The 1^st Asian Conference on Thermochronology (ACT 2026) was held at our university’s Faculty of Engineering from 26 to 28 August 2026.

The conference brought together academics and researchers from seven countries and addressed current research, new methods, and regional studies in the field of thermochronology. The programme began with two short courses: Fission Track Analysis, delivered by Raymond Donelick from the Apatite to Zircon Institute in Viola, Idaho, and Geochronological Statistics, delivered by Pieter Vermeesch from University College London.

Researchers from Türkiye, Russia, Japan, Bulgaria, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States contributed to the conference, which addressed topics including low-temperature thermochronology of Anatolia and the broader Tethyan orogen, methodological developments, and the transparency of geochronological data. The presentations delivered as part of the conference will be published in a special issue of Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, with submissions to the special issue open between 1 September 2026 and 31 March 2028.

“We Attach Great Importance to International Scientific Collaborations”

At the conclusion of the conference, a Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held at the Faculty of Engineering. The ceremony was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı; Vice Rector Ali Temiz; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Temel Varol; and academics.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, presented certificates to the researchers who participated in the conference. Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı stated that KTU’s hosting of international scientific events makes a significant contribution to its Research University vision, and said:

“We are very pleased to welcome scientists from different countries to our university and to provide them with an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise. We attach great importance to developing scientific collaborations, strengthening our research capacity, and increasing the international visibility of our university. I believe that ACT 2026 will also contribute to establishing lasting collaborations in this regard.”