Near East University Sustainability Awards 2025

Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Literature Award

Description and Scope:
This award is granted to publications that can be directly associated with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (at least three) and have a high citation impact or Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI).
The award aims to promote multidisciplinary influence and encourage systematic approaches to sustainability solutions.

Nominee 1: Abraham Ayobamiji Awosusi (Center for Operations Research in Health)
Research: Formulating sustainable development policy for a developed nation: exploring the role of renewable energy, natural gas efficiency and oil efficiency towards decarbonization (2023)
Authors: Anser, M.K.; Khan, K.A.; Umar, M.; Awosusi, A.A.; Shamansurova, Z.
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology
CiteScore: 13.3 – Q1, 97th Percentile
FWCI: 16.27
Contributing SDGs: SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 17

Nominee 2: Mümtaz Ali (Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences)
Research: Testing the impacts of renewable energy, natural resources rent, and technological innovation on the ecological footprint in the USA: Evidence from Bootstrapping ARDL (2023)
Authors: Ali, M.; Joof, F.; Samour, A.; Tursoy, T.; Balsalobre-Lorente, D.; Radulescu, M.
Journal: Resources Policy
CiteScore: 17 – Q1, 99th Percentile
FWCI: 11.88
Contributing SDGs: SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 13, SDG 17

Social Sustainability and Equality Award

Description and Scope:
This award recognizes initiatives that strengthen the social dimension of sustainable development, enhance individuals’ quality of life, and contribute to the creation of inclusive and equitable social structures.
Projects involving volunteerism, disaster relief, women’s and children’s empowerment, support for individuals with disabilities, equality policies, inclusion-based activities, and social awareness campaigns fall within its scope.
The award aims to encourage projects that prioritize justice, inclusiveness, and equal participation in sustainability processes. By highlighting individuals and initiatives that generate local or global social impact, it seeks to strengthen the social dimension of the university’s sustainability vision.

Nominees: Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay & Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay (Center for Social Research and Development)
Project: Psychosocial Support Project
Description:
Within the scope of the Psychosocial Support Project, the center provided voluntary psychological, counseling, and social work services to children affected by the February 6 earthquakes in public schools. Structured group sessions were carried out to reduce trauma, strengthen emotional resilience, and support social adaptation.
This initiative represents an exemplary model of post-disaster social recovery, focusing on children’s mental health while supporting the public education system. Based on volunteer participation, the project reinforces the principles of equality, social justice, and accessibility.
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Collaboration and Partnership Award

Description and Scope:
This award recognizes sustainability-focused joint projects conducted in collaboration with public institutions, private sector organizations, NGOs, or international partners — including co-hosted events, protocols, joint products, or social enterprises.
The purpose of this award is to encourage stronger institutional collaboration.

Nominee: Dr. Ferdiye Taner (DESAM Research Institute)
Project: Bacteriophage Project Collaboration between Near East University and La Trobe University against Antibiotic Resistance
Description:
In collaboration with La Trobe University (Australia), Near East University has been conducting a bacteriophage project aimed at developing a natural and effective alternative therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria — one of the major global public health threats identified by the World Health Organization.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ferdiye Taner, the project exemplifies impactful international academic collaboration between the DESAM Research Center and scientists from La Trobe University.
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Innovation and Solution-Oriented Approach Award

Description and Scope:
This award recognizes creative ideas, products, or services that provide sustainable solutions in the fields of environment, society, or economy — such as new technologies, software, devices, or methods.
It aims to promote individuals, teams, or projects that develop innovative and practical solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Nominee: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel (DESAM Research Institute – Diagnostic Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory; Director, DESAM Research Institute)
Product: Rapid PCR Diagnostic Kits for Viral Threats
Description:
Near East University has been recognized for its development of PCR diagnostic kits capable of rapidly and reliably detecting viruses that pose serious epidemic risks, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Monkeypox, Hepatitis Delta, FIP, and most recently, West Nile Virus.
This project significantly contributes to global health security through scientific innovation.
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Sustainability in Education Award

Description and Scope:
This award encourages the integration of sustainability themes into educational activities such as courses, workshops, and seminars.
It covers curriculum development, course design, and student-led sustainability projects.
The award aims to establish sustainability as a lasting culture in higher education, promoting its holistic inclusion in course content, learning materials, and teaching methods.

Nominee: Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatma Türüç Seraj (Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences)
Course: Gender Economics (ECO590, ECO690)
Description:
The Gender Economics course explores the interaction between gender identities and the economy, focusing particularly on gender equality and sustainability.
By analyzing economic experiences of different gender groups through both traditional and alternative lenses, the course broadens classical economic perspectives.
Delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatma Türüç Seraj, the course empowers students with critical thinking, research, and presentation skills.
Through a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates feminist, Marxist, and heterodox economic theories while drawing insights from other social sciences.

Environmental Sustainability Award

Description and Scope:
This award is granted to initiatives that address climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and environmental awareness.
Eligible areas include Climate Action and Carbon Footprint Reduction, Biodiversity and Habitat Protection, Water Resources and Waste Management, and Environmental Education and Awareness.

Nominee 1: Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gökçekuş (ENÇESU – Energy, Water and Environmental Research Center)
Event 1: Climate Change and Simulation Workshop (May 2023)
Description:
Organized jointly by ENÇESU and the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, this hybrid workshop analyzed global climate change scenarios using the “En-ROADS” modeling tool. Participants tested policy impacts related to carbon emissions, energy resources, and land use, contributing to climate action and decision-making awareness.
Event 2: International Conference on Water and Sustainable Environmental Management (November 2023)
Description:
Led by ENÇESU, the conference hosted over 100 scientists from 20 countries, promoting international academic collaboration on climate change, water scarcity, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability.

Nominee 2: Prof. Dr. Özge Özden (Faculty of Agriculture)
Event 1: Permaculture Seminar
Description:
This seminar, led by Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, introduced students to ecological farming, natural cycles, and sustainable living practices. It served as a model for fostering environmental awareness among younger generations.
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Event 2: Biodiversity Conservation Project
Description:
In collaboration with Italy’s Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, this project aims to identify and preserve the native bee species of Cyprus. Using artificial intelligence to study behavioral ecology, the initiative promotes the conservation of indigenous Cypriot bees and engages local beekeepers through education and participation.
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Lifelong Learning and Access to Education Award

Description and Scope:
This award honors initiatives that improve access to knowledge, education, and skill development for individuals of all ages.
It includes open-access training, certificate programs, and educational activities for elderly, disadvantaged, or broader community groups.
The goal is to promote lifelong learning as a cornerstone of sustainable development, extending education beyond the university campus to the wider community.

Nominees: Prof. Dr. Burak Gökbulut & Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yeniasır (Department of Turkish Language Teaching, Faculty of Arts and Sciences)
Project: Literacy Education for Mothers of Children in the Child Protection Institution
Description:
Conducted in collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Child Protection Institution, this six-month literacy program provided education to mothers without prior reading or writing skills.
As a result, 15 mothers learned to read and write, becoming actively involved in their children’s education.
The project enhanced individual development, strengthened family bonds, and promoted social participation — exemplifying academia’s direct contribution to society.
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Cultural Heritage Preservation Award

Description and Scope:
This award recognizes efforts dedicated to documenting, preserving, revitalizing, and sharing local or global cultural heritage in a sustainable manner.
Its goal is to encourage initiatives that protect cultural identity and historical values while transferring them to future generations through a sustainability lens.

Nominee 1: Prof. Dr. Nesrin Menemenci Bahçelerli (Faculty of Tourism)
Event: Cultural Cuisine Event
Description:
The Cultural Cuisine Event showcased the traditional cuisines of diverse cultures, promoting the documentation and preservation of culinary heritage.
Students presented dishes from their own cultures, transmitting oral gastronomic knowledge while fostering cultural diversity and awareness of intangible cultural heritage.
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Nominee 2: Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts
Events: Exhibitions
Description:
The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts has been nominated for its exhibitions and art events that document, preserve, and share both local and global cultural heritage.
Through international exhibitions — such as the 100-piece Tatarstan Culture and Historical Art Exhibition — and ceramic works inspired by ancient Cypriot figures, the museum connects past and present, promoting cultural exchange and preservation of intangible heritage.
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