BRAC University (BRACU) in Bangladesh has undertaken significant efforts to transform its research environment, seeking to shift from a traditional teaching-focused model to a research-intensive institution. Since its establishment in 2001, BRACU has been recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, contributing 4.1% of all Scopus-indexed research outputs from Bangladesh in 2025. Its broad research portfolio encompasses fields including computer science, medicine, engineering, social sciences, environmental science, economics, biochemistry, agriculture, material science, pharmacology, earth sciences, and immunology.

According to Professor Malay Kanti Mridha, Director of the Central Research and Innovation Office at BRACU, developing a comprehensive research ecosystem is pivotal to advancing the university’s role in shaping Bangladesh’s research landscape. This ecosystem functions as an interconnected set of mechanisms designed to generate, disseminate, and apply scientific knowledge and innovations. The goal is to better align BRACU’s research capabilities with national and international networks, enhancing both visibility and impact.

The existing model of universities in Bangladesh traditionally prioritizes teaching, with faculty research a secondary activity. Under this framework, intellectual property generation and commercialization are largely absent, and success is measured primarily by student enrollment and graduation rates. In contrast, the envisioned research-intensive model integrates teaching and research, supported by clear incentives and recognition systems for faculty productivity. It also emphasizes technology transfer and commercialization through dedicated offices such as the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC), which manage intellectual property and licensing activities.

This strategic shift at BRACU reflects broader national priorities as Bangladesh prepares to transition into a middle-income country. Innovation is seen as a critical factor for driving social and economic development, and universities are key players in this process. A robust research ecosystem within universities is therefore considered essential to fostering innovation and translating it into practical applications.

While challenges remain and the transformation is ongoing, BRACU’s leadership remains committed to building a research-intensive institution. The university aims to deepen collaboration with government agencies and industry partners, positioning itself as a catalyst for scientific advancement and socio-economic change in Bangladesh.