ANNU’s research culture is challenge-driven and impact-oriented. Addressing today’s most pressing global and regional issues—such as energy transition, social inclusion and cultural diversity, data and artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and health, nutrition, and wellbeing—often requires expertise that spans multiple disciplines. By encouraging collaboration across academic boundaries and fostering the exchange of ideas and methodologies, ANNU enables researchers to develop innovative solutions that benefit both the region and the wider global community.
The Interdisciplinary Research Unit (IRU) was established to serve as a central platform for coordinating and strengthening interdisciplinary research and education across the University. The Unit promotes collaboration among faculties and research centers while also facilitating partnerships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations. Through these connections, the IRU enhances the societal relevance and impact of ANNU’s research and innovation activities.
Mission
The Interdisciplinary Research Unit at An-Najah National University fosters a collaborative environment where researchers from diverse fields work together to address complex challenges. It supports interdisciplinary projects, builds academic and industry partnerships, and ensures research contributes to sustainable development and societal impact.
Vision
To become a leading hub for integrative research that unites diverse academic disciplines to solve complex local and global challenges and drive scientific, technological, and social innovation.
1. Promote research that addresses complex problems through integrative approaches combining natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, computer sciences, and humanities.
2. Foster a collaborative research environment for faculty, researchers, and students across disciplines.
3. Strengthen local and international partnerships to enhance joint research initiatives and knowledge exchange.
4. Support researchers in securing competitive funding for interdisciplinary projects, including government, private sector, and international grants.
5. Facilitate high-quality research dissemination through reputable journals, conferences, and public engagement.
6. Encourage mentorship programs for graduate students and early-career researchers in interdisciplinary projects.
7. Provide guidance on translating research outcomes into practical applications, innovation, patents, or policy recommendations.
8. Promote open-access data sharing and collaborative research platforms to accelerate scientific discovery.
9. Contribute to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development strategies at regional and national levels.
10. Recognize and reward interdisciplinary research excellence through awards, incentives, and academic acknowledgment.
• Seed Funding and Grants: Offering internal funding opportunities to initiate interdisciplinary research collaborations.
• Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences: Organizing events that bring together researchers from different fields to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and showcase research outcomes.
• Partnership Development: Facilitating collaborations with national and international universities, research centers, industry partners, NGOs, and governmental bodies.
• Research Proposal Support: Providing technical assistance and consultation for developing interdisciplinary research proposals and grant applications.
• Publication and Communication Support: Helping researchers publish in high-impact journals and disseminate research outcomes to academic, professional, and public audiences.
• Innovation and Commercialization Support: Assisting researchers in translating interdisciplinary research into patents, startups, and practical applications.
• Mentorship and Capacity Building: Guiding early-career researchers and graduate students in interdisciplinary research methods, project management, and collaborative practices.
• Shared Facilities and Resources: Providing access to advanced laboratories, collaborative workspaces, specialized software, and data management tools.
• Policy Engagement and Societal Impact: Supporting research that informs policymaking, community programs, and sustainable development initiatives.
• Recognition and Incentives: Awarding excellence in interdisciplinary research through annual prizes, career progression support, and academic acknowledgment.
Dear Researchers, Innovators, and Collaborators,
Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Research Unit (IRU) at An-Najah National University (ANNU), a hub where knowledge transcends boundaries, ideas converge, and innovation thrives. At IRU, we believe that the most transformative solutions emerge when disciplines intersect, fostering groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges and drives societal impact. Our mission is to empower interdisciplinary teams, providing them with cutting-edge resources, strategic partnerships, and a dynamic research environment to catalyze innovation across diverse fields. Whether you are a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, or policy expert, we invite you to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and contribute to meaningful advancements that shape the future. Join us in our journey of discovery, integration, and innovation. Together, we can push the boundaries of knowledge and create sustainable solutions for a better world.
Sincerely,
Abdelhaleem Khader,
Ph.D Director, Interdisciplinary Research Unit (IRU)
An-Najah National University
