Established in 1975, our department proudly graduated Turkey's very first Food Engineers in 1979. With 50 years of accumulated knowledge and responsibility since our foundation, we continue to educate the food engineers of the future
What is Food Engineering?
Food Engineering is a specialized branch of engineering concerned with the production, processing, preservation, and distribution of healthy, safe, and high-quality food. By applying the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering, food engineers develop new food products, design production processes, and ensure these operations run efficiently, safely, and sustainably. They also improve the quality of existing products, maintain food safety and plant hygiene, make production systems more environmentally friendly, and optimize critical processes such as packaging and shelf life.
Ege University Department of Food Engineering
As the pioneering institution that produced Turkey's first Food Engineering graduates, our department continuously pursues its educational and research activities with a profound sense of leadership, heritage, and responsibility. Making strong contributions to both academic and industrial fields since our establishment, we continue to train the highly qualified engineers the food sector demands. With a robust scientific infrastructure, extensive practical application facilities, and an industry-oriented educational approach, we cultivate well-equipped and responsible food engineers in an environment that heavily supports their academic and personal growth.
Education
We offer undergraduate Food Engineering education through three distinct programs: a partial foreign language program (at least 30% English), a full foreign language program (100% English), and a joint degree program with the Azerbaijan State University of Economics. Courses covering basic sciences, engineering sciences, and specific food engineering topics are deeply integrated with laboratory and pilot plant applications, ensuring students acquire essential practical skills alongside their theoretical knowledge.
Our department houses numerous laboratories for student practice, as well as pilot plants equipped for trials in unit operations, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, biotechnological products, and baked goods. Furthermore, we offer our students double major and minor programs, Erasmus+ exchange opportunities, and various internship possibilities. A significant number of TÜBİTAK 2209 projects are carried out under the direction of our undergraduate students, equipping them with vital competencies in project writing, implementation, reporting, and management.
At the graduate level, we offer Master's and Ph.D. programs under the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences. Our graduate students specialize in their respective fields through advanced coursework and cultivate a strong research culture through their academic projects.
Academic Structure
Education and research activities in our department are conducted under two main divisions: Food Sciences and Food Technology. Boasting a strong interdisciplinary framework, our department provides comprehensive theoretical and practical education through its highly qualified academic staff. Our team consists of 35 academic personnel in total, including 18 Professors, 11 Associate Professors, 1 Assistant Professor, 3 Research Assistants with Ph.D.s, and 2 Research Assistants. This robust team of experts actively guides students in scientific thinking, conducting high-level research, and graduating as industry-ready professionals.
Research
Our department conducts numerous research projects supported by TÜBİTAK, various ministries, and the European Union. These extensive initiatives are supported by programs such as TÜBİTAK's 1001 and 1002 (basic and applied research), 3501 (career development for young researchers), 1512 (entrepreneurship), 1505 (university-industry collaboration), 2244 (industrial Ph.D. program), 1005 (new ideas and products), and 2209 (student projects). Additionally, our research network extends to the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), the PRIMA program supporting Mediterranean research collaborations, and the EU's Horizon research and innovation program.
As one of the most respected and well-known Food Engineering departments in Turkey, we stand out with our expert staff and strong academic infrastructure. We directly contribute to the sector through solid collaborations with the food industry and public institutions, backed by our extensive laboratory and pilot plant facilities. Our deeply rooted project culture and countless national and international project experiences elevate our scientific productivity to the highest level. Through prestigious congresses, international publications, and a broad communication network, we consistently create a strong global impact. While offering world-class experiences to our students through Erasmus and similar mobility programs, we proudly continue to train the leaders of tomorrow with our dynamic graduate student profile and well-established accreditations.
