Interdisciplinary Research at Near East University
Interdisciplinary research is an integral part of Near East University’s academic environment. We encourage collaboration across departments, faculties, and disciplines to address complex questions and develop practical solutions. Our approach combines different perspectives, bringing together researchers from various fields to work on shared challenges.
Our commitment to interdisciplinarity is strongly reflected in the university’s institutional strategies and policies. In particular, our Quality Policy and Research and Development Policy emphasize values such as collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and the integration of knowledge across disciplines. These policies guide the university's efforts in fostering a research culture that is both ethically grounded and socially responsible.
To learn more about our institutional policies:
Near East University’s Quality Policy
Near East University’s Research and Development Policy
Institutional Approach
Our institutional strategy clearly includes interdisciplinary collaboration as a priority area. This is reflected in our research policies, funding schemes, and support mechanisms for both early-career and senior researchers. We believe that connecting diverse academic fields creates stronger research communities and more meaningful outcomes.
Measures of Success
We monitor interdisciplinary research outcomes through several indicators, such as:
- Joint publications across departments and faculties
- Collaborative projects funded through internal and external sources
- Participation in interdisciplinary conferences and networks
- Establishment of interdisciplinary research centers
Data on these outcomes is reviewed regularly as part of our internal evaluation processes.
Research Facilities
We provide shared research spaces designed specifically for interdisciplinary teams. These include innovation labs, shared laboratories, and thematic research centers (Operational Research Center in Healthcare, Desam Research Institute etc.) where experts from different backgrounds can work together. These spaces are accessible to both faculty and students, encouraging interaction and cooperation.
Administrative Support
At Near East University, the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office (BAP) provides dedicated administrative support to interdisciplinary research teams.
Our research coordination units offer administrative guidance to interdisciplinary teams, including support for:
- Proposal writing and budgeting
- Project coordination across faculties
- Research ethics and compliance
- Dissemination and communication strategies
This support is available throughout the research lifecycle.
Career Development and Evaluation
Our academic promotion and tenure systems acknowledge interdisciplinary contributions. Collaborative research outputs, joint authorship, and cross-disciplinary supervision are recognized as valuable components of an academic career. Interdisciplinary activity is considered during evaluations for promotion, merit-based funding, and internal awards.
Eligibility for Interdisciplinary Research Incentives
All faculty members, researchers, and academics at Near East University who are engaged in research projects that meet the criteria for interdisciplinary work, as outlined in this policy, are eligible to receive monetary incentives.
To qualify for the interdisciplinary research incentive:
- The research must involve active collaboration with scholars from at least one other academic discipline or department.
- The research must be aimed at addressing complex challenges or questions that cannot be solved within the confines of a single discipline.
- The project must show clear and measurable interdisciplinary objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
Monetary Incentive Structure
In recognition of the additional effort and collaboration involved in interdisciplinary research, Near East University offers a monetary incentive for eligible academics.
- Academics engaged in interdisciplinary research will receive 1.2 times the standard monetary incentive typically provided for research activities.
- The incentive will be calculated based on the level of involvement in the interdisciplinary project and will be distributed as part of the academic’s regular research funding.
This enhanced incentive reflects the university’s commitment to promoting and rewarding innovative, cross-disciplinary collaboration and research excellence.
Multidisciplinary Projects
Near East University is currently involved in several interdisciplinary projects involving areas such as public health, engineering, design, sustainability, and digital technologies. These projects often involve multiple departments and external partners, contributing to real-world impact and academic advancement.
Looking Ahead
We continue to build on our commitment to interdisciplinary research by investing in shared infrastructure, encouraging new research themes that connect different fields, and promoting a culture of open academic dialogue.