Early Academic Pursuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali’s academic journey began with a firm grounding in Mining Engineering, having earned his undergraduate degree from Istanbul University in 2011. His early curiosity in energy systems led him to conduct thesis research on “The Effects of Boron Compounds on Solar Panels”, highlighting his interdisciplinary vision from the outset.

Dr. Koçali later diversified his academic portfolio by pursuing multiple postgraduate programs. He completed a Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering with a thesis focus and later acquired a non-thesis MSc in Occupational Health and Safety from Istanbul Aydın University in 2016. His academic thirst culminated in earning his Ph.D. in Occupational Health and Safety in 2021, with a dissertation that bridged legal, operational, and software dimensions: “Determining the Legal Responsibilities of Permanent Supervisors in Mines within the Scope of Laws 3213 and 6331 and Developing a Document Tracking-Control System Software”.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Koçali’s professional trajectory seamlessly blends academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Since August 2021, he has served as a Doctor Öğretim Üyesi (Assistant Professor) at Istanbul Gelişim University, where he contributes to both education and institutional research.

Beyond academia, his entrepreneurial drive is reflected in his participation in KOSGEB-supported R&D and innovation projects, such as developing circular-cutting water jet drilling machines and performance tracking systems for the mining sector. His involvement in EU-level initiatives, including “Safety Through Solidarity: Employers, Workers, and Families Together for OHS”, demonstrates his international engagement in health and safety discourse.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Koçali’s research is primarily rooted in the intersection of occupational safety, legal compliance, mining engineering, and technology integration. His doctoral work integrated legal frameworks and software system development, exemplifying his commitment to practical, scalable solutions for industrial challenges.

He has spearheaded multiple national and international research projects, notably:

• “Mining Sector Guide and Job Listing Portal” – an Istanbul Aydın University-supported project designed to connect professionals and firms.

• “Anthropometric Data Creation for the Turkish Population in OHS Context”, under TÜBİTAK’s 3001 Program.

• EU-funded consultancy on workplace safety standards.

Each project reflects a commitment to public health, legal awareness, and technological modernization in safety practices, with specific emphasis on mining and industrial environments.

Accolades and Recognition

While formal awards have not been extensively listed, Dr. Koçali’s leadership roles in prestigious national projects funded by TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB, and EU-backed collaborations, stand as testament to his professional credibility and innovative spirit. Being entrusted with project leadership and consultancy roles at both the national and international levels is a clear recognition of his expertise.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Koçali’s work significantly impacts the Turkish industrial safety landscape, especially within the mining sector, where accidents and legal liabilities are a major concern. His emphasis on legal clarity, supervisory accountability, and digital control systems contributes to increased transparency, safety, and efficiency in high-risk environments.

His contribution to anthropometric data for the Turkish population also informs the design of ergonomically safer workspaces, indicating a far-reaching effect beyond engineering — into public health and labor ergonomics.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Koçali’s legacy lies in his interdisciplinary methodology — blending engineering, legal studies, and digital innovation. His career path sets a compelling example for integrating technical depth with social responsibility.

Looking ahead, he is poised to deepen his impact by:

• Expanding his software and system development work for broader industrial applications.

• Strengthening international collaborations in occupational safety research.

• Mentoring the next generation of safety professionals through his academic role at Istanbul Gelişim University.

His current project, “Consultancy and Advisory Services for the Mining Sector”, continues to evolve, promising novel frameworks for governance and operational excellence in the field.

Publication Top Notes

Calculation of Occupational Accident Indicators of Türkiye