With a wealth of experience gained in different European countries, Tugay Turan has started as DIFFER’s new business developer. With his motto ‘innovation does not happen in isolation’ he is eager to create impact in the intersection of science, business and industry. Let’s introduce him to the community.
First, can you tell us something about your background?
My journey starts with academia. After finishing my bachelor studies in mining and minerals engineering in Turkey, I moved to Poland to complete my master’s degree in chemical engineering, with a focus on the energy transition. Then I moved to Portugal for a master in energy engineering and management at the Technical University of Lisbon. I started my first job at an electricity and gas distribution company where I focused on hydrogen technologies, especially hydrogen injection into natural gas network. A relocation to Berlin followed, where I started working for an energy consultancy firm.
After many wanderings through Europe you ended up in the Netherlands, how did that go?
I decided to start a PhD at Twente University, in the area of mechanical engineering, and more specifically sustainable energy systems and industrial symbiosis. To finish my PhD I will soon get involved in the TU/e research. I initially didn’t plan to work abroad, but as my career aspirations evolved, I recognized the potential for greater professional growth and new challenges internationally. This led me to pursue opportunities beyond my home country.
What excites you about the energy field?
What excites me most about the energy field is its dynamic and rapidly evolving nature. Unlike many other industries, energy is at the heart of some of the most pressing global challenges, from decarbonization to energy security. The transition to a sustainable energy system is not just about technology; it’s about creating new business models, forging strategic partnerships, and rethinking how industries operate. The opportunity to play a role in this transformation, by helping to turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact, is what keeps me motivated every day.
And what about DIFFER, in the midst of fusion and chemical energy research?
I didn’t do anything relating to fusion before I joined DIFFER. Now I am learning how the fusion ecosystem works; the fundamentals of energy generation, the equipment, the designs... Although fusion is a new world for me, science and industry are not. Connecting them is the key point. This is challenging, but there is plenty of room for learning.
As industry contact and Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) you are one of DIFFER's ambassadors. What’s that like for you?
What helps, is that I can empathize with industry and research partners, force a collaboration and help them with more impactful connections. That experience makes things easier for me, just like the extensive network DIFFER’s former ILO Paul Hieltjes has built up. What’s also supportive, is that from the very first day I feel welcome at DIFFER. I think it’s the happiest workplace I have seen in my entire life. Both the fusion department and the chemical energy department have many experts on board, and I get to learn from them. My curiosity is what drives me further.
What goals would you like to achieve in the coming years?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue working at this intersection, driving forward the development and deployment of innovative energy technologies. I am particularly interested in how emerging solutions such as hydrogen and fusion energy, can be scaled up effectively and integrated into Dutch industrial ecosystems. As the energy transition accelerates, collaboration between research institutions, industry players, and policy makers will be more critical than ever, and I aim to contribute to making these connections stronger and more impactful. Innovation does not happen in isolation. So to create real impact, research needs to connect to industry and business, so that solutions can be implemented at a bigger scale.
Get connected
Questions, comments or interested in collaborating? Contact Tugay Turan viaT [368] A [368] Turan [28] differ [368] nl (T[dot]A[dot]Turan[at]differ[dot]nl). Or meet him at coming network events, such as the ITER Business Forum (23-25 April) in Marseille and the Dutch Fusion Day (9 May) in Eindhoven.
Author: Rianne van Hoek
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