The Poplar and Fast Growing Forest Trees Research Institute was established primarily as “Poplar Nursery Directorate” in 1956. It was then converted into the “Poplar Research Institute” on 24th April 1962. Delegates to a meeting of the International Poplar Commission participated in the inauguration.
In 1967, the Institute was entrusted with the additional responsibility of conducting research and development activities on Eucalyptus species. The responsibilities of the Institute were further expanded to cover fast growing tree species in 1968.
Two UNDP/FAO projects (Poplar Development in Turkey, 1962 – 1966) and Industrial Forestry Plantations, 1972 – 1977) were based in this Institute and were implemented in collaboration with local and international staff.
The Institute is located at Izmit – Kocaeli and is directly attached to the Ministry of Environment and Forest. The task of the Institute is to carry out research to solve problems arising from poplar cultivation and extension throughout the country and in that forestry activities undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The Institute has seven specialist research sections, two administrative service offices and an International Training Center as follows:

Silviculture
Tree Improvement 
Forest Protection 
Forest Soil and Ecology 
Yields and Economics 
Project Planning and Computing 
Social Forestry and Public Relations