Background
The Research Fund and Grant Center at the Deanship of Research and Development Centers, Koya University, was officially established on May 6, 2025, under University Order No. 7/29/241. It plays a strategic role in advancing the university’s mission in academic research and sustainable development. The center is led by Dr. Hemn Muhammed Salh, a lecturer in the Department of Physics. Dr. Hemn earned his B.Sc. in Physics from Koya University (2009), followed by an M.Sc. in Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors from the University of Birmingham, UK (2013), and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from Firat University, Turkey (2023). His research interests include natural radioactivity, earthquake precursors, soil air radon gas time-series analysis, and gamma shielding materials. As head of the center, he works to foster a robust research culture and secure sustainable funding for both institutional and individual research efforts.
Vision
The center envisions becoming a leading institutional body in research funding, known for facilitating high-quality academic and applied research while promoting Koya University’s transition into a green, sustainable, and innovation-driven campus. It seeks to strengthen the university’s national and international standing by supporting cutting-edge research projects and aligning them with global sustainability goals. Through partnerships and strategic funding initiatives, the center aims to build a future where scientific excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Mission
The Research Fund and Grant Center operates with a dual mission. First, it actively seeks external funding from local and international organizations, governmental bodies, and charitable foundations to support the university’s Green University Initiative. This includes projects in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, clean transportation, and environmental conservation. Second, the center provides direct support to academic staff, undergraduate students, and postgraduate researchers in obtaining research funds that enable them to explore new ideas, generate knowledge, and contribute to community development. The center also works to bridge the gap between university research and real-world challenges by aligning proposals with donor priorities and regional needs.
Programs and Services
The center offers a variety of services aimed at building a strong research funding culture at Koya University. These include personalized assistance in identifying suitable grant opportunities, developing competitive research proposals, and complying with funding agency requirements. Regular training workshops are held to build grant-writing and project management skills among faculty and students. The center also manages student mini-grant programs to encourage early-career research and innovation. In addition, it supports interdisciplinary collaboration and builds connections with government agencies, NGOs, and international funding institutions to open broader research pathways.
