Societal Research and Development Center

The Societal Research and Development Center at Near East University is a pioneering institution dedicated to addressing pressing social challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovative projects. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and societal well-being, the Center bridges academic expertise with real-world applications. Its initiatives, ranging from cultural integration to AI-driven projects, aim to enhance quality of life and foster global collaboration.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Societal Research and Development Centre is to adapt itself to the rapid changes parallel to scientific and technologic developments, support quality education and research that also meets the needs of society and reflects social responsibility. The centre covers research areas about academic and social activities, research and projects on disability, child, woman, youth, elderly and quality of life.

The vision of the Societal Research and Development Centre within university education is to become a research centre that coordinates social responsibility projects and community services, research in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental associations within the society.

 

Key Research Areas and Activities

The Center undertakes a variety of research focusing on:

  • Child and Youth Development: Supporting initiatives that improve educational outcomes and social well-being for younger generations.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Encouraging gender equality through impactful programs and research.
  • Disability Rights and Accessibility: Designing projects that advocate for inclusivity and improve accessibility.
  • Cultural Integration: Utilizing AI and virtual reality to preserve cultural heritage and promote understanding.

The Centre carries out activities in cooperation with the Monitoring Disability Rights Committee for the rights of people with disabilities. In every year, the center is organised Sustainable Development Goals Summit, Societal Research and Development Symposium, Accessible Informatics Days, Accessible Tourism Congress, Interdisciplinary Symposium on Community Services, Symposium on Woman in Society, Monitoring Disability Rights Workshop.

The Centre carries out the administration of the TRNC Accessible Informatics Platform.

Leadership and Team

The center thrives under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, supported by an international esteemed advisory board, including:

  • Carmen Holotescu, Ioan Slavici University of Timisoara
  • Dr. Ebba Ossiannilsson, ICDE – SADE
  • Dr. Rustam Shadiev, Zhejiang University
  • Ainur Kenebayeva, Narxoz University
  • Alev Elçi, YÖMEGA
  • Lorna Wang, Surrey University
  • Maiga Chang, Athabasca University
  • Ali Tarhini, Sultan Qaboos University
  • Kinshuk, North Texas University
  • Ramesh Sharma, Graphic Era Hill University
  • Sazali Yusoff, Institut Aminuddin Baki
  • Robert Repnik, University of Maribor
  • Edrees Sultan Saleh, Minia University
  • Dr. Huseyin Bicen, Near East University
  • Deepika Kohli, Khalsa College of Education
  • Phillip Benachour, Lancaster University
  • Ahmed Tlili, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University (SLIBNU)
  • Achraf Othman, MADA Center
  • Mohamed Jemni, ALESCO

 

Researchers and Units

The research scope of the Center is structured into specialized units led by dedicated researchers:

  • Child and Parent Research Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Assist. Prof. Dr. Seçil Besim Ayhan & Assist. Prof. Dr. Dervişe Amca Toklu
  • Counselling Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Prof. Dr. Könül Memmedova & Assist. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Güldal Kan
  • SDG and Collaboration with Other Institutions Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeniz Şensoy
  • Disability Research Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Prof. Dr. Mukaddes Sakallı Demirok & Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay
  • Elder People and Quality of Life Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Assist. Prof. Dr. Menil Çelebi & Specialist Nurcan Kaya
  • Youth, Culture, and Social Values Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Specialist Rojda Kılıçarslan & Assist. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Soykurt
  • Accessibility and Technology Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin Akdağ & Assist. Prof. Dr. Kezban Ozansoy
  • Strategy, Quality, and Events Unit
    Responsible Researcher: Prof. Dr. Gökmen Dağlı
  • AR-GE Unit
    Responsible Researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Aşıksoy & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Beydola

International Research Projects

Project 1 (supported by BAP-2024): This project covers the ethnographic investigation of women who have children with disabilities in order to create their life success stories to approach a model and motivation for others within the society. The project covers situation analysis to state volunteer women who can deliver their life stories. Then, project covers mentoring and entrepreneurship training to mothers. Their adventure and life stories will be digital stories for the motivation and guide to others within the society. The project has scholars from UK, Türkiye, China, India, Spain and TRNC as researchers.

Publications:  

Altinay, Z., Evcimen, E., Dagli, G., & Kenebayeva, A. (2024). Building Sustainable Societies: The Role of Technology in Empowering Momtrepreneurs of Children with Special Needs. Societies, 14(11), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14110223

Tlili, A. et al. (2024). Trends of Artificial Intelligence in Special Education and Their Relation to the Sustainable Development Goals: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Heading?. In: Burgos, D., et al. Radical Solutions for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Education. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8638-1_3.

Project 2 (supported by BAP-2024):This project has international scholars as researchers from China, UK, Turkey, India and TRNC. The project aims to create experiences to introduce museums as part of culture through using Metaverse and Artificial intelligence. This project will give detailed road map on how AI can facilitate learning with Museum as part of teaching method.

Publications:

Islek, D., Altinay, F., Altinay, Z., & Shadiev, R. (2024). Artificial Intelligence in Accessible Museums. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, 15(3), 236-248.

Shadiev, R., Chen, X., Reynolds, B. L., Song, Y., & Altinay, F. (2024). Facilitating cognitive development and addressing stereotypes with a cross‐cultural learning activity supported by interactive 360‐degree video technology. British Journal of Educational Technology.

Altinay, Z., Altinay, F., Dagli, G., Shadiev, R., & Othman, A. (2024). Factors Influencing AI Learning Motivation and Personalisation Among Pre-service Teachers in Higher Education. MIER Journal of Educational Studies Trends and Practices, 462-481.

 

Project 3 (Supported by Zhejiang University is AI for Education): Fostering Cross-Cultural Competence and IT Literacy Through Global Learning Innovations. Societal Research and Development Center became partner of this project that Prof Fahriye Altinay was research coordinator of this project. Cross cultural sharing was done among Chinese, Turkish students by the support of VR and AI agent.

Publication: Shadiev, R., Chen, X., Sintawati, W., Altinay, F., Li, Y., Kerimbayev, N., & Tlili, A. (2025). Facilitating cross-cultural competence of students in an interactive VR learning environment. Educational Technology & Society, 28(1), 78-108.

Great moments from the outcome of this project about cultural sharing by VR:

Journal of Societal Studies
The Societal Research and Development Center publishes the Journal of Societal Studies, a peer-reviewed academic platform that focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing social challenges. The journal aims to bridge academic expertise with practical solutions, covering diverse topics such as sustainability, cultural integration, disability rights, and youth development. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and practitioners seeking innovative approaches to societal issues.

For more information, please visit: Journal of Societal Studies

 

Academic Conferences for 2024
The Center is actively involved in organizing and participating in key academic events, including:

  • ICALT 2024
    Date: 1-4 July 2024
    Details: This international conference focuses on advanced learning technologies and innovations in education.
    More information: ICALT 2024

 
 

 
 

  • 4th Societal Research and Development Symposium
    Date: 2-3 December 2024
    Details: This symposium provides a platform for interdisciplinary research addressing societal challenges and fostering collaboration across fields.
    Program details: Symposium Program
  • Engelsiz Bilişim Günleri
    Date: 20-21 December 2024
    Details: A conference dedicated to accessible technology and promoting inclusivity in digital spaces.
    More information: Engelsiz Bilişim Günleri