Al-Mustaqbal University (UOMUS) follows the National Instructions of Scientific Promotions of the Ministry of Iraqi Higher Education and Scientific Research, No. 167, 2017, which governs the promotion process. Within this framework, specific provisions allow for the recognition of interdisciplinary research to ensure faculty members are not restricted to single-discipline work.

Incentives for Interdisciplinary Research in Promotion and Tenure at UOMUS: 1. Recognition of Research Across Disciplines: The promotion system requires faculty members to publish research in their general field of specialization, but there is flexibility to engage in interdisciplinary work. Articles published in high-impact journals, including those that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, are counted towards promotion. 2. Publication Flexibility: The promotion process recognizes different types of research outputs, including co-authored interdisciplinary research, books, and patents. Research published in indexed international journals (e.g., Scopus, Thomson Reuters) is considered original and not subject to additional evaluation, ensuring interdisciplinary work receives equal recognition. 3. Evaluation of Collaborative Contributions: Joint research is acknowledged through a structured points system, ensuring that contributions in interdisciplinary projects are fairly credited. The first author receives full points, while co-authors receive proportional credit, preventing faculty from being disadvantaged when engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations. 4. Promotion Criteria Adaptability: Faculty members applying for promotion to assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor are evaluated based on a points-based system that includes research impact and academic contributions, allowing room for interdisciplinary engagement. Faculty can apply for promotion one year before meeting the minimum required period, which further incentivizes high-quality interdisciplinary research. 5. Scientific Conferences and Knowledge Exchange: Presenting research at international conferences is recognized for promotion, encouraging faculty to engage with interdisciplinary academic communities. Knowledge exchange activities related to interdisciplinary research can contribute to career advancement. Commitment to Avoiding Single-Discipline Research Pressures: UOMUS ensures that promotion and tenure decisions do not restrict faculty to traditional discipline-based criteria. Instead, the university actively supports a research culture that values interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining the academic rigor required by national regulations. This approach aligns with global best practices by encouraging innovation and facilitating cross-disciplinary academic progress.