Article 1 – Pursuant to Articles 3J and 7d/2 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547, and upon the proposal of the Senate of Hacettepe University dated 04/03/1987 (No. 87-14), the "Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources" was officially established by the decision of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) at its meeting on 11/09/1987.

Article 2 – This regulation covers the national and international activities carried out by the Center to provide logistical and technical support for Karst Water Resources Research. National activities include application and research studies conducted by the "Hydrogeological Engineering Division" and its affiliated units within the Department of Geological Engineering at Hacettepe University Faculty of Engineering. International activities encompass collaborative research with world-renowned karst experts to solve problems related to Karst in Turkey, as well as educational and research activities such as international summer schools, seminars, and symposia organized periodically in cooperation with organizations including UNDP, UN-DTCD, UNESCO, and NATO.

Article 3 – In this regulation, Hacettepe University is defined as the "University", the Rector of Hacettepe University as the "Rector", and Hacettepe University International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources as the "Center".

Article 4 – The Center is an institution where undergraduate and graduate units of the University specializing in Hydrogeological Engineering and Karst Hydrogeology conduct basic and applied research. It engages in international scientific, technological, and national development activities in cooperation with domestic and international institutions and industry.

Primary Objectives of the Center:

1. To carry out related studies in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as specified in the Hacettepe University – UNDP Project document (TUR/81/004),
2. To perform all duties assigned to Higher Education Institutions under Article 12 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547 in the fields of Hydrogeological Engineering, Karst Water Resources, and Karst Hydrogeology,
3. To organize, encourage, and coordinate basic and applied research in all branches of Hydrogeological Engineering within the University, with a major emphasis on Karst Water Resources Research; for this purpose, to collaborate with similar national and international organizations, organize symposia, congresses, conferences, seminars, and summer schools, and publish scientific works,
4. To seek multi-faceted solutions to Turkey's complex karst water resources challenges through the development and adaptation of modern scientific methods and technologies to local conditions,
5. To assist in the training of public sector professionals working in Karst Hydrogeology and Hydrogeological Engineering in Turkey, and to work in close cooperation with these public institutions,
6. To enable Turkish experts specialized in karst to stay informed of international developments in their field,
7. To facilitate information exchange among other national and international research centers,
8. To collect data, adapt technology, and ensure technology transfer for urgent problem-solving regarding the development, protection, control, and management of karst water resources,
9. To enhance the quality of hydrogeological education at all levels within the University, support ongoing teaching activities, and ensure coordination and cooperation with all relevant academic units and external institutions.

The Center establishes application and research units deemed necessary to carry out these activities.

Article 5 – The administrative bodies of the Center consist of the Center Director and the Executive Board.

Article 6 – Appointment: The Center Director is appointed by the Rector for a term of three years from among faculty members in the departments within the scope of the Center. A Director whose term expires may be reappointed. The Director appoints up to two Vice Directors from among faculty members and research assistants for a period of three years to assist in operations. The Director may change Vice Directors when necessary. When the Director's term ends, the Vice Directors' terms also end.

Procedures regarding proxy management or vacancies in the Directorship follow the same rules as applied to Deans.

Article 7 – The Executive Board consists of five members under the chairmanship of the Center Director: a Vice Director selected by the Director, the Director of the Earth Sciences Research and Application Center, the Head of the Department of Geological Engineering, and the Head of the Hydrogeological Engineering Division. Vacancies resulting from dual appointments are filled by Rector appointments from among candidates proposed by the Director.

Article 8 – Academic, technical, and administrative staffing needs of the Center are met through appointments to allocated positions and personnel assigned by the Rector in accordance with Article 13 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547.

Article 9 – The spending authority (Ita Amiri) of the Center is the Rector. The Rector may delegate this spending authority to the Center Director.

Article 10 – For matters not explicitly covered in these regulations, general statutory provisions shall apply.

Article 11 – The Rector executes the provisions of this regulation.

Article 12 – This regulation enters into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.