REGULATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS

 

ARTICLE 1- (1) The purpose of this Regulation is to define support mechanism processes that will enhance the quality, impact level, and national/international competitiveness of scientific research projects, develop research capacity, and encourage access to external funding sources, in line with Izmir University of Economics' strategic plan, research policies, and priority research areas.

 

(2) This Regulation covers the procedures and principles regarding the application, evaluation, acceptance, support, monitoring, completion, and management of outputs of scientific research projects conducted within the framework of Scientific Research Projects at Izmir University of Economics, as well as the duties, authorities, and responsibilities of the Scientific Research Projects Commission.

 

ARTICLE 2- (1) This Regulation has been prepared based on the provisions of the “Regulation on Scientific Research Projects of Higher Education Institutions” published in the Official Gazette dated 26/11/2016 and numbered 29900, and other relevant legislation.

Definitions and Abbreviations

 

ARTICLE 3- (1) The references in this regulation are as follows:

a) Interim Report: The periodic report indicating the progress status of the project,

b) Researcher: Izmir University of Economics (IUE) full-time faculty members, IUE undergraduate or graduate students specializing in the project subject, or experts appointed to the project due to their specialized knowledge, who are included in the project team by the project coordinator to carry out the scientific research project,

c) SRP Commission: The Scientific Research Projects Commission of Izmir University of Economics,

ç) SRP: Scientific Research Projects supported within the scope of this Regulation,

d) Consultant: Internal and/or external persons whose expertise is sought regarding the project subject,

e) Co-financing: Cases where the project budget is not fully covered by SRP resources, and a specific portion of the budget is undertaken by an external source through in-kind and/or cash contributions,

f) Referee: The subject matter expert assigned to evaluate project proposals and/or reports,

g) Allowance: The Scientific Research Projects Allowance established under this Regulation,

ğ) Priority Research Areas: Research areas determined in line with the strategic plan, Senate decisions, and research policies of Izmir University of Economics, which are given priority in SRP support,

h) Project Coordinator: Faculty members or IUE researchers who have completed a doctorate, medical specialization, or proficiency in arts, who propose the project and are responsible for its preparation and implementation,

ı) Project: Scientific research activities supported under this Regulation,

i) Rector: The Rector of Izmir University of Economics,

j) Senate: The Senate of Izmir University of Economics,

k) Final Report: The ultimate report submitted following the completion of the project,

l) Thesis Advisor: The advisor of the master's or doctoral thesis that is the subject of the project,

m) University/IUE: Izmir University of Economics.

 

 

ARTICLE 4- (1) The SRP Commission is established to carry out the processes of evaluating, supporting, monitoring, finalizing, and managing the outputs of scientific research projects conducted within Izmir University of Economics; and simultaneously to direct SRP supports in line with the University's research strategy and priorities.

 

(2) The SRP Commission consists of a minimum of seven and a maximum of eleven faculty members representing different scientific fields, appointed by the Rector upon the recommendation of the Senate, under the chairmanship of a commission head appointed by the Rector. In the formation of the Commission, care is taken to include members with interdisciplinary representation and research experience.

 

(3) The term of office for Commission members is four years. Members whose terms expire may be reappointed using the same procedure. If it is determined that members are failing to fulfill their duties, powers, and responsibilities, they may be dismissed by the Rector before the completion of their term, following the same procedure used for their appointment.

 

(4) When deemed necessary, the SRP Commission may establish temporary or permanent sub-working groups to carry out studies within the scope of specific project types, priority research areas, or thematic calls.

 

(5) To ensure that SRP activities are carried out in harmony with the University's financial structure, strategic goals, and institutional priorities, the following matters are submitted for the Rector’s approval after being resolved by the SRP Commission:

a) The annual total size of the SRP budget, its upper limits, and the principles and decisions regarding the updating of these limits,

b) Regulations for associating the SRP budget with the University's general budget, medium and long-term financial planning, and strategic plan objectives,

c) Project applications, budget revisions, time extensions, monitoring, and closure procedures.

 

ARTICLE 5- (1) In accordance with Izmir University of Economics' research strategy, priority research areas, and scientific excellence goals, the SRP Commission has the following duties and powers:

a) Determine the general policy, priorities, and implementation framework regarding SRP supports,

b) Define the types of projects to be supported, thematic calls, and priority areas to be funded,

c) Determine the project application calendar, evaluation procedures, and support conditions,

ç) Evaluate and decide on project proposals in terms of scientific quality, strategic alignment, feasibility, and impact potential,

d) Submit project proposals, where deemed necessary, to the evaluation of internal and/or external referees who are experts in their fields,

e) Determine the budget, duration, and special conditions of projects decided to be supported,

f) Track and evaluate the outputs of supported projects.

 

(2) The SRP Commission evaluates interim reports and final reports regarding ongoing projects and may request additional information or corrections from the project coordinator when necessary.

 

(3) If the Commission determines that projects are not being carried out within the framework envisaged in terms of objective, schedule, or budget, it may request corrections, temporarily suspend the project, or decide to cancel it.

 

(4) In line with the goal of increasing the University's national and international research performance, the SRP Commission may develop support mechanisms, bridge projects, and co-financing models aimed at encouraging external fund applications.

 

(5) At the end of each year, the Commission submits a summary activity and performance report to the Senate regarding supported, ongoing, and completed projects.

 

ARTICLE 6- (1) Scientific Research Projects are carried out by a project team consisting of a project coordinator, researchers, and, when necessary, students and consultants.

(2) In projects where deemed necessary, internal experts may be permitted to participate as consultants by decision of the SRP Commission.

(3) The number of team members who may take part in a project, the maximum limits for individuals to serve in projects simultaneously, and other matters regarding the project team structure are determined by the SRP Commission.

 

 

ARTICLE 7- (1) The project types to be supported within the scope of Scientific Research Projects are determined by the SRP Commission in line with Izmir University of Economics’ research strategy, priority research areas, and education-research integration goals.

 

(2) Project types that may be supported under SRP include the following:

a) General Research Projects are scientific research projects carried out by full-time academics holding a doctoral degree at Izmir University of Economics. Evaluation is based on research originality, openness to interdisciplinary approaches, scientific contribution, and innovative potential.

b) Bridge and Preparatory Projects are projects carried out by full-time faculty academics holding a doctoral degree at Izmir University of Economics for the purpose of developing preparations, pilot studies, and partnerships for national and international external fund applications (TUBITAK, Horizon Europe, ERC, etc.) or those of a co-financing nature. The objective is co-financing and the preparation of project applications.

c) Research Infrastructure and Capacity Building Projects are projects carried out by full-time academics holding a doctoral degree at Izmir University of Economics for the purpose of strengthening research infrastructure and developing methods and data collection techniques.

ç) Graduate Thesis Projects are projects carried out within the scope of thesis work by students actively enrolled in masters with thesis, doctoral, and medical specialization programs at the Izmir University of Economics Graduate School. The project coordinator is the primary thesis advisor.

 

ARTICLE 8- (1) An allowance for Scientific Research Projects is allocated within the University's annual budget to be used for the financing of scientific research projects supported under this Regulation at Izmir University of Economics. The primary objective of the allowance is to strengthen the University's research capacity, support priority research areas, and encourage access to national and international external funding sources.

 

(2) In addition to the resources allocated from the University budget for Scientific Research Projects each year, the allowance includes:

a) Additional allowances provided by the University;

b) Revenues obtained within the scope of scientific research projects;

c) Donations and grants,

ç) Indirect contributions provided from national and international projects.

 

(3) Allowance resources may be used for:

a) Direct expenses of Scientific Research Projects,

b) Interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research activities,

c) Preparatory, bridge, and co-financing supports for external funds such as TUBITAK, Horizon Europe, ERC, and similar,

ç) Projects carried out within the scope of priority research areas,

d) Activities aimed at developing research infrastructure.

 

(4) In the utilization of allowance resources; the scientific quality of projects, expected outputs, strategic importance, external funding potential, and the academic and social impact it will create is taken into account.

 

ARTICLE 9- (1) The maximum support amounts to be applied for new project applications under SRP, categorized by project type, are specified below. New project applications are taken into account when calculating the determined upper limits; these may be applied by the SRP Commission by reducing them when necessary, considering the total annual SRP budget and the number of projects to be supported.

 

Project Type	Maximum Support Amount**
General Research Projects	15.000 EUR
Graduate Thesis Projects (MA / PhD)	5.000 EUR
Bridge and Preparatory Projects	10.000 EUR
Research Infrastructure and Capacity Building Projects	40.000 EUR

 

(2) The total annual budget for SRP projects is determined within the scope of the University's annual budget negotiations.

Project Budgeting and Implementation Principles

 

ARTICLE 10- (1) The specified amounts are maximum upper limits, and the SRP Commission may approve the requested budget partially or in stages, taking into account the project scope, method, duration, and expected outputs.

 

(2) Project budgets may be used for:

a) research materials and consumable expenses,

b) software and data access expenses,

c) machinery and equipment purchases,

ç) fieldwork and travel expenses, (cannot exceed a maximum of 15% of the total budget.)

d) scholarship payments (equivalent to 50% of the rate determined by TUBITAK.)

e) service procurement, (cannot exceed a maximum of 20% of the total budget.)

 

(3) For research infrastructure and capacity building projects, a co-financing requirement may be sought if deemed necessary. The co-financing rate and scope are determined by the SRP Commission.

 

(4) The SRP Commission has the authority to revise budget items, limit specific expenditure items, or release the project budget in stages.

 

 

ARTICLE 11- (1) The application calendar for Scientific Research Projects is determined annually by the SRP Commission, provided that it is held at least 3 times a year, and applications are submitted through the electronic application system. The application method, requirements, dates, and necessary documents are announced on the University website. Applications must be made within the announced period; applications submitted after the deadline are not be processed.

 

(2) The application requirements are as follows:

a) Being an academic with a doctoral degree on the staff of Izmir University of Economics,

b) Clearly defining the project summary, methodology, objectives, and outputs as specified in the project application forms,

c) Completing the application documents and their annexes.

 

(3) Project proposals are subjected to a preliminary evaluation by the SRP Commission, taking the following criteria into account:

 a) Alignment with the University's research strategy and priority areas,

 b) Expected academic, technological, or social impact,

 c) Scientific originality and innovation,

 ç) Feasibility of the project and methodological adequacy,

 d) Expected social impact and benefit,

 e) External funding potential and sustainability,

 f) Project duration and budget management,

 g) Compliance with the Scientific Research Projects Allowance limits.

 

(4) Project proposals with a positive preliminary evaluation result are reviewed by referees based on the project type: one (1) referee who is an expert in the field of scientific research projects from among full-time academics with a doctoral degree at Izmir University of Economics, and two (2) referees who are experts in the field from among full-time academics with a doctoral degree from outside the University. When deemed necessary, the opinions of additional referees may be sought.

 

(5) Project proposals with a negative preliminary evaluation result are not sent to referees, and the decision is notified to the applicant's IUE e-mail address along with the justification.

 

(6) When deemed necessary, the SRP Commission may request an oral presentation from the project team or conduct a panel evaluation.

 

(7) The SRP Commission makes the final decision based on the referee evaluations, and the result is notified to the applicant's IUE e-mail address.

 

 

ARTICLE 12- (1) The duration of Scientific Research Projects is determined by the SRP Commission based on the proposal of the project coordinator, taking into account the project type and scope. Excluding thesis projects, scientific research projects shall be completed within a maximum of thirty-six months, including any time extensions.

 

(2) For projects decided to be supported, a protocol is prepared between the project coordinator and the Commission, specifying the details regarding the project. The project coordinator is obliged to comply with the matters set forth in this protocol.

 

(3) The project coordinator is obliged to submit interim reports to the SRP Commission every 6 months according to the determined schedule. The content, submission dates, and format of the interim reports are determined by the SRP Commission and notified after the evaluation process of the project proposal is completed. Interim reports showing the progress of the project must include the extent to which the project has reached its determined targets, the difficulties encountered, and the corrective steps to be taken.

 

(4) The SRP Commission regularly monitors the scientific and administrative progress of projects through the interim reports; it may request additional information or corrections from the project coordinator when deemed necessary. Interim reports are subjected to a preliminary evaluation by the SRP Commission, and those found appropriate are sent to the referee.

 

(5) As a result of the evaluation of the interim reports, decisions are made with justifications, and written feedback is provided to the project coordinator. If it is determined that the project is not being carried out in accordance with its objectives, or if serious delays or scientific adequacy issues are identified, the SRP Commission may request a correction or explanation from the project coordinator. The correction and explanation must be submitted within 1 month. In case of non-compliance, the SRP Commission may temporarily suspend the execution and support of the project, or cancel the execution and support of the project entirely.

 

ARTICLE 13- (1) After the project is completed, the project coordinator submits the final report to the SRP Commission within 3 months following the completion of the project duration. The final report must include the project's level of achievement of targets, its scientific contribution, expected outputs, and social impact. The SRP Commission evaluates the project results and the obtained outputs in terms of scientific quality, impact potential, and social contribution, taking the following criteria into account:

a) Compliance of the project with the specified aims and objectives,

b) Produced scientific, technological, and social outputs,

c) Publications, patents, or other tangible results,

ç) Social benefit and impact,

d) Potential for obtaining external funding and sustainability,

e) Alignment with regional, national, and global priorities.

 

(2) The outputs to be produced, taking into account the project type and scope, are specified below:

a) For projects supported under General Research Projects, at least one scientific publication must be produced during the project period or within 12 months at the latest after the project is completed. The scientific publication sought within the scope of this paragraph must meet the qualifications and criteria defined in the Izmir University of Economics Regulation for the Promotion of Scientific Work and relevant implementation principles; it should be an article published or accepted for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals (WoS or SCOPUS; TR Dizin for outputs in the field of law) appropriate to the project type and scope.

b) For bridge/preparatory projects, although there is no publication requirement, the obtained outputs must be clearly documented in the final report, and an application must have been made to the targeted national or international grant program.

c) For graduate thesis projects, the completion of the thesis defense and the acceptance of the thesis by the graduate school are considered sufficient for the fulfillment of the publication obligation.

(3) In all publications and outputs produced within the scope of SRP, it is mandatory to include the phrase: “This work was supported by the Izmir University of Economics Scientific Research Projects Fund.”

(4) The publication is reported to the SRP Commission either with the final report or within 12 months at the latest following the final report.

 

 

ARTICLE 14- (1) All projects carried out within the scope of SRP shall be conducted in accordance with national and international research ethics principles and the relevant Ethics Committee decisions of Izmir University of Economics.

 

(2) In projects requiring ethics committee approval, the project cannot be initiated without obtaining the relevant Ethics Committee approval. The document regarding ethics committee approval shall be submitted to the SRP Commission no later than the project start date.

 

ARTICLE 15- (1) Matters regarding intellectual property rights arising from projects carried out within the scope of SRP shall be evaluated within the framework of the relevant legislation.

 

(2) In the event of the production of patents, utility models, software, or similar intellectual property outputs, the project coordinator shall notify the University of this situation without delay.

 

ARTICLE 16- (1) It is essential that research data produced within the scope of SRP be stored securely and be accessible when necessary.

 

(2) In applicable projects, data sharing is encouraged in line with open science and open data principles. Matters regarding data sharing are evaluated within the framework of relevant legislation and ethical rules.

 

ARTICLE 17- (1) In the event of natural disasters, epidemics, and similar force majeure events, necessary arrangements regarding the project duration and implementation may be made by the SRP Commission upon the justified request of the project coordinator.

 

ARTICLE 18- (1) Upon the determination of the following situations, an evaluation regarding the relevant project shall be conducted by the Scientific Research Projects Commission. The SRP Commission may request corrections or explanations from the project coordinator, temporarily suspend the execution and support of the project, or cancel the execution and support of the project. These decisions are made based on the principle of proportionality and shall be justified.

a) Unjustified deviation of the project from the approved objective, scope, or method,

b) Failure to submit interim reports or final reports on time,

c) The presence of serious scientific or administrative deficiencies in the project,

ç) Use of funds outside of their intended purpose or in an irregular manner.

 

(2) In the event that the matters specified in the first paragraph recur within the same project, or if the project coordinator was found to have similar irregularities in previous SRP projects, the SRP Commission may take this situation into account in its decisions.

 

(3) The SRP Commission may, when deemed necessary, invite the project coordinator to provide a written or oral explanation.

 

ARTICLE 19- (1)  For matters not covered in this Regulation, the provisions of relevant laws, Senate decisions, and SRP Commission decisions shall apply.

 

ARTICLE 20- (1) The “Scientific Research Projects Regulation” that entered into force with the Senate decision dated 08.01.2009 and numbered 127-A/10, and the Board of Trustees decision dated 20.02.2009 and numbered 52/14, has been repealed.

 

TEMPORARY ARTICLE 1 - (1) The provisions contained in this Regulaiton apply to SRP project applications submitted after the date on which the Regulation enters into force. For SRP project applications submitted before this Regulation enters into force, the provisions of the repealed Regulation shall apply.

 

ARTICLE 21- (1) This Regulation may be amended by the decision of the Senate.

 

ARTICLE 22- (1) This Regulation takes effect on the date it is approved by the Board of Trustees following the approval of the Senate of Izmir University of Economics.

 

ARTICLE 23- (1) The Rector of Izmir University of Economics enforces the provisions of this Regulation.

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This Regulation took effect with the Senate decision dated 18.02.2026 and numbered 570 and the Board of Trustees dated 24.02.2026 and numbered 106.