The “Research Center Ecosystem in TRNC Higher Education” workshop, hosted by Near East University, brought together representatives from five universities as well as from YÖDAK, TİKA, the Ministry of National Education, and institutions and organizations affiliated with the Ministry of Economy and Energy. The meeting addressed shared goals aimed at strengthening scientific output and explored opportunities for sustainable collaboration.
Higher education institutions, public bodies, and relevant organizations convened at Near East University to discuss collaborations that will shape the future of research in TRNC higher education. At the meeting, titled “Research Center Ecosystem in TRNC Higher Education: Experience Sharing, Areas of Collaboration, and Future Perspectives” and organized by the Near East University Center of Excellence, research centers and institutes from universities operating in the TRNC came together to evaluate existing research capacities, share experiences, and assess potential areas for future collaboration.
Held at the Near East University Artificial Intelligence, Informatics, and Innovation Center, the meeting gathered representatives from the centers of excellence, research centers, and institutes of Eastern Mediterranean University, Kyrenia American University, European University of Lefke, Cyprus International University, and Near East University. During the event, the current state of the research center ecosystem within TRNC higher education was evaluated, and collaborative avenues for enhancing research capacity were discussed.
In addition to universities in the TRNC, the meeting was attended by heads and representatives from YÖDAK, TİKA, the Ministry of National Education, and institutions and organizations affiliated with the Ministry of Economy and Energy. Opening speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, Head of the Near East University Center of Excellence; Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Vice Rector of Near East University; and Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, Vice President of YÖDAK.
Shared Goals and Opportunities for Cooperation Were Discussed!
The meeting, which focused on working in unity and harmony, evaluated the research capacities and priority areas of the universities while comprehensively addressing examples of best practices, structural challenges, and opportunities to enhance inter-university cooperation. Key agenda items included expanding the shared use of laboratories and infrastructure, supporting interdisciplinary research projects, increasing opportunities for joint applications to national and international funding bodies, particularly TÜBİTAK and TÜSEB, and establishing a sustainable cooperation framework to strengthen research excellence in TRNC higher education.
A Joint Roadmap for Inter-University Research Cooperation!
Held in two sessions, the meeting began with a session titled “The Research Ecosystem and the Role of Centers of Excellence in TRNC Universities.” During brief presentations by the participating universities’ centers of excellence, the institutions shared their current research capacities and priority areas, while also discussing successful practices, structural challenges, and opportunities for developing joint projects. During the roundtable discussion held after the session, participants evaluated opportunities for developing national and international inter-university research networks, sharing laboratories, infrastructure, and resources, and fostering interdisciplinary research projects.
The meeting proceeded with a focus on opportunities for joint applications to TÜBİTAK, TÜSEB, and international funding programs, as well as efforts to strengthen research excellence within the higher education sector of the TRNC. Following the roundtable discussions, which also assessed the role of research centers within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Roadmap, rapporteurs from each table presented their discussion outcomes and recommendations. The meeting concluded with an evaluation and roadmap-planning session, during which proposals for joint action and follow-up steps were determined.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca: “We possess immense research energy!”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, YÖDAK Vice President Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca emphasized the growing international visibility of universities in the TRNC, noting that the inclusion of four universities in the Times Higher Education rankings for the first time was a significant development. Stating that featuring in international rankings is a key indicator of the progress of the TRNC’s higher education sector, Prof. Dr. Amca said, “Simply saying ‘we are good’ holds no real meaning. Our presence and ascent in international ranking systems serve as a vital sign that the higher education landscape in Northern Cyprus is steadily advancing.” Pointing out that fragmentation within the research ecosystem hinders the effective use of existing capacity, Prof. Dr. Amca remarked, “We actually possess immense research energy; however, because this energy is scattered, it cannot be utilized effectively enough toward specific goals.” He then emphasized the crucial role research centers play in consolidating this energy and transforming it into tangible output.
Prof. Dr. Amca once more emphasized the importance of technology transfer offices becoming more widespread and robust within universities, noting that they should provide professional support to academics regarding technical processes such as project preparation, application, and reporting. He also highlighted the need to more effectively align the research capacity of universities with the business world and other stakeholders, underscoring the importance of the Chamber of Industry, the Chamber of Commerce, professional organizations, and other stakeholders making greater use of the research facilities available at universities. Noting that the capabilities offered by university research centers need to be promoted to a wider audience, Prof. Dr. Amca stated that YÖDAK would fulfill its responsibilities in this regard and expressed his belief that universities and other stakeholders would also take the necessary steps.
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “We possess significant and competitive scientific output capacity.”
In his opening speech, Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy noted that TRNC universities have achieved significant research capacity, stating that five universities demonstrated a sustainable and high-quality research output profile in international indices during the 2021–2025 period. Pointing out that the rate of publications in Q1 and Q2 journals reached an average of 85.3% across these five TRNC universities, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “We possess significant and competitive scientific output capacity in research.”
Emphasizing the need to translate this capacity into stronger funding sources, joint projects, technological and societal impact, and international visibility, Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that combining the infrastructure, expertise, and researcher resources of universities through joint projects offers significant opportunities. Expressing his hope that the meeting would lay the groundwork for lasting collaborations, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “I hope this workshop serves as a starting point for new ideas, new partnerships, and, if possible, concrete projects in this direction.”
Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören: “We must unite the TRNC’s research capacity within a collaborative framework.”
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören noting that the TRNC possesses significant research capacity, albeit currently fragmented, he stated that universities and relevant institutions must act in concert to consolidate this existing capacity within a unified framework. Prof. Dr. Özgören described the meeting, which was attended by representatives from five universities as well as YÖDAK, the Ministry of National Education, TİKA, and the Ministry of Economy, as a significant starting point in this regard, highlighting the importance of bringing together research center and institute directors and academics from various universities at the same table.
Stating that the universities’ existing infrastructure, areas of expertise, and research capacities would be collectively presented at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Özgören noted that one of the initiative’s key outcomes would be the identification of priority thematic research areas specific to Northern Cyprus. He further explained that a working group to be established following the meeting would prepare a roadmap based on these areas and share the resulting report with relevant institutions, emphasizing the importance of this process for fostering sustainable collaborations.
