Desk Report:
In recognition of research excellence, 17 researchers from BRAC University have been awarded the ‘Quality Journal Publication Award 2026’. They were given this honor for publishing research papers in Q1 journals, which are among the top 2 percent globally.
The award was presented at a ceremony organized at BRAC University’s campus in Merul Badda in the capital on Tuesday (August 25, 2026). The university is recognizing researchers for the third consecutive year.
A total of 228 Q1 journal research papers have come under the scope of this award this year. This number is 57 percent more than the 145 research papers recognized last year.
Of the recognized research papers this year, 124 were published in the top 10 percent journals in the relevant subject and another 104 were published in the remaining 15 percent of Q1 journals.
The award-winning research papers address various contemporary issues. These include important research on why microfinance institutions charge higher interest rates than banks and determining the minimum cost of production-distribution systems involving multiple producers and retailers.
At the event, Professor Malay Kanti Mridha, Director of the Central Research and Innovation Office of BRAC University, said that out of a total of 21,919 research publications from Bangladesh in 2025, about 4.1 percent were by BRAC University researchers.
Professor Samia Haque, Dean of the School of General Education, said that the university’s research on the ready-made garment sector has helped determine the timing of wage revision for workers and create a clear definition of middle management.
Associate Professor Sadia Hamid Kazi, Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said that the university is playing a role in enhancing the capacity of the industry and the national level by conducting eight advanced IC courses under the Samsung R&D Institute Bangladesh-funded video processing research project and the ADP-supported ‘Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program’ to develop the skills of the industry sector.
Dr. Laura J. Reichenbach, Dean of the BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, said that the results of the school’s research are currently being used by the Department of Health to monitor non-communicable diseases. At the same time, these studies have also helped in launching model pharmacies at the national level.
Speaking as a special guest, Professor Masuma Habib, a member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, said that research and teaching should go hand in hand. Students should also be involved in the process of knowledge creation.
Chief guest, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, Abdul Khalek, said that the research trend and achievements of BRAC University indicate that the institution will become one of the top educational institutions of the country in the future.
Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar said that although Bangladesh has been accustomed to acquiring knowledge from outside for so long, the country has its own knowledge base. BRAC is a major source of that knowledge base. A coordinated effort is needed in the field of research to spread this knowledge worldwide.
The welcome speech was delivered by the University Registrar, Dr. David Dowland. The closing speech was delivered by the Chairperson of the Research Metrics Committee, Professor AKM Abdul Malek Azad.
The Research Metrics Committee organized the event under the theme ‘Promoting Research Excellence’ as part of the celebration of BRAC University’s 25th anniversary.
Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Advisor of BRAC Institute of Languages, AFM Yusuf Haider, Emeritus Professor of Dhaka University, and senior teachers, researchers and administrative officials of BRAC University were present at the event.
