OUR PEOPLE

Nida completed her undergraduate studies in Economics with a minor in Software Development at Bilkent University and recently obtained her M.A. in Economics from the same institution. During her studies, she interned at IS Investment and held various academic positions at Bilkent, including research assistant, teaching assistant, and tutor. Additionally, she served as a coordinator at Radio Bilkent and participated in the Bilkent University Social Responsibility Projects initiative, where she contributed to large-scale volunteer and community-focused activities. Nida’s academic and professional interests focus on international development, employment, gender, and resilience, particularly in the context of global affairs.

Bringing a deep interest in multi-disciplinary approaches to economic development challenges, Esen leads PAL’s engagements in industrial policy, competitiveness and regional economic development. Having worked with multilaterals such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Esen has advised various governments, including those of Turkey, Oman, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Cyprus and Ethiopia.

Fırat holds a graduate degree from Economics Department of the Bilkent University. He has commenced on his career in PAL engaging with the topics he has a deep interest including digitalization, impact analysis, industrial policies, strategy design and participatory processes, He joined PAL family as an intern in his senior year in the university and has been working professionally after his graduation. Fırat contributes to PAL's endeavours in a multi faceted and proactive fashion primarily in research, analysis and reporting processes.

Emin Dedeoğlu is a managing partner of Policy Analytics Lab (PAL), a consultancy and think tank based in Ankara. Emin’s experience and professional interest lies broadly in public governance, mainly on public financial management, public sector reform, public administration, local and regional development and anti-corruption and capacity building. Previously Emin served as the Director of the Governance Studies Program in Turkish Economic Policy Research Foundation (TEPAV), the largest independent think tank of Turkey, since its commencement in 2004 up until April 2017. In this capacity he organized wide range of activities and research on various governance related topics, ranging from anti-corruption to decentralization, from fiscal policy to social integration. He also participated in n...

Ömür is specialized in event management. His research interests include minorities, the Caucasus, and political thinking. Ömür is in charge of PAL’s administrative and financial management. Prior to joining PAL, Ömür worked as the Secretary General of TED University between February 2016 - May 2017 and the Secretary General of the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) between 2004 and 2016. At TEPAV, he led numerous stakeholder engagement activities including fairs, meetings, congresses and workshops. He managed financial and administrative matters for projects, funded by various national and international organizations such as the European Commission, the World Bank, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Prime Ministry, the TIKA, the Ministry of Interior Affairs....

Ekin’s role at PAL includes economic analysis, mixed-method research, and data analysis in various projects that contribute to policy discussions and designing future policies. He has participated in PAL’s socio-economic development, strategy development, digitalization, and economic impact assessment projects. His broader research interests are in macroeconomics, public policy challenges, digitalization, entrepreneurship, and data analysis through various tools. Prior to joining PAL, Ekin was involved in several government projects at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He also worked as an intern in export credit banking and audit services. Ekin holds a B.A. in Economics from Bilkent University and an M.Sc. in Science and Technology Policy Studies from Middle East Technical University.

Emre has more than 20 years of experience on development issues in various capacities in prominent non-governmental organizations in Turkey. He was among the founders of Habitat Association in Istanbul. He served for 8 years as board member and held managerial positions in development projects focusing on local democratic governance. Between 2005-2017 he worked at TEPAV, as manager in governance program and finally as director of the cities program.

Sefa has hands on experience and interest in regulation, financing, budgeting, monitoring and reporting of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), corporate governance and public financial management. He has 25 years of experience in Turkish Treasury in various capacities; Director General of State Owned Enterprises Department and recently as the Coordinator of G20 Infrastructure and Investment Working Group as well as the Chair of the G20/OECD Task Force on Institutional Investors and Long-Term Investment (LTI). Sefa also worked as the Alternate Executive Director of Turkey in the World Bank Group. He was an active member of the OECD Working Party on State Ownership and Privatization Practices between 1998 and 2010.

Ali Sami Seçkin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bilkent University and a Master’s degree from the Atatürk Institute at Boğaziçi University. He began his career at Policy Analytics Lab (PAL) during his undergraduate studies and has been working as a full-time team member since 2020, taking active roles in projects focused on urban economics, regional development, and spatial planning.

Senanur graduated from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, with a Bachelor's Degree in the City and Regional Planning Department in 2022 and a Master's Degree in Urban Design Program in 2025. She has contributed to various research studies funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye and the British Academy as a research associate during her studies. Her main interest areas are digital visualization and economic geography. She contributes to PAL's engagements in urban and regional planning and development.