The focus: Research: 1.6 million euros for Middle East studies in Halle!

The focus: Research: 1.6 million euros for Middle East studies in Halle!

There are gratifying news from the world of science! As the German Research Foundation (DFG) reports, the promotion of the specialist information service (FID) for Middle East, North Africa and Islam studies at the University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt (ULB) was extended. This valuable project is supported with around 1.6 million euros. The FID, which was launched in 2016, has established itself as a central player in the procurement of difficult-to-access literature from the Mena region (Middle East and North Africa) in languages such as Arabic, Persian and Turkish.

The FID's offer not only benefits the researchers of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, but is also accessible to the entire Federal Republic. This supports the scope of scientific work enormously. In this context, the DFG expert group emphasizes that the FID offers high added value for the German research landscape. The established structures and the extensive offer speak for themselves.

versatile service offers

The FID offers a comprehensive range of services that not only includes printing publications, but also provides digital formats. Scientists can access nationwide access to various databases with the Middle East Science Contents. Particularly noteworthy is the Open Access collection Menadoc , which enables global access to national and international research as well as sources.

Since 2023, the FID has also operated its own search engine, which specializes in non -Latin writings and lettering systems. The FID is committed to ensuring that researchers are optimally supported. This includes advice on the planning of new research projects, research data management as well as open access publication and full text recognition.

digital entrances and innovative approaches

Another highlight from the digital world is the Menadoc platform that offers free access to digital sources and publications on the MENA region and Islam. The content range from classic to current articles from Orient Science Research in Open Access. All titles are provided with a permalink and recorded in national catalogs. The digitization of literature is also promoted by cooperations with various publishers.

In addition, Menadoc offers a variety of resources such as the digitization of older German specialist literature and significant reference works, such as the Dictionary of the Armenian language of Mechitar from Sebaste. In addition, the Mecam Papers are offered as digital first publications in several languages and treatment -relevant discussion papers on the economy, society and geography are provided in the front Orient.

The FID is an integral part of a network of 40 specialist information funded by the DFG and thus plays a crucial role in the national research data infrastructure (NFDI). This support is urgently needed to successfully implement future research projects.

The scientific community can therefore look forward to a blooming future, with support from research, which has an effect far beyond national borders.