Orhan Özçatalbaş
Dr. Orhan Özçatalbaş graduated with a degree in agricultural economics from Çukurova University, Türkiye. He became an assistant professor at Akdeniz University, Turkey, in 1998, and a professor in 2011. He is the director of the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences at Akdeniz University. His research is in agricultural economics, rural development and extension, energy policy, and ICT in agriculture. In 1999–2000, he was a visiting scientist at the Institute of Horticultural Economics, Leibniz University of Hanover, Germany, as well as for courses in Italy and the Erasmus program in Poland. He has participated in many congresses in other countries. Dr. Özçatalbaş has professional experience in rural development, policy, and extension. He published more than hundered published papers and books in these areas. He has been involved in national and international projects as an expert and coordinator. Dr. Özçatalbaş is the recipient of the 2021 Scientist of the Year Award from the Turkish Nobel Science and Research Center Association in the field of agricultural economics, especially in the field of rural tourism and development. At his present position at the Akdeniz University, he is engaged in teaching and conducting research, and supervising MSc.&PhD. students.