IUST Holds RAC meeting, discusses measures to further strengthen research ecosystem

Awantipora : Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) held its second meeting of the Research Advisory Council (RAC), chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo.
The meeting coordinated by Dean Research Dr. Aabid H Shalla, focused on strategic initiatives to bolster the university’s research ecosystem and elevate its status as a prominent research institution both nationally and globally. Key decisions were made regarding the university’s research ordinance, doctoral programs, post-doctoral research, and mechanisms to promote interdisciplinary and socially relevant research. Dr. Shalla presented IUST’s impressive research profile, noting that the university has secured over ₹107.61 crore in extramural research funding and is currently managing projects worth ₹81.13 crore. In the past year, IUST submitted research proposals totaling approximately ₹358 crores, indicating a robust research presence and increasing trust from national funding bodies. The university has fostered a strong culture of innovation, evidenced by a portfolio of 113 patents, including 39 granted and 69 published, with innovations in healthcare, renewable energy, and assistive technologies. Furthermore, IUST’s research productivity has seen significant growth, with 1,831 Scopus-indexed publications since 2019. Annual publications surged from 78 in 2019 to a projected 384 in 2025, while total citations rose dramatically from 724 to over 10,067 in the same period, reflecting the university’s increasing global visibility and impact. The Vice Chancellor commended the advancements in research and innovation, stressing the importance of ongoing efforts to produce high-quality, impactful research that addresses various challenges. He highlighted the necessity of strengthening industry-academia partnerships, fostering international collaborations, and promoting interdisciplinary research to further enhance IUST’s research profile.