SETA, in collaboration with international research centers and defense studies academies, successfully completed the Professional Research Training Program. Held over two weeks in Istanbul, the program provided participants with extensive training on research methods, strategic thinking, policy analysis, and decision-making mechanisms. It was regarded as a significant capacity-building initiative within the framework of Türkiye’s strategic partnerships with friendly and allied countries.
The program began with opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Nebi Miş, SETA’s General Coordinator, and Dr. Faruk Yaslıçimen, Director of SETA Academy. In their speeches, they emphasized that the program aimed to enhance strategic cooperation among participating countries and highlighted the unique “think-and-do tank” character of SETA Academy, which integrates knowledge production with practical application. Program Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Murat Aslan and Project Lead Prof. Dr. Murat Yeşiltaş also welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the program’s structure.
Designed to strengthen fundamental research competencies, the program followed an intensive curriculum consisting of 16 sessions. Participants received training on research methodologies, field research, policy brief preparation, strategic scenario development, reporting and briefing methods. Delivered by experts in their respective fields, the courses adopted a participant-centered approach and were enriched with interactive discussions in each session.
The content of the program was shaped with the needs of professionals working in strategic institutions, think tanks, and decision-making units in mind. Through the training, participants not only enhanced their academic capabilities but also gained the methodological skills required to operate within high-level strategic institutions.
As an extension of the longstanding training activities conducted by SETA Academy, this program constituted an important component of the institution’s international capacity-building efforts. Through similar programs designed for researchers and policymakers from various countries, SETA not only shares Türkiye’s academic expertise but also contributes to the development of a shared strategic understanding. The overarching objective of this initiative was to strengthen strategic ties among participating countries, enhance joint research capabilities, and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
At the conclusion of the two-week program, participants received their certificates and successfully completed the training. SETA officials noted that such collaborations would continue in the coming period through more extensive training activities, joint research projects, and strategic meetings. The program ultimately served as a successful platform for enhancing knowledge exchange and institutional engagement between Türkiye and representatives of friendly and allied nations.