The Institute was established in 1961 with the name of the Nuclear Energy Institute to address nuclear energy issues raised by the growing energy demand of Turkey. In 2003, the institute was renamed as the Energy Institute to form a center for advanced research into the energy aspects in a broader respect.
The Energy Institute teaching and research programs on graduate level are of an applied and interdisciplinary nature involving students, faculty, staff and off-campus persons from the fields of Science, Engineering, Architecture and Agriculture. The Institute is engaged in the collection, development, and dissemination of information and research about energy in general and sustainability for the improvement of environment quality, economics, and human life.
The Energy Institute emphasizes distinguished research programs in the energy fields, complementing instruction at both graduate and undergraduate levels. It serves for identification, initiation, and execution of interdisciplinary research, policyrelated studies on critical energy issues affecting Turkey, and the world. It cooperates with other research institutions (such as the Energy Institute of TUBİTAK, and UNIDO-Ichet) and with state agencies on studies aimed at solutions of energy problems.
Faculty Members and Research Advisors
Because of interdisciplinary nature of energy, the faculty members are formed from various fields including physics,mathematics, architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering and earth systems engineering. In addition to nearly 20 faculty members of the Energy Institute, about the same number of faculty members from various faculties of Istanbul Technical University also contributes to the work of the Institute in teaching and research activities.
Laboratory Facilities
The Institute owns and operates a TRIGA type nuclear research reactor, which is a major asset of the University. Among the main laboratories are Neutron Activation Analysis, Nuclear Chemistry, Radioisotopes and Radiochemistry, Radiotracer Techniques, Radiation Measurement, and Measurement of Thermophysical Properties Laboratories, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Illumination Laboratories.