TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM and Near East University signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol to strengthen the research ecosystem, develop digital academic infrastructure, and support international scientific mobility.
Under the protocol, TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM will provide access to electronic journals, national and international scientific databases, and network services provided through ULAKNET to Near East University academics and students, thereby strengthening the university's fast, secure, and uninterrupted access to information.
The protocol was signed at the signing ceremony held at Near East University by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM Director Mehmet Mirat Satoğlu. Also attending the ceremony were Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Director of the Center of Excellence and NERITA Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Sevcan Kurtulmuş Yılmaz, and Faculty of Health Sciences Lecturer Şefik Emre Coşkun.
A new era in academic mobility and digital integration
Through collaboration, eduroam access will be made more effective on the university campus, while the sharing of national authorization, network services, and database infrastructure will strengthen the joint working capacity of the two institutions. In this context, researchers will be offered access to broader digital resources, data sharing, and technical integration opportunities in joint projects.
Mehmet Mirat Satoğlu: “Near East University is an institution competing in the top leagues on the international stage.”
TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM Director Mehmet Mirat Satoğlu stated that the protocol is important in terms of its goal of increasing the access of universities in the TRNC to international programs, and expressed that cooperation with relevant stakeholders will continue in this regard. Evaluating Near East University's success in world rankings as “a performance at the level of the Super League and Champions League,” Satoğlu emphasized that scientific productivity achieved despite embargoes should be appreciated. He said that the opportunity to see the university's research activities and publication performance up close was gratifying for them.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “International collaborations contribute to building the future.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, recalling that Near East University ranked among the world's top 500 universities in Times Higher Education's 2026 World University Rankings, stated that the scientific achievements were made possible through disciplined work and a sustainable development approach. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that rising to third place among Turkish universities was a significant source of motivation, noting that the Republic of Turkey was their strongest pillar throughout this process. He expressed that every protocol and cooperation agreement signed with Turkey would present them with new opportunities to expand into the international arena.
