Ural Akbulut

Ural Akbulut (born 1945) is a professor of chemistry at Middle East Technical University (METU) and served as the university's rector from 2002 to 2008.

Early life

Akbulut completed his undergraduate and master's degrees at Middle East Technical University (METU) in 1970 before earning his doctorate at the University of South Florida in 1973.^[1]

Rectorship

During his presidency at METU, he was involved in a public debate with Melih Gökçek regarding Ankara's water issues.^[2] He also coined the term "e-memorandum" to describe the military statements published on the Turkish Armed Forces' website concerning the 2007 Turkish presidential election.^[3] Currently, he works as a columnist for the Milliyet newspaper.

Administrative positions

• Vice Chair of the Chemistry Department, METU (1982–1985)
• Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science, Ankara University (1985–1986)
• Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University (1986)
• Vice Rector, Ankara University (1986–1987)
• Secretary-General, METU (1990–1992)
• Vice Rector, METU (1992–2000)
• Rector, METU (2000–2008)^[1]

Awards

• Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey Encouragement Award (1985)
• United States Benz Alumni Award (1996)
• Turkish Chemical Society Service Award (2001)
• Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2006)
• ANGİAD Educator of the Year Award (2007)
• Lions International Achievement Award (2008)
• Hyogo Prefecture International Achievement Award (2009)^[4]