The YÖK Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented at the 2025–2026 Higher Education Academic Year Opening Ceremony held at the Beştepe Nation Congress and Culture Center on October 9, 2025, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At the ceremony, Dr. Nazife Özer, a faculty member in the Department of Architecture at Erzurum Technical University (ETU) Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, was deemed worthy of the 2025 YÖK Outstanding Achievement Award in the Fine Arts and Architecture category.

Dr. Nazife Özer, who was awarded with her thesis titled "Determination of Production Possibilities and Performance Properties of Traditional Natural Cement with Clayey Limestone (Marl)", which she completed within the scope of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Graduate Education Institute Building Sciences Doctorate Program, received her award from President Erdogan.

The thesis, prepared under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Seden Acun Özgünler, explored the production possibilities of a natural, sustainable hydraulic binder using clayey limestone, an alternative to Portland cement, for use in both the restoration of traditional structures and contemporary construction. It also outlined binder production processes based on local raw material resources.

Focusing on natural hydraulic binders, which are not yet produced in Türkiye, the study conducted a comprehensive experimental investigation, ranging from raw material selection and production processes to determining the factors affecting the long-term performance and durability of binders. Detailed characterizations of the materials obtained at different calcination temperatures were performed, and these data were compared for the first time under comparable conditions with commercial products. The study demonstrated a new production potential based on local and sustainable resources, enabling the development of an innovative building material that could be utilized in both restoration and contemporary construction applications.

Commenting on the matter, ETÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak congratulated Assistant Professor Nazife Özer, stating that the achievement demonstrates the high caliber and scientific expertise of ETÜ's academic staff. Rector Çakmak stated that such nationally recognized achievements enhance the university's reputation, and expressed his belief that Assistant Professor Özer's work will make significant contributions to both academia and related sectors.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate, 14.10.2025