Dr. Fırat Soner Alıcı works as Assistant Professor in Department of Civil Engineering at Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey. He received his BS, MS and PhD degrees from Middle East Technical University, Department of Civil Engineering. His work is focused on structural and earthquake engineering fields especially in performance-based earthquake engineering, energy-based seismic design, and engineering seismology. Dr. Alıcı developed practical implementations of nonlinear static analysis procedures on building systems. He further advanced his studies in developing prediction equations for estimating seismic input energy spectrum and in producing an energy-based design approach.  He has also contributed to projects focusing on developing seismic energy dissipating devices. His current research interest includes developing an optimum design approach for friction pendulum base isolators, using seismic input energy as a damage index of buildings, and seismic qualification of lifeline equipment.