Occupational Health and Safety at Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
Asst. Prof. Kaan Koçalı is a dynamic academic and certified expert in occupational health and safety at Istanbul Gelişim University. With a strong foundation in engineering and interdisciplinary studies, he has carved a reputable path in education, safety management, and regulatory compliance . His dedication spans mining safety, integrated management systems, and disaster awareness. Prof. Koçalı’s active roles in university governance include heading departments, curriculum planning, and Erasmus coordination . Passionate about nurturing future safety leaders, he blends practical field expertise with academic excellence. His scholarly footprint is evident in his Scopus, ORCID, and Web of Science profiles . A respected trainer and speaker, he frequently contributes to national and international safety forums. His commitment to quality education, student engagement, and lifelong learning continues to shape safety science in Turkey and beyond.
Professional Profile
ORCID PROFILE | SCOPUS PROFILE
Education & Experience
Prof. Koçalı holds a rich academic portfolio including a doctorate in Occupational Health and Safety from Istanbul Aydin University (2017–2021), postgraduate degrees in mining engineering and interdisciplinary safety, and three undergraduate degrees in mining, entrepreneurship, and business. His academic journey spans institutions like İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Anadolu University, and Istanbul Kultur University. His teaching tenure at Istanbul Gelişim University began in 2021, where he now serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department Over the years, he’s taken on diverse academic and administrative roles, including membership on curriculum, ethics, and Erasmus commissions. His deep experience in the mining industry, combined with university-level leadership, allows him to mentor students across associate and postgraduate programs effectively. His teaching portfolio covers risk management, safety legislation, fire protection, and sectoral applications in occupational safety.
Professional Development
Prof. Koçalı has continually strengthened his expertise with over 30 specialized certifications and trainings in safety and management systems. He holds top-tier ISO auditor certificates (ISO 9001, 14001, 22000, 45001) from Sigmacert Global , NEBOSH certifications from the UK for global occupational safety , and fire instructor training credentials . As an advocate for lifelong learning, he’s completed education in project management, risk evaluation, and legal safety frameworks across various sectors. His roles as a certified A-class occupational safety expert and licensed UAV pilot demonstrate his technical adaptability and commitment to multidisciplinary training. His involvement with European LEADER programs and university-led workshops reflects his community focus and regional development orientation. His educational programs have emphasized technical implementation, mental tools for mastering complex subjects, and safety leadership—all crucial for modern risk-based management in dynamic industries.
Research Focus
Prof. Kaan Koçalı’s research spans occupational safety, ergonomics, social politics, and work measurement. His doctoral dissertation tackled legal responsibilities of mining supervisors under Turkish law, integrating software-based control systems—a rare blend of law, safety, and tech innovation. He explores cultural dimensions of safety through survey-based studies and examines the impact of boron compounds in solar panels—indicating his interest in both traditional industries and sustainable technologies. His studies in integrated management systems (ISO standards), risk analysis, and sector-specific safety protocols have wide application in mining, construction, and industrial environments. As a certified trainer and auditor, he also focuses on pedagogical innovations in safety education and participatory risk evaluation techniques. His multi-layered research helps bridge academic theory and practical implementation, contributing to safer, more compliant workplaces. His scientific contributions empower institutions to adapt effectively to ever-changing regulatory, environmental, and operational landscapes.
Awards & Honors
While formal awards may not be listed individually, Prof. Koçalı’s professional recognitions are reflected in his trusted positions across academia and regulatory training institutions. His A-Class Occupational Safety Expert certification from the Ministry of Labor and multiple ISO lead auditor certificates signify a high level of national and international trust. His appointment as department head, Erasmus coordinator , and numerous committee chairmanships at Istanbul Gelişim University reflect internal recognition of leadership and expertise. His NEBOSH-accredited certifications are globally respected in occupational safety and underscore his international competence. He has also been selected as a panel reviewer, speaker, and training leader in several institutions—an honor for safety scholars. His affiliations with prestigious boards such as TMMOB and Sigmacert confirm his authority in the safety ecosystem. His real award is the impact he creates: safer systems, skilled students, and sustainable safety practices.
Publication Top Notes
Title: An Ergonomic Perspective on the Analysis of Postural Behaviors of Factory Workers
Author: Kaan Koçalı
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
Prof. Kocalıs 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.