In May 2011, TCF and the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, signed a protocol paving the way for the establishment of the Ayaslı Research Center (ARC). Bearing the name of METU graduates and TCF Founders Drs. Yalçın and Serpil Ayaslı, the Ayaslı Research Center was donated to METU’s Electrical Engineering Department by TCF as part of its founding mission to advance cultural, educational and scientific ties between the United States and Turkey. The construction of the building was completed in 2012 and inaugurated with an official ceremony on March 5, 2012.

Since it’s founding over 30 research projects were conducted at the Ayaslı Resarch Center with support from TÜBİTAK, the EU and leading Turkish technology companies like ASELSAN, TÜSAŞ and ANDAR. 20 professors, over 50 M.S./Ph.D. and undergraduate students were involved in the projects resulting in the publication of over 60 scientific papers. In addition, several research seminars were held at the center, as well as a mandatory post-graduate course.

The building that was designed and built for the Ayaslı Research Center is a leading example of energy sensitive construction and the first of its kind in Turkey. It uses flexible membrane technology and supplies its own electricity through solar energy. The building is designed to collect and use rainwater. The ARC houses 19 research labs, 2 clean rooms, an anechoic chamber, and an antenna tower, as well as seminar and meeting rooms, student reading, and social areas.

The photovoltaic solar power system with a capacity of 50 kW-peak power at the Ayaslı Research Center has been producing electricity since December 2011.