A ‘Peak’ Award in a 53-Year Scientific Journey

Prof. Dr. Canan Başar, a faculty member of the Department of Psychology at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), has received the 2025 ‘Science Award’, given to only one recipient, presented by the METU Parlar Foundation. With nearly 140 international publications and a pioneering role in numerous projects throughout her 53-year academic career, Prof. Dr. Başar expressed her pride in receiving one of Turkey’s most prestigious academic honors. “Throughout my life, science has always come first. Receiving this award as a recognition of more than half a century of academic work has made me very happy,” she stated.

The METU Parlar Foundation Awards were presented this year in two categories: the ‘Science Award’ and the ‘Research Incentive Award.’ Following a detailed jury evaluation of numerous scientists who have conducted original, permanent, and high-impact international work, including an analysis of citation counts, IUE Department of Psychology Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Canan Başar was selected for the ‘Science Award,’ securing her place among Turkey’s most influential scientists.

“I DEDICATED MY LIFE TO SCIENCE”

Expressing her love for her profession, Prof. Dr. Başar said, “I dedicated my life to science. When I first heard I had received the award, I was surprised and then overjoyed. I am proud to be found worthy of such a prestigious honor. In my 53 years of academic life, I have trained many scientists. Even when I feel tired, seeing smiling faces around me makes me feel better. I love my students very much.”

LABORATORY IN GERMANY NAMED AFTER HER

Noting that she has pioneered the establishment of many laboratories in Turkey and abroad, Prof. Dr. Başar said, “At Hacettepe University, my alma mater, I founded the circulation laboratory and supported the establishment of the EEG Laboratory, which allows for the detailed examination of brain waves. Between 1980 and 1990, I founded the first EEG and Circulation Laboratories at the Lübeck University of Medicine’s Department of Physiology. In 1992, I was appointed as an associate professor at the University of Bremen's Department of Psychology, where I launched the University’s first EEG Laboratory. That laboratory at the University of Bremen has been permanently named after me. I was the first person at that university to conduct clinical and experimental EEG research in the field of human physiology, and my research reached an international dimension. Most recently, I established the same laboratory at Izmir University of Economics.”

“I LOVE CONDUCTING RESEARCH”

Stating her passion for research, Prof. Dr. Başar noted that she has worked on many conditions, including schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and sleep patterns. “Currently, in the laboratory, I am conducting studies on sustainable attention, memory, working memory, sleep (power naps), and obsessive-compulsive disorder across both young and elderly age groups. I feel very fortunate to be at such a high-quality university that provides the opportunity for scientific work. Our projects will continue in the coming periods,” she stated.