In this interview, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ offers a comprehensive perspective on the strategies behind this achievement — from the development of research infrastructure and high-impact scientific output to the university’s roadmap toward sustained global visibility. He also reflects on leadership, ethical academic culture, and sustainable scientific growth, sharing his insights on the future of Near East University as a regional hub for science, technology, and education.
Could you summarize the key academic strategies that enabled Near East University to be ranked among the world’s top 500 universities?
This achievement is the result of the research-oriented university model that we have pursued with determination for many years. Systematic support mechanisms that encourage high-quality scientific output, a strong research infrastructure, a qualified academic staff, and international collaborations constitute the core components of our strategy. We have mobilized all our resources to ensure that knowledge production is transformed into societal benefit.
Which scientific productivity indicators played the most critical role in achieving this success?
The most decisive factor has been the international visibility of our high-quality publications and the number of citations they receive. Seventy-five percent of the publications authored by our academics are published in high-impact international journals, predominantly within the Q1 and Q2 quartiles. In addition, the growth of our interdisciplinary research capacity, the strengthening of project outputs, and our performance in internationally collaborative studies have directly contributed to our ranking results. Quality and sustainability have been our fundamental priorities.
Which academic fields stand out most at the university, and what are the prominent research trends in recent years?
At the same time, the establishment of our Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics and our decision to position artificial intelligence as a central actor in both educational processes and scientific research have become one of our most distinctive strengths.
Our research centers play a critical role in the university’s scientific production and its connection with society. We continue to make significant investments in these centers to enhance infrastructure and laboratory facilities. Through project and research incentives, we actively support scientific productivity. As a result, our multidisciplinary studies generate highly valuable scientific outputs.
Are there specific initiatives undertaken to improve the university’s performance in line with the methodologies of international ranking organizations such as Times Higher Education?
Being ranked among the world’s top 500 universities is, in fact, a natural outcome of the qualities we already possess. As a truly multicultural global university with students from more than 140 countries, we continuously enhance our scientific production and educational quality in line with our sustainability vision. However, to ensure that our productivity creates a meaningful impact, we also implement targeted initiatives. In this context, we have established systems that ensure our research data are accurately and effectively reflected in international databases. We have also developed incentive mechanisms aimed at improving the quality of academic output.
Our strong research infrastructure is one of the most critical elements accelerating scientific production. Our research centers, advanced technology laboratories, and R&D units in health and engineering provide our researchers with a world-class working environment. This comprehensive ecosystem, strengthened through a multidisciplinary approach, forms the foundation of our high-quality publications and project outputs.
How have the quality of the academic staff and the level of internationalization shaped this success?
Our qualified academic staff constitutes the backbone of our success. The inclusion of scholars from different countries has strengthened the university’s international visibility. Through joint research, multi-center studies, and academic mobility programs, the circulation of knowledge has increased. This diversity directly enriches our production capacity.
What does sustainability mean for Near East University?
For Near East University, sustainability represents a holistic approach encompassing environmental, academic, and social dimensions. While ensuring the continuity of high-quality scientific production, the university aims to establish a human-centered structure that uses its resources responsibly and generates value for society. Strengthening research infrastructure, making international academic collaborations permanent, and leaving a strong scientific legacy for future generations are fundamental pillars of our sustainability vision.
What does this ranking success signify for universities in Northern Cyprus and the region?
This achievement demonstrates not only the success of Near East University but also the ability of the higher education system in Northern Cyprus to compete at an international level. It clearly shows that universities in Northern Cyprus can attain a visible, measurable, and strong position in the global academic arena. At the same time, it serves as an important reference point, illustrating that a transformation focused on scientific production, quality, and internationalization is both possible and sustainable for universities in the region.
Our place among the world’s top 500 universities provides a strong benchmark that motivates us to make this position permanent and to climb even higher in the rankings.
For me, this achievement carries profound meaning not only as the Rector of Near East University but also as someone who was born and raised in Northern Cyprus. From my perspective, this result is the product of collective determination and shared belief. Being part of this journey is a great source of pride for me, both personally and professionally.