Call for MSc Research Proposals: Collaboration between IZTECH and King Abdulaziz University

The İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) are inviting highly motivated prospective Master of Science (MSc) students to submit applications for a unique collaborative research opportunity. Accepted students will be supervised by Dr. Berk Ekici (IZTECH) and co-supervised by Dr. Ahmed Felimban(KAU).

We are seeking innovative research that bridges the gap between advanced computational design and human-centric urban sustainability. Crucially, proposed studies must focus on and demonstrate relevance to the built environments of both Türkiye (TR) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Defining the Dual-Nation Research Scope: To foster a comprehensive and cross-regional approach, proposals should integrate methodologies and challenges from both regional contexts:

• The Scope of Türkiye (Dr. Berk Ekici): Focuses on the application of advanced computational methodologies, utilizing Machine Learning and Deep Learning for performance optimization during the conceptual design stage. Key areas include mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, human-centric indoor and outdoor comfort, energy efficiency and renewable resources in the built environment, and utilizing advanced environmental simulations.
• The Scope of Saudi Arabia (Dr. Ahmed Felimban): Focuses on bridging building physics with social responsibility in arid climates. Key areas include evaluating the feasibility of energy retrofitting in existing residential housing stocks, analyzing the impact of architectural façades on cooling loads, and developing community-based strategies for participatory urban placemaking.

Application Requirements: Candidates must submit a complete application package containing the following documents:

1. Comprehensive Research Proposal: Must include the following structured sections (2000 words):
   • Background: Contextualize the research area.
   • Statement of the Problem: Identify the specific gap or challenge your research will address.
   • Research Questions: Define the core inquiries guiding your work.
   • Methodology: Detail the computational, analytical, fieldwork, or experimental approaches you will use.
   • Aim and Output of the Research: State the primary goals and expected deliverables.
   • Scientific and Societal Relevance: Clearly articulate how this research benefits and applies to both TR and KSA.
   • References
2. Official BSc Program Transcript
3. Academic/Professional Portfolio
4. Two (2) Reference Letters

Important Dates & Application Timeline

• May 31, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
• June 14, 2026: Notification of Proposal Acceptance
• June 24–25, 2026: Online Meetings with Shortlisted Candidates
• June 29, 2026: Final Notification of Acceptance
• July 6, 2026: Deadline to Submit Official Documents to IZTECH

Eligibility & How to Apply: Candidates must comply with the minimum criteria for the IZTECH MSc program application. Please review the official requirements here: 2026-2027 Fall Semester Graduate Program Application Announcement.

Please submit your complete application package to: berkekici@iyte.edu.tr and afelimban@kau.edu.sa

Image generated by Gemini