Message from the Director

·         Establishment: The Edremit Olive Institute of Balıkesir University was established pursuant to Law No. 3837, published in the Official Gazette dated July 11, 1992, and numbered 21281, and became operational following the decision of the Council of Higher Education dated February 14, 1994. The establishment of the Department of Olive Science within the Institute was proposed by the University Senate on March 5, 1998, and approved by the Executive Board of the Council of Higher Education on April 13, 1998.

·         Mission: The mission of the BAUN Edremit Olive Institute is to conduct graduate-level education and training in the field of olive science, carry out interdisciplinary research projects, and raise awareness among producers through farmer training programs, particularly in the Edremit Gulf Region. In addition, the Institute supports the production of high-quality olives and olive oil within the University by applying academic standards. Through these activities, the Institute contributes to the regional and national economy, enhances the University’s visibility, facilitates adaptation to innovations in olive science, and supports and guides scientific policies.

·         Vision: The vision of the BAUN Edremit Olive Institute is to become a pioneering institution that strengthens the quality and competitiveness of olive production at regional and national levels by supporting interdisciplinary graduate research and applications. The Institute aims to be technically well-equipped, responsive to national needs, respectful of universal values, committed to quality management principles, and dedicated to continuous development.

·         Purpose: The Institute is one of the four institutes established within Balıkesir University to provide graduate education, train specialized scientists, and contribute to scientific research in the field of olive science.

·         Significance: The Institute is the first and only institution in Türkiye established specifically to provide education and conduct research in the field of olive science.

·         Campus and Facilities: The Institute is located in the Edremit District within the Edremit Vocational School building and includes an office for the Director, a secretary’s office, and a research laboratory.

·         Research, Development, and Production Infrastructure: The Institute operates fully equipped facilities including a 200-square-meter Boutique Olive Oil Production and Training Facility, a 200-square-meter Table Olive Training and Application Facility, and a 200-square-meter Olive Oil Soap Training and Application Facility. These facilities support research, development, and production activities.

·         Human Resources: The Institute currently does not have permanent academic staff. The administrative staff member assigned as Institute Secretary has been temporarily reassigned to the Library and Documentation Department Branch Directorate at Balıkesir University’s central campus under Article 13/b-4 of Law No. 2547 as of October 23, 2024. No additional administrative personnel are currently assigned.

·         Activities: Since its establishment, the Institute has organized courses, panels, and seminars aimed at farmer education, providing academic-level knowledge transfer to the sector. The Institute responds to regional needs in olive seedling cultivation, olive growing, pest management, and olive industry practices, contributing to solutions for regional olive production challenges. It participates in national and international research projects as both coordinator and partner.

·         During 2023–2024, the Institute has been actively involved in planning and supporting operations at the Boutique Olive Oil Production Facility funded by the South Marmara Development Agency and the Table Olive and Olive Oil Soap Training Facilities funded by Balıkesir University’s Scientific Research Projects Unit. These facilities provide the technical and laboratory infrastructure necessary for academic-level production, processing, bottling, packaging, and storage of olives, olive oil, and olive oil soap. The Institute also supports the University’s quality and branding strategies while serving as a model for regional olive sector development.

·         Academic Development: Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the infrastructure and academic staffing of the Department of Olive Science and to establish similar academic units. Preparations are also underway for the establishment of a related faculty that will support the Institute’s development.

·         Directors of the Institute:

Prof. Dr. Orhan A. Sekendiz — Acting Director (Jan 13, 1998 – Dec 2, 1998)

Prof. Dr. Orhan A. Sekendiz — Director (Dec 2, 1998 – Apr 26, 1999)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sakin Vural Varlı — Director (Dec 25, 2002 – Mar 8, 2006)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feray Köçkar — Director (Mar 8, 2006 – Feb 9, 2007)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sebahat Akın — Director (Feb 9, 2007 – May 15, 2007)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Bağdat — Director (May 29, 2007 – Jan 5, 2016)

Dr. Tuba Öncül Abacıgil — Director (Jan 5, 2016 – Present) 

·         As the first and only institute in Türkiye established specifically for education and research in the field of olive science, the institution operates from its campus in Edremit with its administrative units as well as research and application facilities. The boutique olive oil production and training facility, the table olive training and application facility, and the olive oil soap training and application facility within the Institute provide modern infrastructure to support research, development, and production activities. The work carried out in these facilities contributes to the University’s quality and branding strategies while also serving as a model for regional olive cultivation.

·         Since its establishment, the Institute has organized farmer training programs, courses, panels, and seminars, ensuring the transfer of academic knowledge to the sector. Guidance is provided to the local community in areas such as olive cultivation, pest management, processing technologies, and production practices, while scientific output is supported through national and international projects. 

·         Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the academic infrastructure of the Department of Olive Science and to establish new academic units, with planned initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the Institute. Through its integrated approach to education, research, and practical application, the Balıkesir University Edremit Olive Institute remains committed to advancing scientific production in olive science, guiding the sector, and contributing to regional development.