Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir completed his undergraduate studies in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Middle East Technical University from 1987 to 1991. During this time, he concurrently earned a Minor Degree in Physics from 1988 to 1991. Subsequently, he obtained his master's degree in 1993 and completed his doctoral studies in 1995, both in the Department of Physics at Middle East Technical University.
Between 1996-1997, 1998-2000, and 2000-2003, Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir held postdoctoral researcher positions in three different institutions: the University of Pennsylvania, Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, and William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute at the University of Minnesota, respectively. Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir worked as a faculty member at İzmir Institute of Technology from 2003 to 2019. Since 2019, he has been a faculty member at Sabancı University.
Professor Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir worked at the DESY research center in Hamburg between 2007 and 2008, having received the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award. Among other significant awards he has received are the TÜBİTAK Incentive Award (2005), TÜBA GEBIP Award (2004), Mustafa N. Parlar Foundation Research Incentive Award (1997), and Sedat Simavi Science Award (2001).
Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir was one of the editors of the LHEP Journal. In 2020, he was included among the 'Most Influential Scientists in the World.' Additionally, he was a member of the World Academy of Sciences and he was on the executive board of the Science Academy.
Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir is among the world's leading theoretical physicists. His research interests were particle physics, astroparticle physics and quantum physics. His research subjects were focused on the effects of quantum fields at low energies (quantum tunneling) and high energies (fifth force and emergent gravity).
Ali Övgün
Professor Durmuş Ali Demir was more than just a supervisor; he was a mentor and a friend. Our collaboration resulted in seven publications in highly regarded journals, and we had several ongoing projects that showcased his passion for pushing the boundaries of physics.
My journey with Professor Demir began in my undergraduate years at IYTE, where his engaging lectures for Physics 1 and 2 sparked my initial interest in the subject (Photo caption: From my first year undergraduate Physics 2 class at IYTE. I'm the one in green, standing next to Professor Demir.). He nurtured that curiosity further, teaching me General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics III, Quantum Field Theory (QFT) ..
Our undergraduate project on Quantum Tunneling Time stands testament to his dedication to fostering research even at an early stage. His unwavering support and encouragement extended beyond academics, as he actively helped me participate in workshops and conferences, experiences that shaped my academic path.
Professor Demir's strong reference letter played a pivotal role in securing scholarships for my studies in the UK. He wasn't just a brilliant physicist – he was a phenomenal teacher. His ability to explain complex concepts with clarity, akin to the legendary Richard Feynman, made his classes engaging and thought-provoking, like an interactive physics talkshow.
Driven by an insatiable intellectual curiosity, Professor Demir wasn't just a physicist; he was a visionary who reveled in tackling fundamental problems in quantum physics. He relentlessly pursued solutions to groundbreaking questions in particle physics and cosmology.
He remained accessible, always available via email or phone whenever his students needed guidance or support. His passing leaves a void, not just in the field of physics but also in the lives of his students who cherished his friendship.
Professor Demir may be gone, but his legacy lives on – in the research we continue, in the lessons learned, and in the inspiration he instilled. We are incredibly proud to have been his students and collaborators.
Professor Demir, we will miss your brilliance, your mentorship, and your friendship. Rest in peace.
Regards,
Ali Övgün
Cyprus
Shahin Mamedov
I have known Prof. Durmuş Ali Demir since the 2005 year. In Muğla school "Standart Model and Beyond" he gave one of his excellent lectures. In that school, I observed his love for Physics and the student's great love for him. He was able to present Physics as a property of nature and to explain it in simple words understandable to everyone. I have some e-mail contacts with him and observed his high personal qualities as well. He accepted my invitation to be an invited speaker at the conference organized by us in Baku this summer. Unfortunately, he will not participate in it. I watched his talks on the Internet several times. He was one of the rare theorists, who knew both particle physics and general relativity. His early passing away is a big loss for me and the Physics Society of Türkiye. Allah Rahmet eylesin!
Beyhan Puliçe
I consider it a great honor to have met you many years ago, to have been your student, and to have continued as your collaborator and friend until the last moment.
We met every day in your room at Sabancı University and worked for hours. You were both a mentor and a candid friend. We have done many works together and prepared to do many more.
It will be an honor for me to continue your legacy in this bright path you have opened in the world of physics.
The sincerity of your passion for your work and life has always inspired me. You are always with me, and you always will be, my dearest Hocam.
I will miss you forever and ever.
Beyhan Puliçe
Nilay Bostan
Although I have known your works and your successes for a long time, I have had the opportunity to work with you for approximately the last two years. This was a great experience for me. I always asked you many Cosmology related questions and you always answered me with great kindness with all your knowledge. Your knowledge, work discipline and enthusiasm became a source of inspiration for me in a short time. You introduced me to your great group, your students, and I was able to adapt quickly, then we did a great job. Our study has been recently published in JCAP. I will never forget your excitement and happiness when we informed you of this great news. I will always remember all the times when I asked you my Cosmology related questions via email and no matter what time it was you replied very promptly with lots of information and great kindness. You will always be with us. We will continue to work hard and try to do the best we can. RIP, Prof. Dr. Durmus Ali Demir.
Best regards,
Nilay Bostan
Muzaffer Adak
Yıllar önce İYTE hocasıyken bir yüksek lisans öğrencisinin tez savunmasına beni jüri üyesi olarak davet etmişti. Neşeli, enerjik, coşkulu tavrı dikkatimi çelmişti. Öğrencisi de çok güzel bir savunma yapmıştı.
Işıklar içinde uyusun.
Özer Özdal
Dear Professor Durmuş Ali Demir was not only an academic figure but also a great role model for us. Our first encounter began with taking Quantum Mechanics I and II courses from him and continued as he became my master advisor at IYTE. In every scientific discussion, I have always asked myself how I could possibly be as knowledgeable and passionate as him, given the knowledge and passion I gained from him. He also greatly helped me in establishing connections for my PhD studies in Canada and continued his mentorship. His remarkable contributions to topics that only a few physicists dare to explore have always greatly mesmerised me. He has been a great source of inspiration for us not only scientifically but also personally.
We will keep his teachings and legacy alive in our memories. His contributions to the scientific community and students will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Regards,
Özer Özdal
Hemza Azri (a former student of Prof. Demir)
I still recall his words "Hemza! Please go ahead and do it, I am sure you can do it..." I remember how I often come up with something interesting once I hear these words from him in the morning.
Several years after my graduation, I wrote to him about the challenges of being a postdoc and the difficulties I face in pursuing an academic career, he kindly wrote to me "I am sorry to hear that you felt bad about the whole process and struggled to publish papers (at the expense of not many citations). It happened to me and will happen. It will happen to you. Please do not lose hope about the future; I am sure you will be a great physicist. You already are. Let us just continue to work on our problems and projects. Don't hesitate a moment, take care, and be happy."
I believe that such kind words can only come from an honest person who has devoted his life to training and supporting students and young researchers, not only in Turkey but also in many other Eastern countries where he strongly believes. I must say that words alone cannot fully convey the integrity and expertise of Professor Durmus Ali Demir, both as an honest individual and as a competent scientist.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Durmuş ''hocam'' the person and the physicist. I also feel deeply saddened by the fact that I will miss out on the countless significant contributions to science that he had in mind, as his passing came too soon, preventing him from revealing them all.
Reggie Pantig
It is with a heavy heart that I honor the memory of Professor Durmuş Ali Demir, a remarkable collaborator and esteemed figure in theoretical astrophysics. His passion, intellect, and unwavering dedication will be dearly missed. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of theoretical astrophysicists. Although I have known him for a short while through our online collaboration, I can feel his kind heart and calmness in every situation. I will never forget his encouragement when I experienced uncertainties in my career.
Requiescat in pace, dear colleague.
Ece Kilerci
Lise yaz okulu döneminde bazı çok meraklı öğrencileri kendisine yönlendirmek için izin istediğimde cevabı şu oldu: 'Tabii ki, anladığım bir şeyse cevaplamaya çalışırım'. Bir insanın bu kadar mütevazi, bu kadar sıra dışı bir bilim insanı olması çok nadir rastlanan bir kombinasyon. Kendisi için liseli gençlerden duyduğum 'Durmuş hoca benim idolüm' sözü onu tanıyan herkes için geçerli. Hayatına dokunduğu gençler, bilim insanları, öğrencileri adına kendisine teşekkür ediyorum.
Kenan Söğüt
Sevgili hocam sizi vakitsiz kaybetmiş olmanın derin üzüntüsü içindeyim... Kısa aralıklarla pek çok kere fizik paylaşmak nasip oldu... Sizinle geçirdiğim her an sizden öğrenebileceğim olabildiğince çok şey olsun diye zamanın akışını durdurmak istiyordum... Hala zamansız gidişinizi kabullenemiyorum... Arkanızda sadece çok sayıda değerli bilimsel eser bırakmadınız, birçok değerli anı da bıraktınız... Işıklar içinde uyuyunuz... Sevgiler...
Those who would like to contribute their memories, thoughts, and/or photographs in remembrance of the esteemed scientist, our respected professor, and dear friend, Prof. Dr. Durmuş Ali Demir, whom we sadly lost on February 24, 2024, can use the form provided below.
