Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) shared its research vision at a meeting that brought together research centers from five universities. EMU also assumed responsibility for moderating the discussion table dedicated to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), the Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB), and international programs.
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) was represented by a strong delegation at the meeting titled “Research Centers Ecosystem in TRNC Higher Education: Experience Sharing, Areas of Collaboration, and Future Perspectives,” held on Friday, 2 October 2026, and hosted by the Near East University Center of Excellence. Representing EMU at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Ali Hakan Ulusoy, Director of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı, Coordinator of the Academic Projects and Research Development Office; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Babak Safaei, Director of the Nanotechnology and Multifunctional Structures Research Center; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, Director of the Center for Women’s Studies; and Assist. Prof. Dr. Pınar Uluçay, Member of the Urban Research and Development Center.
Brought Together Over 50 Representatives
Held at the Near East University Artificial Intelligence, Informatics and Innovation Center, the meeting brought together more than 50 representatives from the centers of excellence, research centers, and institutes of Eastern Mediterranean University, Girne American University, European University of Lefke, Cyprus International University, and Near East University. In addition to attracting considerable interest from the participating universities, the meeting was attended by heads and representatives of various institutions and organizations affiliated with the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Nicosia Program Coordination Office, the Ministry of National Education, and the Ministry of Economy and Energy. Representatives from the Education Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Nicosia and the Development and Economic Cooperation (KEİ) Office also participated in the meeting.
The opening addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, Director of the Near East University Center of Excellence; Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Vice Rector of Near East University; and Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, Vice Chair of YÖDAK. The speakers highlighted the growing international visibility of universities in the TRNC and emphasized the significant progress made in strengthening their capacity for high-quality scientific research. They also underscored the importance of bringing this research potential together within a collaborative framework to facilitate joint research projects and attract external research funding.
EMU’s Research Capacity and Opportunities for Collaboration Highlighted
During the first session of the meeting, participating universities delivered brief presentations outlining their research capacities, priority research areas, examples of best practices, and the structural challenges they face. Representing EMU, Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı provided participants with an overview of the University’s research capacity, prominent fields of study, and opportunities for interinstitutional collaboration. The presentations highlighted the strong position achieved by TRNC universities in producing high-quality scientific publications of international standing. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to translate this research potential more effectively into collaborative projects and opportunities for securing external research funding.
EMU Makes Its Mark across All Five Roundtable Discussions
In the second part of the program, representatives from different universities came together in five mixed-institution roundtable discussions to explore a shared research vision, available resources, and potential areas of collaboration. The discussions focused on strengthening national and international research and collaboration networks among universities; opportunities for sharing laboratories, infrastructure, and resources; developing joint interdisciplinary research projects; exploring possibilities for joint applications to funding programs offered by TÜBİTAK, TÜSEB, and other international funding bodies; enhancing research excellence in TRNC higher education; and developing a roadmap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on the role of research centers.
EMU was represented at all five roundtable discussions, with members of its delegation participating in different working groups. Throughout the discussions, the delegation members shared insights into EMU’s research infrastructure, the expertise and achievements of its research centers, and potential areas for collaboration, contributing to the development of joint recommendations.
EMU to Host the Next Workshop
At the conclusion of the meeting, rapporteurs from each roundtable presented summaries of the discussions, and a series of joint action proposals was identified. Key recommendations included making universities’ research infrastructure and areas of expertise more visible, launching joint calls for research proposals, promoting researcher mobility, and establishing coordinated mechanisms for applying to research funding programs.
It was also agreed to establish a working group comprising representatives from all five universities, with the aim of transforming the initiative into a sustainable platform for institutional collaboration through regular meetings. EMU was proposed as the host institution for the next workshop, a proposal that was unanimously approved. Through its active participation in the meeting, EMU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research collaboration within TRNC higher education and continuing to play a leading role in advancing joint research initiatives and institutional partnerships.