<p>Description:</p>
<p>This presentation aims to advise young researchers by showing the importance of scholarships such as the TÜBİTAK 2214-A International Research Scholarship in conducting some doctoral studies abroad. The international funding process and project application content will form the basis for being in new research environments and gaining experience, and transferring advanced methodologies back to domestic institutions. The impact of such experiences on technical and professional development, scientific perspectives and their importance in long-term international collaborations, and how they enrich the quality of research at home will be emphasized.</p>
<p>Objectives:</p>
<p>- To provide a comprehensive project process for doctoral students seeking international research opportunities.<br>- To demonstrate the personal and academic benefits of conducting research abroad.<br>- To encourage young researchers to pursue global collaborations and establish long-term scientific networks.</p>
<p>Background:</p>
<p>During my PhD in Audiology, I received funding through the TÜBİTAK 2214-A program to conduct a portion of my doctoral research at the Kresge Hearing Research Institute at the University of Michigan, USA. This experience directly advanced my thesis work, allowing me to acquire advanced skills in electrophysiology and confocal imaging in basic science. Beyond the technical training, it encouraged an adaptation to an international research culture and collaborations that would continue to shape my academic career. By sharing this scientific experience, I hope to encourage early career scientists to take advantage of similar opportunities and explore global perspectives.</p>
<p>- Fatma Nur Kömür. Objective and Behavioral Assessment of Noise Exposure on the Vestibular System in Rodents. TÜBİTAK 2214-A International Ph.D. Research Fellowship, 20.08.2024–15.11.2025, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, USA.<br>- Ayşe Ayça Çiprut, Fatma Nur Kömür, Yavuz Özdemir, Özlem Tuğçe Yaşar, Dila Şener Akçora, Buğra Genç, Murat Peker, Halis Altun, Ali Cemal Yumuşakhuylu, Çağatay Oysu, Gabriel Corfas. Evaluation of the Effect of Noise Exposure on Vestibular Synaptopathy in Sprague-Dawley Rats under Different Conditions, in Terms of Behavioral, Electrophysiological, Histological, Longitudinal and Holistic Approach. TÜBİTAK 1001 Project, Project No: 223S785, 2024, Ongoing.<br>- Komur, F. N., Genc, B., Cassinotti, L. R., Corfas, G., Ciprut, A., & Yumusakhuylu, A. C. (2026). Noise-induced vestibular dysfunction in rats: longitudinal assessment using cVEMP and behavioral testing after low-frequency acoustic trauma. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 19, 1677019.</p>
<p>Based on the experience of conducting part of doctoral research in the USA with the support of a TÜBİTAK scholarship, this presentation shares practical insights into securing research funding, adapting to an international research environment, and building meaningful global collaborations.</p>
<p>The aim is to encourage early-career researchers to make the most of these opportunities, strengthen their academic and professional skills, expand their networks, and ultimately contribute to scientific progress in their home countries.</p>
