The Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), continues to demonstrate strong performance under the Research, Development, Commercialization and Innovation (RDCI) Blueprint@enVISION 2025. With an overall HIR (High Impact Research) achievement of 92.23%, the Faculty has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence, strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and enhancing its research ecosystem in alignment with UTM’s ASCEND 2030 vision.
Outstanding Performance Across Key HIR Clusters
Under the Research Excellence cluster, FS recorded commendable achievements across multiple indicators:
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HIR 1.0: Researcher as Principal Investigator – 90%
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HIR 2.0: High Impact Publication – 65.49%
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HIR 2.3: WoS Publication (Q1/Q2) – 70.76%
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HIR 2.5: Research Book & Book Chapter – 83.33%
These results reflect the Faculty’s consistent efforts in producing high-quality scholarly outputs, particularly in Web of Science-indexed journals and reputable research books submitted to UTM Press. Notably, 78% of HIR categories have exceeded 84%, indicating that most targets are either achieved or surpassed.
In the Partnership cluster, HIR 3.0 (Laboratories/Research Performance) achieved 100%, highlighting strong research management and laboratory utilization.
Similarly, the Innovation cluster recorded 100% under HIR 4.0 (Intellectual Property), demonstrating the Faculty’s proactive engagement in IP filing and protection.
Under the Research Ecosystem cluster:
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HIR 5.0 (Marketing & Visibility) achieved 100%, reflecting effective research promotion and visibility strategies.
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HIR 6.0 (Talent Development) stood at 50%, indicating an area identified for further strengthening in 2026.
Finally, the Transdisciplinary cluster achieved 100% under HIR 7.0 (High Impact KTP), showcasing impactful knowledge transfer programmes that benefit industry and community.
Strengthening Publication Excellence
FS Research Publication Achievement remains a focal area. Current performance indicators show:
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Research Book & Book Chapter – 83.33%
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Publications in Q1/Q2 Journals – 70.76%
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Total Publications in Web of Science – 65.49%
These figures underscore steady progress while also signaling opportunities to further elevate publication quality and global impact, particularly in top-tier journals.
RDCI Action Plan 2026: FS Strategic Initiatives Driving UTM ASCEND 2030
Building upon the Blueprint@enVISION 2025 achievements, the Faculty of Science has outlined a comprehensive Action Plan 2026 anchored on UTM ASCEND 2030’s four pillars: Excellence, Talent, Sustainability, and Humanity.
1. Academic & Talent Excellence (Pillars 1 & 2)
Reaching QS Top 100
Through initiatives such as FS Research Month and Publication Clinics, the Faculty aims to intensify scholarly excellence and improve global rankings.
40% Tier 1 Graduate Employment
Enhanced excellence and mentorship programmes will prepare graduates for premium global careers, strengthening employability outcomes.
Global Knowledge Exchange
International mobility and collaborative ecosystems will expand UTM’s reach to over 300,000 global learners, reinforcing internationalization efforts.
2. Resilience & Societal Impact (Pillars 3 & 4)
RM500 Million Annual Gross Revenue Target
Through INNOCOM showcases, spin-offs, commercialization activities, and industry partnerships, FS aims to diversify revenue streams and enhance financial sustainability.
R&D for Community Transformation
High-impact research will be translated into practical solutions for more than 70 community-based transformation projects, ensuring research benefits society.
Talent Succession Planning
Structured coaching and leadership development programmes will ensure 100% succession planning for high-impact leadership roles within the Faculty.
Alignment with UTM ASCEND 2030
The FS Strategic Initiatives 2026 demonstrate strong alignment with UTM’s pillars:
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Pillar 1: Excellence – Strong emphasis on research output and global ranking.
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Pillar 2: Talent – Focus on mentorship, employability, and succession planning.
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Pillar 3: Sustainability – Revenue diversification and commercialization.
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Pillar 4: Humanity – Community-centered R&D and societal impact initiatives.
Key flagship programmes such as FS Research Month, FS INNOCOM Showcase, and structured Excellence & Mentorship initiatives serve as catalysts in translating strategy into measurable outcomes.
Moving Forward
With an impressive 92.23% overall HIR achievement and a forward-looking 2026 action plan, the Faculty of Science is well-positioned to accelerate its momentum towards UTM ASCEND 2030. By strengthening publication impact, enhancing talent development, expanding global partnerships, and driving commercialization and societal transformation, FS continues to embody the spirit of:
“Where Great Minds Are Nurtured”
Innovating Sustainable Solutions
