As a technical university, we have numerous overlapping areas across our majors, which naturally encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. For instance, information technology plays a crucial role in various fields, and faculty members with an IT background are often engaged in collaborative research with departments such as health, agriculture, engineering, and social sciences. This fosters a dynamic, interconnected approach to solving complex challenges across diverse domains.
Therefore, Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU), is committed to fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and innovative research. As part of its ongoing efforts, SPU has developed a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and reward of research activities, with a specific focus on interdisciplinary research, which is increasingly seen as critical for addressing complex global challenges.
SPU has a dedicated committee responsible for monitoring newly published research papers and evaluating their relevance to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The committee also tracks the impact of these publications by following their citations across different fields. In addition, the committee actively encourages researchers to collaborate across disciplines, particularly by integrating information technology into areas such as health, agriculture, engineering, and social sciences. This approach promotes a dynamic and interconnected strategy for addressing complex challenges across multiple domains.
Click to see the Journal Evaluation Form
Interdisciplinary Research at SPU
Interdisciplinary research involves the integration of knowledge, methods, and perspectives from multiple academic disciplines to solve problems that cannot be tackled by one discipline alone. This type of research encourages collaboration between fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, arts, and natural sciences, fostering a more holistic approach to problem-solving.
At SPU, the promotion of interdisciplinary research is seen as a strategic priority. The university recognizes that many of today’s pressing challenges—such as climate change, health crises, technological advancements, and socio-economic development—require expertise from various domains. In response to these needs, SPU encourages faculty and students to engage in interdisciplinary research projects that span diverse academic disciplines.
Research Evaluation at SPU
The evaluation of research at Sulaimani Polytechnic University is conducted through a rigorous and transparent process designed to assess both the quality and impact of research outcomes. The evaluation criteria for interdisciplinary research include the following key components:
Interdisciplinary research is evaluated based on its ability to introduce novel concepts, methods, and solutions that bridge multiple academic fields. The originality of the research and its potential to advance knowledge across disciplines is a central focus.
Given that interdisciplinary research requires collaboration between multiple departments or faculties, SPU places significant emphasis on the extent to which researchers collaborate effectively across disciplines. Research projects that show strong teamwork and integration of knowledge from various fields are highly valued.
The quality of the research output is assessed through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other academic achievements. Research that results in high-impact publications or meaningful contributions to the academic community is regarded as a critical factor in the evaluation process.
SPU evaluates interdisciplinary research based on its potential to address real-world issues. Projects that demonstrate practical applications for social, economic, environmental, and health challenges are particularly encouraged. The university seeks to promote research that can make a significant positive impact on society and contribute to the development of the region and beyond.
Interdisciplinary research is also evaluated based on its potential for sustained impact over time. Projects that foster long-term collaborations, generate further research opportunities, or lead to the establishment of interdisciplinary research centers or initiatives are considered valuable
Reward Mechanisms for Interdisciplinary Research
Sulaimani Polytechnic University understands the importance of recognizing and rewarding outstanding research efforts to motivate faculty, students, and researchers. The reward system for interdisciplinary research at SPU is designed to acknowledge the challenges and the added value brought by interdisciplinary approaches. Some key reward mechanisms include:
Researchers engaged in high-impact interdisciplinary projects are eligible for financial incentives. These may include research grants, funding for international collaborations, or support for attending conferences and workshops that enhance their professional development.
Successful interdisciplinary research can play a key role in faculty promotion and career advancement at SPU. Researchers who demonstrate excellence in interdisciplinary work are often recognized through faculty promotions, special academic titles, and leadership roles within research projects or centers.
SPU organizes regular bi-annual events such as research symposiums, award ceremonies, and publications that highlight exceptional interdisciplinary research. Researchers are celebrated for their contributions, helping to enhance their academic reputation and visibility within the international research community.
The university provides institutional support for interdisciplinary research by offering access to specialized facilities, research funding, and collaboration platforms. This support encourages the development of interdisciplinary research teams and the establishment of new research centers.
As part of the reward system, researchers are often provided with opportunities to collaborate with other universities, research institutions, and industry partners. These collaborations help researchers access additional resources, knowledge, and expertise, which can significantly elevate the impact of their work.