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CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Chittagong University (CU) has achieved a historic milestone in research, publishing a record 615 papers in 2025, all in internationally recognised Scopus-indexed journals. 

This is the highest annual research output in the university's history. The achievement reflects significant progress in research quality and growing international recognition for CU. 

Since assuming office, the current university administration has prioritized research, introducing initiatives to foster a research-friendly environment. 

The Research and Publication Cell of the university has launched awards for faculty, while the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) regularly organises workshops, seminars, and research-focused meetings. Teachers and researchers say these collective efforts contributed significantly to this record.

The Chittagong University Research and Higher Study Society (CURHS) released the latest data from Scopus, showing that the 615 publications include research articles, review papers, conference proceedings, and resource announcements. 

Some CU research papers appeared in world-leading journals such as The Lancet and Nature Communications, boosting the university's global research profile. Statistics show that 30 faculty members published more than three papers each, ranking among top contributors. 

Department-wise, Chemistry, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Pharmacy, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences led in research output. Among faculties, the Faculty of Biological Sciences produced the highest number of publications, including the most Q1-standard journals.

CU researchers collaborated most frequently with scholars from the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. The count only includes papers listing 'University of Chittagong' as an affiliation, though several faculty published in high-impact journals without including the university name.

To further promote research among students, CU introduced a new scholarship scheme this year. Thesis-based Master's students will receive Tk 10,000 per month, MPhil students Tk 20,000, and PhD students Tk 40,000.

CU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin said the university now prioritizes Scopus-indexed publications in academic evaluations, promotions, and recruitment. 

"Through increased research grants, a competitive environment, and awards for high-quality research, a positive research culture has been established. Faculty engaged in top-tier research are also given priority in administrative roles," he said.

Acknowledging that the Faculty of Arts and Humanities has lagged in research output, he said special training programs on research methodology, publication, and academic writing will be arranged for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Faculty of Law next year.
 
"These faculties have already started working to improve their research performance," he added.

Founded in 1966, Chittagong University is Bangladesh's largest university campus, covering nearly 2,300 acres in Fatehpur Union of Hathazari Upazila, about 22 kilometers north of Chattogram city. 

The university has 9 faculties, 48 departments, 6 institutes, 5 research centres, and 14 student halls. Currently, 26,678 students are enrolled, including 15,769 male, 10,908 female, and 1 third-gender student, supported by 1,010 faculty members and 2,037 administrative staff.