Rowan and Turkish university forge global health sciences partnership

Following discussions at the EAIE Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, last month, Rowan University and Bezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul, Türkiye, have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding to advance global collaboration in health sciences. The agreement was signed September 26, marking a significant milestone in academic cooperation between the universities.

The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research ties, particularly in health sciences, through a multi-faceted cooperation package. Key initiatives include semester exchanges, short-term study programs, summer internships, and clinical observation opportunities, all designed to foster sustainable student and faculty mobility. Faculty collaboration will be further supported through visiting scholar programs and joint research publications.

“This formal association will expand Rowan’s international footprint through research, student exchange opportunities and, hopefully, greater international enrollment,” said Morris Kalliny, Ph.D., Rowan vice president for Global Affairs and dean of the School of Professional Studies.

Students and academic staff from both institutions stand to benefit from enhanced career development opportunities, enriched intercultural communication skills, and expanded international professional networks. The collaboration also promises interdisciplinary innovation by combining Bezmialem’s clinical education strengths with Rowan’s expertise in health sciences research.

This MOU builds on Rowan’s growing portfolio of international agreements, including recent partnerships with American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), UAE; the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Egypt; Yokohama City University, Japan; and MIT Academy of Engineering, India.

These efforts reflect Rowan’s commitment to global engagement and educational innovation, supported by initiatives from the State of New Jersey.