Kaan Koçali | Occupational Health and Safety | Best Researcher Award | 13343

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali | Occupational Health and Safety | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali, Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali is a distinguished academic and researcher at Istanbul Gelisim University, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety, with a strong foundation in Mining Engineering and Entrepreneurship. With multiple postgraduate degrees from leading Turkish institutions, his interdisciplinary expertise bridges engineering, business, and public safety. Dr. Koçali has led numerous national and international R&D projects, particularly in mine safety systems, anthropometric data modeling, and industrial software innovation, and has served in advisory roles for EU-funded safety initiatives and KOSGEB-supported tech development programs. His work is recognized for its applied value in enhancing safety standards and technology adoption across the mining and industrial sectors in Turkey.

🎓 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

Author: K KOÇALİ
Journal: INSAC Social and Education Sciences
Year:  2021

How to Perform a Risk Assessment Step by Step for Occupational Health and Safety

Author: K KOÇALİ
Journal: EURAS Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Year: 2021

SAMUEL FRIMPONG | Mining | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. SAMUEL FRIMPONG | Mining | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. SAMUEL FRIMPONG, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, United States

Dr. Samuel Frimpong is a distinguished professor and the Robert H. Quenon Missouri Endowed Chair of Mining Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Since joining Missouri S&T in 2004, he has contributed significantly to the fields of machine dynamics, augmented visualization, and safety engineering. In June 2023, Dr. Frimpong was appointed vice provost of graduate education at Missouri S&T, where he oversees services aimed at enhancing graduate student support. His leadership extends to international platforms, including serving on a United Nations Environmental Programme council focused on sustainable mining practices. Dr. Frimpong’s dedication to education and research has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the Daniel C. Jackling Award and Missouri S&T Chancellor’s Leadership Award.

Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Frimpong’s academic journey began at the George Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in mining engineering. He furthered his education with a Master of Science degree from the University of Zambia. His quest for advanced knowledge led him to the University of Alberta in Canada, where he obtained his Ph.D. in mining engineering in 1992.

Professional Endeavors 🛠️

Dr. Frimpong’s professional career is marked by a blend of academic and industry experiences. He served as an assistant professor at Dalhousie University in Canada and later joined the University of Alberta as an associate professor, eventually rising to the rank of full professor. In 2004, he joined the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) as the Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair of Mining Engineering. His roles at Missouri S&T have been diverse, including serving as the Chair of the Department of Mining and Nuclear Engineering and as the Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science. In 2023, he was appointed Vice Provost for Graduate Education, reflecting his commitment to academic leadership.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Frimpong’s research interests encompass several critical areas in mining engineering:

  • Machine Dynamics and Augmented Visualization: Investigating the behavior of mining machinery to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

  • Machine and Whole-Body Vibrations: Studying the impacts of vibrations on equipment and personnel to mitigate health risks and improve machine longevity.

  • Formation Excavation: Developing advanced techniques for the efficient extraction of mineral resources.

  • Heavy Oil Recovery: Exploring methods to optimize the extraction of heavy oil, contributing to energy resource management.

  • Nuclear Waste Disposal: Addressing the challenges associated with the safe disposal of nuclear waste materials.

  • Safety, Health, and Hazards Engineering: Focusing on creating safer mining environments through innovative engineering solutions.

He leads the Heavy Mining Machinery Research Laboratory and the Mine Escape Research, Innovation, and Technology (MERIT) Center at Missouri S&T, fostering research that bridges theoretical studies with practical applications.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Frimpong’s excellence has been acknowledged through numerous awards:

  • 2024 Mineral Industry Education Award: Presented by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration for his outstanding contributions to mineral industry education.

  • Daniel C. Jackling Award: Recognizing significant contributions to technical progress in mining, geology, and geophysics.

  • Missouri S&T Chancellor’s Leadership Award: Honoring his leadership within the university community.

  • Canadian Petroleum Institute Distinguished Lecturer Award: Highlighting his expertise and contributions to petroleum engineering education.

  • Award of Distinction by the World Mining Congress: Acknowledging his global impact on mining engineering.

  • CIDA Ph.D. Scholar and UNESCO Research Fellow: Reflecting his commitment to research excellence and international collaboration.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Frimpong’s influence extends beyond academia into industry practices and policy development:

  • Editorial Leadership: He serves as the editor-in-chief for several academic publications, including the Journal of Powder Metallurgy and Mining, the Journal of Earth Resources Engineering, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization’s Surface Mining Handbook, guiding discourse in mining and metallurgical research.

  • Global Collaboration: His involvement with international organizations, such as the United Nations Council of Experts on Sustainable Mining and Metals and the College of Reviewers for the Canada Foundation for Innovation, showcases his dedication to advancing mining practices worldwide.

Publication Top Notes

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and process automation: Existing knowledge frontier and way forward for mining sector

Author: D Ali, S Frimpong
Journal: Artificial Intelligence
Year: 2020

Work stressors, coping strategies, and poor mental health in the Chinese construction industry

Author: S Zhang, RY Sunindijo, S Frimpong, Z Su
Journal: Safety science
Year: 2023

Domains of psychosocial risk factors affecting young construction workers: a systematic review

Author: S Frimpong, RY Sunindijo, CC Wang, EF Boadu
Journal: Buildings
Year: 2022