Daffodil International University (DIU) honoured 700 faculty members, researchers, students, alumni and staff for their outstanding research contributions at the Research Award Giving Ceremony (RAGC) 2026, held at the International Conference Hall of the university’s Knowledge Tower.

The event celebrated DIU’s growing research achievements while outlining the university’s vision of transforming academic research into patentable, commercially viable innovations that contribute to national development.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir reaffirmed DIU’s commitment to building a dynamic research ecosystem that encourages impactful and innovative scholarship.

In a special video message, DIU Chairman Dr. Md. Sabur Khan called on the university’s academic community to move beyond research publication by placing greater emphasis on patent generation and commercialisation. He urged researchers to develop solutions that can be transformed into practical products and services with real-world impact.

Addressing the audience, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam stressed the importance of applied research and stronger collaboration between academia and industry. He encouraged universities to produce knowledge that addresses societal challenges, informs national policy and creates meaningful benefits for communities.

Director of the Division of Research (DoR) Dr. Mahfuza Parveen presented an overview of the university’s research progress, highlighting DIU’s growing presence in the global research landscape. She noted that the university recorded 695 research publications by mid-2026, continuing a steady rise from 1,010 publications in 2022 to 1,487 in 2025, with a strong focus on Q1 and Q2 Scopus-indexed journals.

She also said DIU is currently managing 138 externally funded research projects and has secured nearly BDT 5 crore in competitive national and international research grants over the past year, strengthening global collaboration and supporting impactful research and innovation.

The ceremony’s highlight was the recognition of 700 awardees for their contributions to research and academic excellence. Special awards were also presented to outstanding researchers and winners of the university’s research poster competition.

Closing the event, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal congratulated the award recipients and thanked everyone involved in making the programme a success.

The ceremony was attended by Registrar Dr. Mohammed Nadir Bin Ali, Treasurer Dr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Controller of Examinations Mominul Haque Majumder, Librarian Dr. Md. Milan Khan, along with deans, department heads, faculty members, researchers and students.

Through RAGC 2026, DIU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, innovation and entrepreneurship while strengthening its role in developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and knowledge-driven future.