The Science Communication Office collaboration with the Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, organized a Science Café event titled “Beyond Borders: Building Meaningful Academic Partnerships” on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the BAU Campus Mini Hall 1. 

The panel, moderated by Prof. Hümeyra Adıgüzel, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences at Bahçeşehir University, featured Prof. Yvonne Hinson, CEO of the American Accounting Association (AAA), and Prof. Amal Said, Faculty Member at Northern Kentucky University & Senior Advisor at the AAA, as speakers. 

International Collaboration and Research Efforts of the American Accounting Association Discussed 

The American Accounting Association (AAA) addressed its efforts to support academic research, education, and professional development in the field of accounting, alongside its international participation strategies. The meeting focused on membership policies, interdisciplinary research, academic and professional collaborations, as well as development programs for students and academics. 

Academic Resources and Professional Development Opportunities 

Supporting knowledge sharing and collaboration across different areas of expertise through 17 special interest sections that bring together researchers and educators in accounting, the AAA offers members various opportunities for collaboration and information sharing. 

The association’s academic publications contribute to the sharing of research findings. Educational resources include COSO internal control frameworks and online training modules. The Impact Hub platform offers summaries, infographics, and podcast content based on academic research. 

While AAA’s Career Center brings together opportunities for academic and professional positions, webinars, online courses, and live events also support professional development. 

International Membership and Engagement Strategies 

Strategies to increase the engagement of members outside North America in the association’s activities were addressed at the meeting. To enhance accessibility in regions with differing economic conditions, tiered membership fees are implemented for international students and academics. 

The International Membership Advisory Committee, composed entirely of members from outside North America, contributes to the development of the association’s global strategies. 

Events such as Spark and Global Connect provide academics and researchers with online and in-person opportunities to network, present their research, and develop new academic connections. 

Interdisciplinary Research and Global Partnerships 

One of the key agenda items was the importance of connecting accounting research with different disciplines such as finance and forensics. It was noted that interest in interdisciplinary research is also on the agenda of organizations like AACSB. 

Within the scope of developing international research collaborations, emphasis was placed on researchers from different geographies establishing joint teams, accessing different datasets, and sharing research methodologies. Visiting scholar programs and global doctoral consortia were also discussed among the means to enhance academic connections. 

Information was also shared regarding the integration of the annual sustainability research conference into the Global Connect event. 

Bridging Academic Research and Professional Practice 

The AAA aims to facilitate a better understanding and application of academic research findings by industry professionals. Attention was drawn during the meeting to how the length and technical language of academic papers can create accessibility challenges for practitioners. 

In line with this, roundtables and joint conferences bringing together academics and industry professionals within the scope of collaboration with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) were addressed. Case competitions and conferences aimed at students are also organized under this collaboration. 

Presenting research findings through digital resources like Impact Hub in various formats, such as summaries and infographics, is among the initiatives supporting communication between academic knowledge and professional practice. 

Programs for Students and Academics 

In collaboration with Beta Alpha Psi, the AAA offers students exchange programs and international experience opportunities. 

Additionally, information was shared regarding the interaction program between doctoral students and faculty members held in June under Spark, as well as the Global Doctoral Student Consortium held under the Global Connect event in Las Vegas in August. 

Furthermore, the pilot implementation of a global mentorship program aimed at pairing experienced academics with doctoral students and early-career academics was discussed. 

Sustainable Growth and Sustainable Collaborations 

The AAA’s international growth strategies and budget approach were also evaluated at the meeting. While the needs of major markets like Japan were brought to the agenda, it was stated that international activities are addressed within the general budget rather than a separate strategic budget. Tiered membership fees, travel support for international conference attendance, and interdisciplinary partnerships across different regions were evaluated within this context. 

Intermediary efforts to establish partnerships between universities in the United Arab Emirates and institutions in the United States were also among the topics shared at the meeting. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the main message emphasized was that internationalization should not remain limited to official memoranda of understanding; rather, it must be developed through joint research projects, academic exchange programs, mentorship initiatives, and sustainable inter-university relationships.