With the Humboldtian idea of university, the research-informed teaching has largely influenced university models all around the world since 19th century. Recent models, however, seem to more emphasize the role of research through entrepreneurial mindset and bring questions about the connections as well as controversies between teaching and research activities of academics. Utilizing related questions of an international survey, this study aims at shedding light on the teaching and research nexus in Turkish academia by focusing academics’ main activities and orientations. Our findings indicate that while Turkish academics have positive perceptions on the teaching and research nexus, rapid expansion in higher education and competitive global trends may have an influence on the academic profession, bringing contradictions regarding the interplay between teaching and research activities. We discuss our findings through the national changes and global trends in higher education and conclude with recommendations on enhancing the nexus between teaching and research.

This research was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK - Project No: 117K917) and The Unit of Scientific Research Projects at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey (COMU-BAP - Project No: SBA-2017-1093).