Sustainability
Innovation
Collaboration
Research and Development: MEM-TEK will conduct research to improve existing technologies and produce new technologies.
Support to industry: MEM-TEK will provide all areas of industry with the technical know-how and infrastructure they need on membrane technologies.
Education of researchers and scientists: The latest technologies will be made available to researchers.
Since Türkiye is one of the countries under water stress, technologies that provide alternative water sources, such as water recovery and desalination, have become increasingly important. From a global perspective, membrane science and technology have gained significant importance as existing water resources begin to deplete. Membrane production requires high technology, expertise, and experience. Membrane technology is not yet affordable enough for widespread use. However, advancements in membrane science will reduce the current costs of membrane technology. A clean future requires low-cost, high-tech solutions.
In order to produce membranes in Türkiye, develop modules and processes, create opportunities for researchers working on membrane technologies, and contribute to global membrane science, the National Membrane Technologies Research Center (MEM-TEK) project was launched in 2010 with the support of the State Planning Organization of the Republic of Türkiye, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu. The construction of the center was completed in 2011 by the State Planning Organization. Its instrumental infrastructure was finalized in 2012. In 2014, MEM-TEK was granted the status of a “National Application and Research Center” by the Turkish Government.
Prof. Dr. Dincer Topacık was born on April 3, 1946, in the Bor district of Niğde, Türkiye. After completing his education at Niğde High School, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Civil Engineering in 1969 and completed his Ph.D. in 1977. Between 1972 and 1973, he worked as an assistant at Yıldız Technical University, Department of Hydraulics and Water Structures. In 1973, he started working as an assistant at ITU Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering. From 1977 to 1978, he was a visiting researcher at Iowa State University, Department of Civil Engineering, in the United States. Between 1978 and 1979, he served as a visiting faculty member at Garyounis University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, in Libya. He became an associate professor in 1981 and was promoted to full professor in 1989. He was married and had three children.
Prof. Dr. Topacık made significant contributions, particularly in the fields of water supply and wastewater management, wastewater treatment plant operations, and the removal of building wastewater and stormwater. He authored several books, including “Applications of Water Supply and Wastewater Removal,” “Environmental Microbiology,” “Operation of Treatment Plants,” and “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Handbook.” He contributed immensely to the environmental engineering profession and education, training numerous students throughout his career.
After 1995, he focused on the applications of membrane processes in environmental engineering, publishing many internationally recognized studies. His work has been cited extensively in SCI-indexed journals.
One of his greatest dreams was to establish a research center in the field of membrane technologies. He continuously encouraged researchers around him and made significant efforts toward its establishment. Prof. Dr. Topacık retired from his position at ITU Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, in October 2005 and passed away on January 24, 2006.
In 2014, the ITU Senate approved a proposal to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to name the National Membrane Technologies Application and Research Center after Prof. Dr. Dincer Topacık. This decision was officially published in the Official Gazette on May 26, 2014.
Although he could not witness its realization, the establishment of the institution he envisioned and its transformation into a productive R&D center remains our greatest solace. On this occasion, we remember Prof. Dr. Dincer Topacık with great respect and gratitude.
