Prof. Dr. Ali Övgün, a faculty member at Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics and a Turkish Cypriot physicist, has been awarded the “2026 Prof. Dr. Engin Arık Scientist Award” by Turkish Physical Society (TFD). Prof. Dr. Övgün received the award during the opening ceremony of the Turkish Physical Society’s 42nd International Physics Congress, held in Bodrum from 31 August to 4 September 2026.
Chair of Turkish Physical Society Prof. Dr. Baki Akkuş, Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci and ASELSAN Technology and Innovativeness Management Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Fazıl Yağlı presented Prof. Dr. Övgün his award during the ceremony.
Established in 2008 to honor the memory of Prof. Dr. Engin Arık, who was renowned for her contributions to the development of high-energy physics in Türkiye and the training of young researchers, the award aims to support physicists who have distinguished themselves through their educational and research activities.
Prof. Dr. Övgün continues his research at EMU, in the fields of theoretical physics, general relativity, black hole physics, and high-energy astrophysics. Through his scientific studies and international publications, he continues to contribute to the body of knowledge in these fields.
“I Share This Achievement with EMU and My Colleagues”
Speaking after the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Övgün expressed his great pride and happiness at receiving this meaningful award, which honors the scientific legacy of Prof. Dr. Engin Arık. He stated that he shares this achievement with EMU, of which he is proud to be a member, and with his colleagues.
Emphasizing that EMU’s research-supportive academic environment and the scientific expertise within the Departments of Physics and Chemistry provide a strong foundation for his work, Prof. Dr. Övgün said, “I view this award as a reflection of our university’s commitment to the fundamental sciences and its strong research culture.”
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Dr. Övgün thanked the Executive Board of the Turkish Physical Society and the members of the jury, as well as Prof. Dr. Metin Arık, the husband of Prof. Dr. Engin Arık, who continues to preserve her scientific legacy, and the Arık family. Prof. Dr. Övgün also expressed his gratitude to the EMU Rector’s Office, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and all his colleagues in the Department of Physics for their support of his research.
