Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Kocali | Occupational Health and Safety | Best Researcher Award
Occupational Health and Safety at Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Kocali is an esteemed academic at Istanbul Gelisim University’s Vocational School, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety . With an impressive multidisciplinary background in mining engineering, entrepreneurship, and occupational risk management, he combines field expertise with academic rigor. He has published extensively on workplace safety, ergonomics, and risk assessment . Known for his active roles in curriculum development, Erasmus coordination, and ethics committees, Dr. Koçalı is a driving force in integrating practical safety knowledge into education and industry collaboration . His teaching spans a wide range of technical and regulatory safety courses, making him a key mentor in shaping future safety professionals. Through his leadership and research, he contributes to creating sustainable, hazard-free work environments .
Professional Profile
ORCID PROFILE | SCOPUS PROFILE
Education
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocalı educational journey is rich and interdisciplinary. He began with a BSc in Mining Engineering from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa , followed by two master’s degrees in Mining and Occupational Health & Safety from the same institution and Istanbul Aydın University respectively . He completed a Ph.D. in Health and Safety at Istanbul Aydın University . Alongside, he earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Anadolu University and is currently studying Entrepreneurship at Istanbul Kültür University . His credentials are complemented by numerous certifications in ISO standards, risk management, fire safety, and NEBOSH/IOSH-accredited trainings . These academic pursuits reflect a strong commitment to merging technical, managerial, and regulatory dimensions of workplace safety.
Experience
Assist. Prof. Dr. Koçalı has served as an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelişim University . His roles include Head of Department, Erasmus Coordinator, and Curriculum Board Member . He actively participates in several university committees like the Ethics Committee, Internship Board, and Performance Evaluation Commission . With more than 20 safety and engineering-related certifications under his belt, he is also a licensed A-Class Occupational Safety Specialist. His teaching covers risk management, industrial hygiene, fire safety, and integrated management systems . Prior to academia, his mining and engineering training laid the groundwork for a career focused on reducing industrial hazards and implementing high-impact safety systems in the field. His work bridges academia, industry, and regulatory compliance .
Research Interest
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocalı research interests focus on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) , ergonomics, workplace risk analysis, and regulatory compliance . He explores interdisciplinary methods for minimizing workplace hazards in sectors like mining, logistics, and manufacturing . His Ph.D. dissertation proposed a legal responsibility tracking system for mine supervisors, reflecting a blend of safety engineering and legal oversight . He also investigates occupational disease prevention, fire safety systems, and emergency preparedness . Recently, he has expanded into integrated management systems and digital safety audits . Dr. Koçalı contributes to building a scientific foundation for proactive safety culture, workplace health promotion, and ethical safety training programs across industries .
Award and Honor
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocalı has been recognized with multiple professional honors reflecting his leadership in occupational safety and academic excellence . He holds A-Class Occupational Safety Certification and is a certified educator by Turkey’s General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety . He has completed elite safety training programs under NEBOSH and IOSH, earning international acknowledgment . His certifications in quality, environmental, and food safety systems underscore his integrated approach to safety . He frequently serves on performance and ethics committees, curriculum panels, and academic councils—highlighting his impact not only in teaching and research but also in institutional development and student mentorship .
Research Skill
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocalı brings a diverse research skillset including qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, hazard identification, and safety culture evaluation . He is proficient in developing and evaluating integrated management systems. His work often involves regulatory analysis, incident trend forecasting, and occupational ergonomics modeling . He uses surveys, legal frameworks, and simulation tools to evaluate compliance, workforce awareness, and equipment safety. His experience with digital software tools allows for data-driven decision-making in both academic and industrial environments . As an educator, he also designs training methodologies and modules to transfer safety knowledge effectively to diverse learner groups .
Publication Top Notes
Title: An Ergonomic Perspective on the Analysis of Postural Behaviors of Factory Workers
Author: Kaan Kocalı
Conference: 1st International Conference on Pioneer and Academic Research
Year: 2025
Title: Analysis of Work Accidents in Shipyards and Preventive Strategies: An Evaluation with AHP Method
Authors: Kaan Koçalı, Efe Erin, Emine Öztürk Koçalı
Conference: 10th International Congress of Scientific Research and Innovation
Year: 2025
Title: Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Disaster Logistics Operations
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: 4th International Conference on Trends in Advanced Research
Year: 2025
Title: Geleceğin İş Gücünde Yapay Zeka Destekli Güvenlik: Küresel Eğilimler, Fırsatlar ve Karşılaşılan Güçlükler
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: 5th International Conference on Contemporary Academic Research
Year: 2025
Title: Madencilikte Acil Durum ve Tahliye Planlarının Etkinliği: Simülasyon ile Senaryo Tabanlı Bir Analiz
Authors: Hakan Erdoğan, Kaan Koçalı
Conference: VI. Ulusal İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Öğrenci Kongresi
Year: 2025
Title: Posture Risks of Industrial Workers: Ergonomic Assessment with REBA Method on Assembly Lines
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: 2nd Management and Organization Association International Social Sciences Conference
Year: 2025
Title: Reflections of the Occupational Health and Safety Law No 6331 on Places of Worship
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: 16th International Congresses on Social, Humanities, Administrative, and Educational Sciences
Year: 2025
Title: Syrian Migrant Workers and Occupational Health and Safety: Problems Encountered and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Kaan Koçalı, Murat Başal
Conference: TAM 4th International Social Sciences Congress
Year: 2025
Title: Systematic Analysis of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Air Logistics
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: 4th International Conference on Trends in Advanced Research
Year: 2025
Title: Thematic Evolution of Occupational Health and Safety Management Research in SMEs
Author: Kaan Koçalı
Conference: International Congress on Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety
Year: 2025
Title: Transformation Analysis of Occupational Health and Safety Policies in Turkiye within the EU Harmonization Process
Authors: Kaan Koçalı, Türker Yapan
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocalı research stands at the intersection of science, society, and technology. His field-informed, legally-aware, and sustainability-conscious approach to safety research demonstrates not just academic excellence but transformative real-world impact. With a strong portfolio of applied science, global certifications, and academic leadership, he is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields related to engineering, safety science, and multidisciplinary applied research.