METU is founded to contribute to the development of Turkey and Middle East countries and especially to train people so as to create a skilled workforce in the fields of engineering, natural and social sciences. METU’s presence brought about new methods and introduced innovations to Turkish higher education system manifesting METU as a pioneer of modern education nationwide. Owing to the quality academic education that emphasizes merit and excellence in scientific, cultural and intellectual studies as well as qualified METU graduates, the University has become one of the distinguished and respectable institutions of Turkey. METU is one of the leading R&D universities in Turkey.The overall volume of grants awarded to METU is among the highest in Turkey. Research incomes account approximately for over 35% of total income of METUand had the greatest share in national research projects funded by the The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey in the last five years. METU is the premier university in Turkey, in terms of the number of the Europena Union framework projects. A wide spectrum of international projects have also been carried out by METU reseachers.