Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) hosted the 2nd International Conference on Energy Storage and Circular Sustainability (ESSC 2026) on 1–2 July 2026. Chaired by Prof. Alpagut Kara, Director of SUNUM, and Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Kemal Bayazıt, Researcher at SUNUM, the conference brought together academics, industry representatives, and public sector stakeholders to discuss the latest research and developments in energy storage technologies, integrated energy systems, and the water–energy nexus.
During the conference opening sessions, Prof. John Irvine (University of St Andrews), Prof. Rezan Demir Çakan (Gebze Technical University), Prof. Qiong Cai (University of Surrey), and Prof. Can Erkey (Koç University) delivered keynote talks, sharing their research and insights on energy storage and sustainable energy systems.
The papers presented during the two-day program facilitated the exchange of information and academic interaction among researchers from various disciplines. The program also included networking sessions for participants and a visit to the SUNUM laboratory.
During the conference’s industry sessions, ZEISS Regional Sales Manager Kenan Doğru, Rotalab Sales and Marketing Manager Demet Çatçat Kayım, Tomáš Šamořil from Atomika, Canberk Şen, Co-Founder of Novium, Kamil Temel, Sales and Service Manager at TETRA Teknolojik Sistemler A.Ş., Barış Akdeniz, Sales and Service Manager at Tekafos, and Dr. Vildan Bayram Karakuşlu, Senior Researcher at TÜBİTAK RUTE, delivered presentations on their organizations’ products and technologies.
At the end of the conference, Parisa Zardari (University of Tabriz), Baidaa Alkhateab (SUNUM), and Kamal Asadipakdel (SUNUM) were awarded prizes for the three best papers.
ESSC 2026 paved the way for the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience, while also contributing to the presentation of current research and the exploration of new opportunities for collaboration.
