Understanding the “International Research Network” and How It Affects the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings
Understanding the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings: Chandigarh University’s Research Excellence
Chandigarh University, which has emerged as a leader in innovation, is ranked among the top 10 private universities in the nation according to the QS Asia University Rankings 2026's Research criteria. This award highlights the university's unwavering commitment to creating innovative ideas, generating top-notch research, establishing international partnerships, and putting highly collaborative methods across disciplines into practice. Chandigarh University's personnel and researchers are able to contribute significantly to global science, engineering, and technology because of the institution's development of a highly robust research environment that conforms with international standards throughout time.
What is the International Research Network (IRN) in QS University Rankings?
An indication of how successfully a university collaborates with other academics and institutions worldwide is provided by the QS International Research Network (or IRN) indicator. It examines the number of foreign research collaborations the institution has.
Consider it this way: it evaluates a university's ability to collaborate with professionals and international organisations.
- How many research publications are co-authored by international and university researchers?
- How local or global are these partnerships—doing business with partner institutions in a few places or all over the world?
- How often do other scholars reference these collaborative research papers?
- Which other topics or disciplines are covered by these worldwide collaborations?
In essence, the IRN demonstrates a university's level of engagement with the outside world of education and research. It demonstrates whether it is beneficial for exchanging ideas, using foreign experience, and bringing fresh information to the global community.
The Reasons Behind Chandigarh University's Success in Research Ranking
Chandigarh University's excellent ranking in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 is not the result of a single attribute or performance. There is a wide range of interconnected strengths, including a potent combination of research output, infrastructure, innovation, and international involvement. Each focuses on improving its standing in research and prominence globally. These are the essential components that provide collaborative institutional economic foundations that encourage research excellence at Chandigarh University, which in turn leads to a higher QS rating.
1. Top-Notch Research Environment and Infrastructure
- The University Centre for Research and Development (UCRD), a cornerstone enabling professors and students in cutting-edge research.
- More than 32 industry-supported Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and 60 specialised research centres.
- Over 500 committed research faculty members mentoring students.
- Thirty state-of-the-art labs and more than fifty active research groups.
- Five years' research funds totalling ₹800 million and an extra ₹52 crore from business/government sponsors.
- Annual research budget of ₹15 crore for ongoing innovation.
- Specialists from engineering, medicine, biotechnology, and environmental sciences collaborating for practical, multidisciplinary results.
2. The quantity and quality of research publications
Chandigarh University's high volume and quality of research papers significantly contribute to its prominent position in QS rankings. More than 20,000 papers are indexed by Scopus, indicating persistent emphasis on excellent work across fields.
- Journal Articles: 10,940
- Conference Papers: 5,891
- Books and book series: 1,090
- Trade Periodicals: 17
The majority of the research is published in international peer-reviewed publications, lending credibility and global awareness.
| Quartile Category | Publications |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Top 25%) Highest impact journals | 4,554 |
| Q2 (26–50%) Above-average impact | 2,827 |
| Q3 (51–75%) Moderate impact | 2,420 |
| Q4 (76–100%) Emerging research | 2,533 |
Chandigarh University's dedication to high-impact scholarship is shown by the significant percentage of its research published in the world's top 25% journals.
3. Multidisciplinary Studies in Developing Fields
The university produces academic work across various fields, merging cutting-edge technology with fundamental sciences:
| Discipline | Research Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 35.0 |
| Computer Science | 34.3 |
| Materials Science | 15.0 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 15.2 |
| Medicine | 16.3 |
| Chemistry | 8.9 |
| Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology | 10.0 |
| Mathematics | 11.8 |
| Environmental Science | 10.3 |
| Energy | 6.6 |
| Agricultural & Biological Sciences | 6.4 |
| Decision Sciences | 2.6 |
| Business, Management & Accounting | 2.0 |
| Social Sciences | 5.4 |
| Chemical Engineering | 5.5 |
| Others | ~3.0 |
This interdisciplinary focus aligns with global trends, where innovation emerges from bridging academic boundaries.
4. The Kalpana Chawla Centre for Space Science and Technology Research
- Chandigarh University became the first university in India to run a real-time satellite ground station.
- Cutting-edge research in satellite communications with international SatNOGS stations.
- Creation and testing of 3D-printed structures for space travel.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite structural experiments.
- Research on antenna deployment techniques and UAV design/testing.
- Specialised labs: Model Rocketry, Geospatial Research Hub, Star Gazing Observatory.
- Guided by renowned mentors: Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai and Padma Shri Y.S. Rajan.
5. Funded Research Initiatives and National Partnerships
- Government and industry-funded initiatives addressing sustainability, healthcare, materials science, and energy.
- Feedstock filaments for plastic management via 3D printing.
- High-entropy alloy coatings for biomedical implants.
- Wireless smart monitoring systems for agriculture.
- Bioformulations for soil fertility and crop disease management.
- Wind turbine optimisation for low-speed energy production.
- Funded by DST, DBT, and other major organisations, boosting national research stature.
6. Unrivalled Innovation and Portfolio of Patents
- Over 5,000 patent applications, ranked first among Indian universities and second among all Indian enterprises.
- More than 150 businesses nurtured through university's innovation culture.
- Robust translation of research into technology innovations highly regarded by global rankings.
7. International Research Networks and Global Collaborations
- Collaborations with 250+ universities and research institutions worldwide.
- Over 1,200 students get study abroad, exchange, and research opportunities annually.
- Academic prestige and research reputation bolstered by these global networks.
8. Excellent Academic Talent and Mentoring
The foundation of every research environment is intellectual capital. There are more than 500 research faculty members at Chandigarh University, many of them have significant publications in prestigious journals and worldwide exposure. Among the more than 900 doctorate faculty members who are registered mentors are internationally recognised researchers who are among the top 2% of scientists in the world, according to the Stanford Global List 2024, elite forces behind innovation, discoveries, and academic achievement worldwide.
%20professor%20named%20among%20world%202%20percent%20scientists.jpg "Chandigarh University (CU) professor named among world 2 percent scientists")
A culture of inquiry and creativity is fostered among undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students by mentoring from the aforementioned pool. This academic community is the foundation of Chandigarh University's ongoing research excellence, together with access to cutting-edge facilities and global partnerships.
Conclusion
Chandigarh University's consistent dedication to research-based education is shown by its quick ascent in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, where it is ranked 9th among private universities in India and 12th worldwide in research performance. The university sets benchmarks for research excellence through top-notch facilities, grant investments, multidisciplinary partnerships, and bridging academics with entrepreneurship. With innovations spanning engineering, biotechnology, agriculture, and space science, Chandigarh University is shaping the future of higher education and research through its focus on innovation, intellectual property creation, and international cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions about QS Asia University Rankings and Chandigarh University
What is the International Research Network in QS Asia University Rankings?
The International Research Network (IRN) indicator measures how Chandigarh University collaborates globally in research. A strong IRN boosts its QS ranking and research reputation.
Why is Chandigarh University highly ranked for research in QS Asia University Rankings?
Chandigarh University’s success is due to its advanced research infrastructure, numerous high-impact publications, and multidisciplinary innovation across engineering, health, and science.
What type of research facilities does Chandigarh University offer students and faculty?
CU provides over 32 Centres of Excellence, cutting-edge labs, and a robust annual research budget, giving students and researchers industry-standard resources for innovation.
How does Chandigarh University support international collaborations and study abroad?
With 250+ global partners, CU enables over 1,200 students every year to participate in international research, exchanges, and joint projects that elevate its academic prestige.
What patents and innovations strengthen Chandigarh University’s research profile?
CU leads in patent filings among Indian universities and translates academic breakthroughs into technologies, nurturing over 150 startups from campus initiatives.
How do national research partnerships benefit Chandigarh University?
Government and industry funding through DST, DBT, and others empower CU to conduct impactful research in sustainability, medicine, agriculture, and energy, increasing its national stature.
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