computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainability, business analytics, social sciences, economics, and law.
Professional Expectations During the Program
Participants are expected to:
- Complete assigned research tasks responsibly
- Maintain regular communication with supervisors
- Demonstrate professionalism in research environments
Students who fail to meet academic or behavioral expectations may be formally warned and, if necessary, removed from the program. This ensures a serious and productive research atmosphere.
How This Program Strengthens Your Academic Profile?
Participating in the 2026 Undergraduate Research Summer Program can:
- Strengthen Master’s and PhD applications
- Enhance research-based CVs
- Provide potential academic recommendation letters
- Build international academic networks
- Improve technical and analytical competencies
For students targeting competitive postgraduate scholarships or global research careers, early exposure to structured academic research is a major advantage.
How to Apply for the 2026 Intake
Applicants can access full program details and submit their applications through the official university research pages available in both Turkish and English.
Apply: https://www.ozyegin.edu.tr/tr/arastirma/yaz-arastirma-programi/lisans-yaz-arastirma-programi-2026
Apply: https://www.ozyegin.edu.tr/en/research/summer-research-program/undergraduate-research-summer-internship-program/undergraduate
Applications are reviewed directly by faculty members supervising the projects. Early preparation of academic transcripts, motivation statements, and relevant background documentation is strongly recommended.