DU ranks 52nd globally, tops South Asia in interdisciplinary science rankings, VC Niaz elated
Dhaka University (DU) has secured the 52nd position globally and topped South Asia in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026, marking a record in the university's history of science research. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed his feelings on the achievement.
He said Dhaka University has proved through this success that global recognition can be achieved through high-quality research, international publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration despite limited resources.
Late Monday night (15 December), he shared the news and expressed his elation in a status post on his Facebook account.
The Facebook status of DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan is reproduced verbatim for readers of The Daily Campus:
As always, I am grateful for your interest and affection towards Dhaka University. I humbly share good news of continued progress in rankings.
I thank my colleagues who have worked tirelessly. Thanks to Almighty Allah. There is still a long way to go...
In this year's Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026, we have achieved 52nd position globally and the top position in South Asia, which is the highest in our science research history. Our limited but highly skilled scientists have played an important role in this success. In particular, our scientists have published research in internationally recognised journals, which has strengthened both the quality and reputation of research.
This achievement recognises the university's interdisciplinary research environment, improved research outcomes, and inter-faculty collaboration. The ranking was analysed on three key indicators:
Inputs (19%)—funding and industry linkages; Process (16%)—structures supporting interdisciplinary research; and Outputs (65%)—volume, quality, and reputation of research.
Key achievements:
Inputs: Dhaka University's research funds have been allocated to interdisciplinary themes (climate, public health, food security, environment). Industry-linked research contracts in pharmaceuticals, ICT/AI, environmental testing, and consulting sectors have increased significantly.
Process: KPIs and reporting frameworks across different faculties have enabled measurement of interdisciplinary success. Shared labs, core facilities, centralised research platforms, and administrative support have been provided. Recognition of interdisciplinary publications in tenure and promotion has been ensured.
Outputs: The volume of publications and international joint publications in environment, public health, nanomaterials, applied physics, and data science have increased significantly. External citations, quality, and international reputation have strengthened Dhaka University's position.
We have provided maximum facilitation to researchers. They have been supported by ensuring research costs, administrative assistance, and opportunities to participate in international projects. Additionally, keeping our global and local networks active, maintaining regular relations with foreign experts and guests, and initiatives to honour researchers despite limited resources are among the key reasons for this success.
This achievement is a great pride for us, and our main challenge is to maintain this position in the future. The contribution of the ranking committee and colleagues is also important behind this success. I thank our researchers, teachers, officers, staff, and the entire university community, because this modest success has been possible through their cooperation and commitment.
Through this success, Dhaka University has proved that global recognition can be achieved through high-quality research, international publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration despite limited resources.
