University Brunei Darussalam

In keeping up with the demands of the nation and the world, UBD has expanded its research thrusts to include even more research groups and studies which are impactful and relevant. These include:

Data Analytics

An emerging area with widespread applications in different sectors such as health care, education, finance, communication and the oil and gas sector, UBD’s Institute of Applied data Analytics (IADA) has gathered a core team of experts in optimisation and predictive analytics. UBD faculties and other research institutes within and beyond UBD can collaborate with this team to undertake quality research in their respective fields. The focus of the Institute is to enable multidisciplinary collaboration among experts within UBD whilst strengthening the Data Analytics expertise of the Institute.

Sensor Technology Research

Covering a wide spectrum of research topics in almost all areas of science, technology and many other disciplines, this group focuses on developing sensors for use in the key areas of Food Security & Smart Farming, Environment and Weather Monitoring using IoT (Internet of Things) and Health Monitoring. The pool of research capabilities that can be developed in this group will provide a competitive edge in training and educating students, staff and technical personnel that can support the development of a knowledge-based economy for Brunei Darussalam.

Catalysis Research

Catalysis is the speeding up of a reaction by a catalyst material. Many major industries around the world utilise catalysis technology; from petrochemical refinery, photovoltaic systems for solar energy, biofuel and hydrogen fuel production, to food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These industries are identified for Brunei’s economic diversification and most of them involve catalysis as their core technology. Hence, catalysis research and capacity building is pivotal for Brunei’s future economic diversification.

Herbal Research

Brunei Darussalam is home to a wealth of unique flora and fauna, which may hold the potential to supply bioactive natural products of high commercial value. Based on traditional folklore, a number of local plants have been used to relieve common ailments such as fatigue, diarrhea, high cholesterol and sugar levels, minor cuts and bruises, either by consuming the plants or using them as ointments and creams. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. This research area focuses on investigating the biological, chemical and pharmacological properties of these local medicinal plants.

Other research thrusts in UBD which has already gained innovative partnerships with leading international universities and enterprises include:

Biodiversity Research

Brunei Darussalam is abundant in natural wealth, both in the pristine tropical forests and the rich, unexplored marine landscapes. As one of the top forested nations in the world, Brunei’s forests are among the most diverse on Earth. Recent studies revealed over 160,000 trees from more than 1,000 different species exist within a 25-hectare forest dynamics plot at UBD’s premier international field research facility, the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC). Records of new plant, animal, and microbial species discovered from the Sultanate continue to expand significantly. Bioprospecting of novel chemicals and therapeutic agents, environmental studies and research on marine biodiversity are also key strengths of biodiversity research at UBD.

Energy Research

Brunei Darussalam’s oil and gas industry continues to be the heart of the country’s economy but it aims to lower carbon emission through the use of technology. UBD has energy research as one of its priority areas, which contributes to the economic diversification of Brunei Darussalam and innovates ways for the reduction of carbon emission. These objectives are achieved through the development and deployment of advanced materials. The energy and material science research initiative encourages collaborations with regional universities to facilitate multidisciplinary energy research.

Asian Studies

Strategically located in Asia, Brunei Darussalam has access to a wealth of resources and knowledge that enables UBD to establish research initiatives focused on historical, economic, cultural and social issues in the region. Through its collaborations with other major centres of Asian Studies, UBD provides a vibrant and dynamic research environment for international scholars and Bruneian academics to engage in joint research projects, generating world-class research on those issues.

Islamic Studies

With special focus on Islamic Governance, Islamic Civilization, Islamic Finance, Management, and Science, Technology and Education (including Halal Industries), Islamic Studies aims to serve as a key hub for community empowerment through education, research, and engagement. It brings local, regional and international expertise together to address perennial issues relevant to contemporary Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Islamic Studies offers ways in which Muslim states and communities can be defined in terms of their place and role in the global context, and for non-Muslim communities to better understand the Islamic worldview.