Farhangian University Research in English Language Education Journal | Farhangian University 3115-7599 4 2 2025 12 01 Challenges Faced by University TEFL Teachers in Integrating Research into Practice in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Classes 31 45 4314 10.48210/relej.2025.19310.1133 EN Saeed Kheiri Farhangian University Alireza Bonyadi Department of English Language, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran Yahya Safikhani Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran Maryam Hadi Department of English Language and Literature, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 09 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) has become increasingly important in applied linguistics due to growing demands from universities and policymakers to integrate research into educational practice. However, how this integration occurs across disciplines and contexts remains unclear. This mixed-method study investigates challenges in language instruction in Iran. Using random sampling, 50 TEFL instructors teaching EAP participated; 89% held doctorates, and 73% spent 10–30% of their work time on research. The study examines the difficulties university-level TEFL professors face in integrating research into EAP instruction. A detailed Likert-scale questionnaire assessed perceptions of ideal versus actual inclusion of seven research-related concepts. Due to non-homogeneous data, Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Three key themes from open-ended responses explained the gap between expectations and practice: organizational limitations, student-related variables, and instructor-related obstacles. Results showed strong belief in research integration but limited implementation. Student issues included low motivation; institutional barriers involved rigid curricula and misaligned goals. Instructor challenges included limited research skills, disciplinary expertise, self-confidence, and motivation. These challenges are shaped by institutional context, research experience, and workload. The study highlights the need for institutional support, curriculum reform, and professional development to help TEFL instructors effectively connect research and EAP teaching. https://elt.cfu.ac.ir/article_4314_d7841e7441a712f05406c09978fdef8d.pdf