Research
Research, Support And Publications
The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) nurtures a dynamic and inclusive research environment that responds to Bhutan’s national priorities while addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary and innovative approaches. Across its network of colleges, RUB provides platforms for faculty members and students—both from Bhutan and abroad—to engage in applied research in areas such as education, environment, climate change, culture, public policy, and technology. These efforts contribute directly to sustainable development and the global knowledge community.
Research at RUB is propelled by dedicated faculty members, vibrant research centres, and strong institutional support systems within the colleges. At the college level, the Deans of Research and Industrial Linkages coordinate research initiatives, while at the central level, the Department of Academic and Research Services under the Office of the Vice Chancellor provides strategic leadership, policy guidance, and capacity-building support.
RUB facilitates research proposal reviews, ethics clearances, training workshops, mentorship, and academic collaborations—ensuring all research activities align with the University’s academic vision and Bhutan’s socio-economic development goals. The University also actively builds partnerships with national and international institutions, fostering collaborative research projects and scholarly exchanges.
To support its research community, RUB offers various funding opportunities including the College Research Grant (CRG), the Annual University Research Grant (AURG), and the Research Endowment Fund (REF). It also pursues external funding through global programmes such as Erasmus+ and grants from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
With these robust systems, resources, and global linkages, RUB empowers its faculty, students, and researchers to undertake impactful research that drives national transformation and contributes to global scholarship. Join RUB – where ideas flourish and research shapes the future.
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AURG
Annual University Research Grant
Research at the University occurs within the context of numerous administrative structures serving a variety of purposes such as governance and management, setting and enforcement of standards, ensuring quality, and providing support to researchers.
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REF
Research Endowment Fund
The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) functions as the interim Secretariat of Research Endowment Fund (REF) approved by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The RUB REF is expected to promote systematic investigation of issues and themes identified and announced annually by the REF Board.
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PUB
Publications
Bhutan Journal of Research and Development is the multidisciplinary Journal that publishes papers of high quality relevant to the kingdom of Bhutan. The journal follows a double blind peer review system and have editorial boards from different disciplines and from both national and international institutions.
Research Policies
Zhib’ tshol:
RUB Research Policy at RUB provides a comprehensive framework to promote, support, and regulate research activities while upholding the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and innovation. The policy governs research governance, compliance processes, and ethical conduct with particular focus on protecting human and animal research subjects, environmental sustainability, and transparency in research findings. It establishes protocols for research data management, intellectual property protection, mandatory health and safety standards, and fair revenue-sharing models for commercialized research outcomes. The policy also promotes collaborative research partnerships both domestically and internationally to enhance capacity building and research impact, demonstrating RUB’s commitment to excellence, ethical responsibility, and meaningful contribution to Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
Online Services
Research Degree Framework:
The Royal University of Bhutan offers Higher Degree Research (HDR) programmes, including the Master’s by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. These programmes are designed to advance scholarly inquiry and develop high-level research skills in areas of national and regional importance. Currently, HDR programmes are offered through the College of Natural Resources (CNR).
College of Natural Resources
Research Centers
The Royal University of Bhutan there are 16 theme-based research centres across its colleges to foster focused and impactful research. These centres are designed to develop robust research infrastructure, strengthen institutional research capacity, and build sustainable financial support for ongoing and future research initiatives.
In addition to advancing scholarly excellence, the research centres actively promotes collaboration with relevant industries, helping to align academic research with real-world challenges. Through these partnerships, the centres aim to enhance the University’s research profile and contribute meaningfully to national development priorities and global knowledge networks.