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Awards


Thesis Awards Application Principles

Graduate Thesis Awards are granted in four distinct categories. All awards granted in these categories are of equal value. Each award aims to encourage original thesis studies that contribute to understanding the past, designing the future, guiding the future, and strengthening the sharing of academic knowledge.

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Application Period and Conditions

Thesis awards are granted every year in the Spring semester. Within the scope of this award:

  • For categories a, b, c: September 7, 2024 – September 1, 2025 (previous academic year)
  • For category d (publication award): September 7, 2023 – September 1, 2025 (last two academic years)

Master's and Ph.D. theses completed between these dates will be evaluated.

Applications are made directly to the relevant Institute by the thesis author/thesis advisor. For detailed information, please review the METU Thesis Awards Application Principles.

a. Original Science Production, Theoretical and Methodological Contribution Award

  • This award is given to theses that produce original new knowledge by interpreting the knowledge accumulation of the past and developing new theoretical approaches and methodological expansions.
  • Emphasis should be placed on the original knowledge, concepts, analytical frameworks, or models introduced to the literature and the contribution made to the intellectual heritage of humanities and social sciences.
  • The usability of publications and presentations resulting from the thesis, as well as the theoretical or methodological tools developed, in other research is considered during evaluation.

b. Contribution to Policy and Practice Award

  • This award is given to theses that develop concrete policy, management, education, planning, economy, or sustainability proposals aimed at improving existing social and institutional structures.
  • Emphasis should be placed on the thesis's contribution to solving social problems and developing public policies or implementation processes.
  • Publications resulting from the thesis, field-based practices, project outputs, innovative methods, and the applicability of policy proposals are considered during evaluation.

c. Contribution to Social Transformation and Innovation Award

  • This award is given to theses offering innovative contributions in areas guiding the future, such as social justice, cultural heritage and identity, social participation, creative thinking, ethics, technology, and digital humanities.
  • Emphasis should be placed on the thesis's capacity to create social awareness, produce innovation while preserving cultural values, and contribute to transformation processes in a digitalizing world.
  • Artistic, cultural, technological, or creative productions resulting from the thesis are considered during evaluation.

d. Contribution to Publication/Work Performance Derived from Thesis Award

  • This award is granted based on the number and quality of publications and works (articles, book chapters, artistic works, patents, etc.) derived from the thesis.
  • Priority is given to studies published in journals scanned in international indexes (SCIE, SSCI & AHCI), considering the prestige of the journal or conference.
  • Quartile information, impact factor (if any), citation count, and registration status of patents/utility models are also taken into account.
  • This award aims to improve the quality of scientific knowledge and encourage the sharing of research results with the academic community.

Application Process

To complete your application, please fill out the relevant form and submit it to our institute by

January 23, 2026, at 23:59.

 

Required Documents for Application:
  • Thesis Award Application Form
  • PDF copy of the thesis
  • Scanned copy of the thesis signature page
  • Student justification letter (Turkish or English, signed)
  • Advisor justification letter (Turkish or English, signed)
  • List of works produced from the thesis (publications, papers, patents)

The application form must be filled out online, and all other documents must be sent via e-mail.
Applications will be received online; printed documents will not be accepted.

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