The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has achieved another milestone in research excellence, with seven of its scientists featuring in the 2026 edition of the World’s top 2 percent scientists’ database, compiled by researchers associated with Stanford University and Elsevier.
The latest edition of the database, released on October 7, 2026, is based on standardized citation indicators derived from Scopus data and provides a composite measure of research impact based on citations, authorship, co-authorship and other bibliometric parameters.
The IUST scientists featured in the 2026 list are Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST; Dr. Basharat Nabi Dar, Department of Food Technology; Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Khanday, Department of Physics; Dr. Mohd. Younus Bhat, Department of Mathematical Sciences; Dr. Aamir Hussain Dar, Department of Food Technology; Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad Macha, Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine; and Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Rather, Department of Chemistry.
Their inclusion reflects the growing research impact of IUST faculty across diverse areas of science, technology and interdisciplinary research.
The achievement marks a steady increase in IUST’s representation in the global database. The University had one scientist featured in the 2024 edition, six in 2025, and seven in the 2026 edition, indicating a sustained upward trajectory in the University’s research visibility and citation impact.
The latest recognition also comes against the backdrop of the University’s expanding research ecosystem, with increasing emphasis on quality publications, externally funded research, doctoral research, interdisciplinary collaboration and research addressing contemporary societal and developmental challenges.
Congratulating the faculty members, Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, said that the recognition was a matter of great pride for the University and reflected the sustained commitment of its faculty towards advancing research and knowledge.
He congratulated the researchers for their achievement and appreciated their efforts in contributing to the growing international visibility of IUST.
Prof. Romshoo further emphasised that IUST is committed to creating an enabling environment for high-quality and impactful research through stronger research infrastructure, interdisciplinary initiatives, externally funded projects and national and international collaborations.
He said that the University’s research priorities are increasingly aligned with emerging global challenges and the needs of society, while encouraging faculty and scholars to pursue research with both academic rigour and wider societal relevance.
