Sponsored by Istanbul Gedik University and the Gedik Education Foundation, the “HALIL KAYA GEDIK AWARD” is given annually to experts who have made significant contributions in the fields of welding, science, technology, and education. The recipient is selected by a vote of delegation members, making this award the first and only international Turkish award in the welding sector and academia.

The HALIL KAYA GEDIK AWARD is traditionally presented each year by the IIW (International Institute of Welding) to honor the memory of the late philanthropist businessman Halil Kaya Gedik, one of Turkey's first welding engineers and the founder of Gedik Welding (1963). This year, the award was given to Teresa Melfi from the U.S.-based Lincoln Electric company for her contributions to the advancement of welding science and technology. Teresa Melfi received her award from Hulya Gedik, Chairwoman of the Board of Gedik Holding, during the 70th IIW International Annual Assembly – Award Ceremony held in Shanghai, China, from June 25–30.

The HALIL KAYA GEDIK AWARD was first presented in 2013 to Japanese scientist Hideyuki Yamamoto, in 2014 to Lars Johansson, CEO of the Swedish National Welding Education and Certification Authority (ANB), in 2015 to Stephen Liu from the Colorado School of Mines, and in 2016 to Japanese scientist Dr. Tokihiko Kataoka.