Abu Dhabi University (ADU), through its ADU Office of Research and Sponsored Programmes (ORSP), has achieved a major research milestone by publishing over 5,000 Scopus-indexed research papers in peer-reviewed specialised journals, international conference proceedings, and book chapters, marking a defining moment in the university’s rapid evolution into a high-impact, research-intensive institution.
Aligned with its mission to address global challenges, 1,541 publications are linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to areas such as health, clean energy, sustainable cities and climate action which have generated close to 64,000 citations, highlighting the broader societal reach of ADU’s research.
In line with ADU’s Vision 2027, which places research and innovation as a core pillar, this milestone reflects the university’s expanding global academic influence, commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, and contribution to addressing societal and sustainable development priorities, solidifying its position as a leading knowledge hub in the region.
A total of 80.5 per cent of 5,000 research papers are published in Q1 and Q2 journals, with 28 per cent appearing in the top 10 per cent of journals globally. The university’s research impact is further reflected in an average Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 3.74, significantly above the global benchmark. Moreover, international collaboration remains a cornerstone of ADU’s research strategy, with 67.5 per cent of publications co-authored with global partners across North America, Europe and the Far East.
Beyond academic impact, ADU’s research continues to inform policy and practice, with 155 publications cited in policy documents, generating 797 policy citations to date. The milestone also reflects ADU’s growing innovation footprint, with 33 granted patents and more than 60 patents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), alongside increasing efforts to translate research into practical applications, technologies, and commercial outcomes.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, said: “Achieved within a relatively young institutional lifespan, this achievement reflects ADU’s rapid progress in building a strong and mature research ecosystem that prioritises quality, global collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact. It further demonstrates our commitment to advancing knowledge that is globally relevant, locally impactful, and aligned with the UAE’s ambition to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.”
ADU’s research output spans critical and interdisciplinary fields including artificial intelligence, engineering and technology, health and biomedical sciences, sustainability, business and economics, and the social sciences, positioning the university as a rising contributor to regional and global knowledge production. This increased focus on research aims at fostering interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative research, which will translate into tangible outcomes in innovation, intellectual property, and commercialization.
Professor Montasir Qasymeh, Associate Provost for Research, Innovation, and Academic Development at ADU, said: “This achievement is not defined by research volume alone, but by quality, collaboration, and impact. Our strong performance in leading journals, influence on policy, alignment with the SDGs, and innovation outcomes demonstrate how ADU’s research contributes to scientific progress, evidence-based policymaking, and practical solutions to real-world challenges.”
With this landmark achieved, ADU continues to strengthen interdisciplinary research, expand international partnerships, and integrate innovation and commercialisation pathways, reinforcing its position among the leading emerging research universities in the UAE and beyond. In parallel, the university’s research excellence is also reflected in the recognition of a number of its professors in Stanford University’s Top Two Percent Most Cited Scientists list, indicating sustained international recognition.
