Skill Sets and Needs for Behavioral Science Lab
▶Summary
Our main objective was to establish a Behavioral Science Laboratory at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and to train a team of competent researchers in the field of behavioral science. Through th...
▶Objectives
Our main objective was to establish a Behavioral Science Laboratory at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and to train a team of competent researchers in the field of behavioral science. Through this project, we sought to strengthen the link between academia and industry, support the development of new products and services, and enhance vocational education and training to better meet labor market needs. Additionally, we aimed to foster innovation, improve quality assurance in VET, and create sustainable educational resources, including tailored educational materials, to ensure ongoing benefits for students, researchers, and the wider community.Travel support was provided through DAAD with German partners.A follow-up Erasmus+ project led by Germany was later approved.
▶Activities
During the project, we implemented activities to build capacity and foster collaboration in behavioral sciences. Five bilateral visits were organized between partner institutions: in November 2023, June 2024, October 2024, November 2024, and May 2025. Each included week-long trainings or workshops where research staff received hands-on training, exchanged expertise, and worked collaboratively on behavioral science lab development. Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University hosted the 12th National Symposium on Alternative Methods in Marketing Research to disseminate behavioral studies in marketing and neuroeconomics. The theme was Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences in Marketing, with speakers from LMU and Çanakkale Technopark, international speakers, and participants (24–26 October 2024). We initiated research collaboration between LMU and ÇOMU, supported joint studies, conducted a needs analysis, carried out behavioral studies using advanced lab equipment, developed an e-learning platform (https://www.behaviorerasmus.org/), and designed educational materials for students, researchers, and the local innovation ecosystem.
▶Impact
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University allocated a dedicated lab space, laying groundwork for a new research center in behavioral sciences. A formal application was submitted to YÖK and in 2024, the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences Research and Application Center was officially established. We trained and certified the first group of lab staff: 15 from ÇOMU and 10 from Technopark in collaboration with LMU, providing a strong foundation for the lab. We initiated research collaboration between LMU and COMU, fostering joint studies; 5 research projects are currently running involving both institutions. The university hosted the 12th National Symposium on Alternative Methods in Marketing Research to disseminate behavioral research outcomes in marketing and neuroeconomics and raise awareness. The theme was Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences in Marketing, with speakers from LMU, Çanakkale Technopark, and international participants (24–26 October 2024). We established a sustainable online learning platform with educational resources: https://www.behaviorerasmus.org/.A total of 17 lessons across 6 user-friendly modules were delivered; all were completed by 62–71 students. The VET Quality Assurance Model is now available on our website.