Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali | Public Health | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
Asst. Prof. Kaan Koçali is a distinguished academic and practitioner in the field of occupational health and safety, currently serving at Istanbul Gelişim University’s Vocational School. With a multifaceted academic background spanning mining engineering, business administration, and occupational safety, Dr. Koçali has demonstrated a deep commitment to interdisciplinary research and education. He has contributed extensively to the academic community through more than 20 peer-reviewed journal publications and numerous conference presentations both in Turkey and internationally. His career reflects a strong focus on practical applications of safety protocols in industrial settings, particularly within mining and logistics sectors. Dr. Koçali’s research intersects engineering and social policy, allowing him to influence both technical practice and legislative frameworks. He serves as a member of several academic commissions and currently heads the Occupational Health and Safety Department. Through a combination of scholarly rigor and real-world engagement, he has significantly impacted workplace safety practices and education in Turkey. His continued efforts in advancing safety standards, risk management systems, and ergonomics highlight his stature as a leading voice in his field.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Kaan Koçali’s educational journey is both extensive and diverse, laying a solid foundation for his interdisciplinary expertise in occupational health and safety. He began with an undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (2007–2011), followed by postgraduate studies in the same field until 2016. During this time, he also pursued a Master’s degree at Istanbul Aydın University in Occupational Health and Safety, and later earned a second undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Anadolu University (2010–2021). His academic trajectory culminated in a doctoral degree in Health and Safety from Istanbul Aydın University (2017–2021), where he examined legal obligations in mining safety through software integration. Currently, he is enrolled in an undergraduate program in Entrepreneurship at Istanbul Kültür University (2021–2025), further expanding his interdisciplinary approach. This robust academic background is supplemented with a wide range of certifications and trainings in ISO standards, NEBOSH, and educational planning, reflecting Dr. Koçali’s dedication to continuous learning and application across technical, managerial, and policy-oriented domains.
Professional Experience
Dr. Koçali’s professional career is marked by a consistent upward trajectory in both academic and administrative responsibilities. Since 2021, he has been an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelişim University’s Vocational School, where he also heads the Department of Occupational Health and Safety. Beyond teaching, he has played pivotal roles in institutional governance, including serving on the school board, academic council, and performance evaluation commissions. His involvement in curriculum development, Erasmus coordination, alumni relations, and ethics committees exemplifies a well-rounded contribution to university life. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Koçali garnered substantial field experience, particularly in mining safety and workplace risk assessment, which continues to inform his teaching and research. He has developed and taught numerous associate and postgraduate courses covering risk management, occupational safety regulations, fire protection, and sector-specific safety systems. His deep engagement in administrative, pedagogical, and practical arenas makes him a versatile leader committed to improving the standards of occupational health and safety in both educational and professional settings.
Research Interest
Dr. Koçali’s research interests lie at the intersection of occupational health, safety engineering, social policy, and ergonomics. His academic output reflects a sustained commitment to exploring how safety measures can be effectively integrated into industrial systems and workplace culture. He has conducted in-depth studies on occupational accidents, risk management methodologies, anthropometric data usage, and safety performance in the mining and logistics sectors. Notably, his work incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a focus on data-driven policy development and real-world applications. Recent research includes digitalization in occupational health systems, ergonomic evaluations using human factor methodologies, and thematic evolution of safety management in SMEs. His interdisciplinary perspective enables him to analyze not only the technical but also the socio-political dimensions of workplace safety, particularly in the context of legal frameworks and EU harmonization. Through national and international collaborations, he contributes to a more holistic understanding of safety cultures, making his work valuable for both academic discourse and industry practices.
Research Skills
Dr. Koçali is equipped with a wide range of research skills that span empirical investigation, statistical analysis, and policy evaluation. His expertise includes the use of risk assessment tools such as Fine-Kinney and AHP, and he frequently applies ISO frameworks like 9001, 14001, and 45001 in his assessments. He is proficient in safety performance modeling, simulation techniques, and ergonomic analysis, enabling him to assess complex systems across various sectors. Additionally, he has demonstrated strong skills in questionnaire design, data interpretation, and thematic content analysis, particularly in evaluating worker behaviors and policy outcomes. His experience extends to designing software solutions for safety compliance and documentation, as shown in his doctoral dissertation. With numerous certifications from NEBOSH, IOSH, and various Turkish regulatory bodies, Dr. Koçali is not only a scholar but also a certified practitioner. His research proficiency is complemented by strong academic writing and editorial experience, evidenced by his role as an editor and contributor to several academic books and congress proceedings.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Dr. Koçali has received numerous accolades that underscore his contributions to the field of occupational health and safety. His academic publications have been featured in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics and Scientific Mining Journal. He has also served as editor for significant academic compilations, including IGI Global’s “International Models of Occupational Health and Safety.” His involvement in high-level national and international research projects—such as TÜBİTAK-supported studies and projects funded by Turkish higher education institutions—further highlights the recognition of his work. In addition, he has been a keynote participant and presenter at a wide array of scientific conferences, covering innovative topics like AI-supported safety systems and policy frameworks in disaster logistics. His leadership in forming academic-industry collaborations, as well as his roles on numerous university commissions and boards, affirms his status as a respected expert and mentor. These honors reflect not only academic excellence but also a commitment to societal impact.
Publications Top Notes
Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu’nun 2012-2020 Yılları Arası İş Kazaları Göstergelerinin Standardizasyonu, 2021, Citations: 46
Calculation of Occupational Accident Indicators of Türkiye, 2021, Citations: 18
Maden Kazalarında Sorumluluklar ve Kusur Oranları, 2021, Citations: 14
Açık Ocak Maden İşletmelerinde İşçi Anketleri ile İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kültürü ve Uygulamasının Araştırılması, 2018, Citations: 14
Şırnak Kömür Madeni Kazası Işığında Kömür Madenciliğindeki Uygunsuzluklar Hakkında Öneriler, 2018, Citations: 10
How to Perform a Risk Assessment Step by Step for Occupational Health and Safety, 2022, Citations: 7
Legal Regulations Regarding Liabilities of Workers and Employers Related to Occupational Health and Safety in Mining, 2021, Citations: 7
Madencilikte Proje Şirketlerinin Önemi, 2013, Citations: 6
18-65 Yaş Arası Kişilerin Antropometrik Verilerinin Belirlenmesi Üzerine Bir Alan Araştırması: Yükseköğretim Kurumu Uygulaması, 2021, Citations: 5
Türkiye’de 2017 Yılında Yaşanan Kömür Madeni Faciası Sonrası Sektörün İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Açısından İrdelenmesi, 2019, Citations: 5
Conclusion
In summary, Assistant Professor Dr. Kaan Koçali represents a rare synthesis of academic excellence, practical expertise, and policy insight in the field of occupational health and safety. His career spans rigorous interdisciplinary education, hands-on industry experience, and impactful scholarly research. As a dedicated educator and institutional leader, he continues to influence the next generation of safety professionals through dynamic teaching and curriculum development. His broad portfolio of published work and funded projects demonstrates a deep engagement with both the technical and human dimensions of workplace safety. Moreover, his active roles in various academic commissions and international collaborations position him as a thought leader capable of shaping not just educational outcomes but also national safety policies. Dr. Koçali’s contributions embody a lifelong commitment to improving occupational health standards, promoting a culture of safety, and advancing scholarly and public understanding of critical workplace issues. His work not only reflects current best practices but also anticipates future challenges, making him an indispensable asset to the academic and industrial safety communities.