International Projects
Duration: 01.01.2027 - 01.01.2031
Food-Grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems
(FAroGels)
European Commission (EC) / HORIZON-MSCA-DN
Total Budget: €4,189,370.04
FAroGels aims to develop biodegradable and edible food-grade aerogels for sustainable food systems. The project focuses on advancing scalable and energy-efficient production methods and establishing the scientific basis for their safe and functional use in food production, processing, and packaging.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.01.2027 - 01.01.2032
Reforms and Empowerment for Agri-food Competitiveness and Open Excellence
(REACtOE)
European Commission (EC) / European Excellence Initiative (EEI) (HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-01)
Total Budget: €4,999,902.50
REACtOE brings together higher education institutions and innovation stakeholders to strengthen research capacity and institutional development in the agri-food sector. The project focuses on modernising research management, advancing digital and open science infrastructures, and supporting sustainable innovation through applied pilot actions.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.11.2026 - 01.11.2030
Fixing Alternative Proteins: Overcoming Key Challenges for Practical Integration into Food Systems
(Fix-APro)
European Commission (EC) / HORIZON-MSCA-SE
Total Budget: €1,708,410.00
Fix-APro brings together researchers and industry to advance the safe, sustainable and scalable production of alternative proteins. The project focuses on improving extraction processes, reducing anti-nutritional factors, validating sensory and functional performance, and strengthening consumer and regulatory acceptance.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.11.2025 - 01.11.2029
Study of Novel Generation Nanobodies for Agri-food Applications
(GuardAgents)
European Commission (EC) / HORIZON-MSCA-SE
Total Budget: €1.738.470,00
GuardAgents brings together researchers and industry to develop advanced biocontrol solutions against agricultural pests and pathogens. The project focuses on innovative microbial and natural agent-based strategies to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
Project Partner: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 23.09.2025 - 23.09.2029
European Network for Valorizing Food Processing Waste into Sustainable Fibers
(ENFiber)
European Commission (EC) / COST-CA24111
Total Budget: ~ €600.000
ENFiber explores how food processing waste can be transformed into sustainable fibers for food, pharmaceutical, packaging, and textile applications. The network develops scalable green extraction methods and promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.
Action Chair: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.09.2025 - 01.09.2029
Alternative Proteins Research and Innovation Skills Enhancement
(APRISE)
European Commission (EC) / ERA Talents (HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-03)
Total Budget: €2.997.390,00
APRISE strengthens research and innovation skills on alternative proteins in Widening Countries. Through training, secondments, and cross-sectoral collaboration, the project empowers researchers to advance sustainable protein sources and support Europe’s transition to resilient food systems.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.01.2024 - 01.01.2028
NMR relaxation tools for improving and protecting quality of dairy products
(NMR-IMRPOV)
European Commission (EC) / HORIZON-MSCA-SE
Total Budget: €1.361.600,00
NMR-IMRPOV develops advanced NMR relaxation methods to improve quality control in dairy products. By applying fast field cycling and time-domain NMR, the project enables precise characterization of dairy quality.
Project Partner: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.04.2023 - 01.04.2027
Exploration and Implementation of Products with Alternative Proteins in Mediterranean Region
(ProxIMed)
PRIMA (H2020) / Section 1- Agri-Food Value Chain
Total Budget: €4.095.700,00
ProxIMed investigates how alternative proteins can be produced and applied in Mediterranean food systems. The project promotes sustainable diets and environmentally friendly nutrition in the region.
Project Partner: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.09.2021 - 01.11.2022
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry for Dairy Products
(COST-IG15209)
European Commission (EC) / COST-IG15209
Total Budget: €125.000,00
This network promotes the use of NMR relaxometry to assess, improve, and authenticate dairy product quality. It connects researchers across Europe in dairy innovation.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.05.2021 - 01.05.2025
Functionalized Tomato Products
(FunTomP)
PRIMA (H2020) / Section 1- Agri-Food Value Chain
Total Budget: €1.905.211,25
FunTomP reformulates Mediterranean tomato products by incorporating plant proteins and olive powders from agricultural side-streams. It applies green technologies to create healthier, sustainable foods.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.01.2021 - 01.01.2025
Alternative Quality and Authenticity Methods for Sugar and Confectionery Industry
(SuChAQuality)
European Commission (EC) / H2020-MSCA-RISE
Total Budget: €1.531.800,00
SuChAQuality builds a global research network to tackle quality and authenticity challenges in sugar and confectionery. It develops advanced analytical methods for the industry.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
National Projects
Duration: 15.04.2025 - 15.04.2027
A Completely Sustainable and Greener Route for the Utilization of Olive Pomace: Production of Bioactive Sprout Inhibitors and Alternative Proteins
(SUSTAINOLIVE)
TÜBİTAK / 2565 - TÜBİTAK-Malta Bilateral Cooperation
Total Budget: ₺2.882.800
SUSTAINOLIVE converts olive pomace from Malta and Southwest Anatolia into high-value products using green extraction methods. The project develops bioactive compounds, alternative proteins, and biofertilizers, promoting circular economy practices in the olive oil industry.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.08.2024 - 01.08.2026
Mısır Koçanından Biyoteknolojik Yöntemlerle Sağlık Takviyesi Olarak Protein ve Biyoaktif Peptit Üretimi
(B-02)
TÜSEB / B-02
Total Budget: ₺2.500.000,00
This project develops biotechnological methods to extract proteins and bioactive peptides from corn cobs. The goal is to create health-promoting ingredients from agricultural waste.
Project Coordinator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.04.2023 - 01.07.2026
Toz Gıdalarda Kekleşmeyi İncelemek için Farklı Moleküler Yaklaşımlar
(ToKeMol)
TÜBİTAK / 1001
Total Budget: ₺1.250.000,00
ToKeMol studies the caking tendency of powdered foods at the molecular level. It aims to deliver rapid and reliable analytical methods to predict and control caking.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 15.11.2022 - 15.11.2024
An Alternative Method for Sugar Syrup Adulteration: ‘Ethanol Isotope IRMS’
(1001)
TÜBİTAK / 1001
Total Budget: ₺764.980,00
This project develops an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) method to detect adulteration in sugar syrups. It provides a reliable tool to ensure product authenticity.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.10.2022 - 01.10.2025
Innovative Methods for Detection of Quality Problems in Biotech Pharmaceuticals (LF-NMR4BTP) / Biyoteknolojik İlaçlarda Görülen Kalite Sorunlarının Tespiti için Yenilikçi Yöntemler
(BAP - ADEP)
METU / BAP - ADEP
Total Budget: ₺800.000,00
LF-NMR4BTP designs new NMR-based protocols to detect quality issues in biotech pharmaceuticals. It targets crystallization, glycation, agglomeration, and formulation errors in drug samples.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.07.2022 - 01.11.2023
Production of Tomato Pestil and Powder Enriched with Protein and Phenolic Components Using Microwave Vacuum Drying Method and Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties / Protein ve Fenolik Bileşenlerle Zenginleştirilmiş Domates Pestili ve Tozunun Mikrodalga Vakum Kurutma Yöntemi Kullanılarak Üretilmesi ve Fizikokimyasal Özelliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi
(BAP - DOSAP)
METU / BAP - DOSAP
Total Budget: ₺300.000,00
The project produces tomato fruit leather and powders enriched with protein and phenolics using microwave vacuum drying. The aim is to improve nutritional and functional properties.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 15.04.2022 - 15.04.2024
A Complete Sustainable Route for the Utilization of Olive Pomace: Production of Bioactives and Nanocrystalline Cellulose
(TUBITAK-MALTA Bilateral Cooperation)
TÜBİTAK / TUBITAK-MALTA Bilateral Cooperation
Total Budget: ₺936.000,00
This project creates a sustainable production line to obtain bioactives and nanocrystalline cellulose from olive pomace. It contributes to waste valorization in the olive industry.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.06.2021 - 01.03.2024
Use of flow-assisted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and NMR Relaxometry as an in vitro digestion monitoring tool in foods
(2519-COST)
TÜBİTAK / 2519-COST
Total Budget: ₺682.000,00
The project simulates digestion using flow-assisted MRI and NMR relaxometry. It enables real-time monitoring of rheological changes in food emulsions.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.06.2021 - 01.06.2024
Use of Polysaccharide Based Aerogels For Different Food Applications
(2515-COST)
TÜBİTAK / 2515-COST
Total Budget: ₺807.000,00
This project investigates polysaccharide-based aerogels for food uses such as frying oil purification, tea clarification, and enzyme immobilization. It develops natural, efficient processing solutions.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.04.2021 - 01.10.2022
Testing different technologies on the production of a powder emulsifier from chickpea water and investigation of the physicochemical properties
(1005)
TÜBİTAK / 1005
Total Budget: ₺294.300,00
The project develops a powdered emulsifier from chickpea water (aquafaba). It evaluates its physicochemical properties to enable new food applications.
Project Advisor: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.03.2021 - 01.12.2022
Production of an Instant Tea Powder Enriched with an Herbal Mix
(1505)
TÜBİTAK-TEYDEB with Doğadan Gıda A.Ş / 1505
Total Budget: ₺269.448,04
This project creates an instant tea powder enriched with herbal blends. The product offers consumers a convenient and functional beverage option.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.01.2021 - 01.12.2022
Invert Şekerin Su ile Etkileşiminin Moleküler Dinamik Simülasyon ve NMR Relaksometre İle İncelenmesi
(BAP - Thesis)
METU / BAP - Thesis
Total Budget: ₺11.979,41
This project uses molecular dynamics and NMR to study how invert sugar interacts with water. Findings support better understanding of sugar behavior in foods.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.12.2020 - 01.04.2023
Sığır Mastitis Tanısı Için Mikroakışkan Spintronik Biyoçiplerin Modellenmesi, Optimizasyonu Ve Üretimi
(International Bilateral Joint Cooperation Program Project)
TÜBİTAK / International Bilateral Joint Cooperation Program Project
Total Budget: ₺100.000
The project designs magnetic biochips to diagnose mastitis in cow’s milk. Mathematical modeling and optimization support reliable and accurate detection.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 14.01.2020 - 14.01.2022
Extraction of Pumpkin Seed and Peanut Proteins and Improvement of their Properties by Maillard Reaction
(BAP - Thesis)
METU / BAP - Thesis
Total Budget: ₺19.969,18
This project extracts proteins from pumpkin seeds and peanuts and enhances them via Maillard reactions. It aims to improve functionality for food applications.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 12.01.2020 - 12.07.2021
Crystallization of Sucrose Using Microwave Vacuum Technique
(1005)
TÜBİTAK / 1005
Total Budget: ₺334.050,00
The project studies sucrose crystallization using microwave vacuum techniques. It seeks more energy-efficient production of high-quality crystalline sugar.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 09.01.2020 - 09.01.2021
Exploring the Effect of Different Salts on Proteins by using Low-Resolution NMR
(1002)
TÜBİTAK / 1002
Total Budget: ₺44.470,00
This project investigates how different salts affect proteins using low-resolution NMR. The goal is to better understand impacts on food stability and structure.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.01.2020 - 01.12.2021
D-Psikoz Nadir Şekerinin Karamelizasyon ve Hidrasyon Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi
(GAP)
METU / GAP
Total Budget: ₺51.861,42
This project examines the caramelization and hydration of D-psicose, a rare sugar. It explores its functional potential in food applications.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 15.05.2018 - 15.05.2020
Use of Magic Sandwich Echo (MSE) and Spin Diffusion (SD) Sequences in Developing Alternative and New Quality Control Methods for Food Applications
(1001)
TÜBİTAK / 1001
Total Budget: ₺492.528,00
The project develops food quality control methods using Magic Sandwich Echo and Spin Diffusion NMR sequences. These techniques improve microstructural food analysis.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 12.01.2018 - 12.01.2019
Glycation of Pea and Soy Proteins with a Rare Sugar (D-psicose) and Investigation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Glycated Proteins
(1002)
TÜBİTAK / 1002
Total Budget: ₺29.750,00
This project glycates pea and soy proteins with D-psicose and studies their properties. The aim is to enhance the functionality of plant-based proteins.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: 01.08.2013 - 01.12.2016
Virüs ile Enfekte Olmuş Tohumların Tespiti için Yeni Bir Yöntem Nükleer Manyetik Rezonans NMR Relaksometre
(TAGEM)
TAGEM
Total Budget: ₺298.467,00
The project develops NMR relaxometry methods to detect virus-infected seeds. It supports more reliable seed quality control.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP
Duration: TBA
Manyetik Rezonans Görüntüleme (MRG) ve NMR Relaksometre Teknikleri Kullanılarak Karakterize Edilen Lipozom Sistemleri İle Yağ Oksidasyonunu Önleyici Sprey Ürün Geliştirilmesi
(FP1405 - COST)
TÜBİTAK / FP1405 - COST
Total Budget: ₺291.300,00
This project develops spray products to prevent lipid oxidation in foods. It uses MRI and NMR relaxometry to characterize liposome-based delivery systems.
Principal Investigator: Mecit Halil ÖZTOP