Royal University of Bhutan Publications Gateway (RUB)

Overview

The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Publications Gateway is the official online repository and catalogue of research publications produced by the Royal University of Bhutan, the national university of Bhutan. Founded on June 2, 2003, by royal decree, RUB is Bhutan's first and oldest university, established to consolidate tertiary education across the kingdom and promote research guided by Gross National Happiness (GNH) principles.

Institutional Background

RUB is a decentralized institution comprising nine constituent colleges and two affiliated colleges spread across Bhutan. Its central administration is located at Mothithang, Thimphu. The university's dual mandate—teaching and research—is enshrined in its royal charter. Research has become increasingly central to the university's activities, with faculty required to contribute to the generation and dissemination of new knowledge.

Publications and Research Output

The Publications Gateway provides access to the university's scholarly output, including the Bhutan Journal of Research and Development (BJRD), a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal publishing research relevant to Bhutan. The journal follows a double-blind peer review process and has editorial boards drawn from national and international institutions, publishing two issues annually. The gateway also links to publications from RUB's constituent colleges and research units covering topics such as environmental science, public health, agriculture, education, engineering, and Bhutanese cultural studies.

Access and Usage

The Publications Gateway is accessible online via the RUB website. It serves researchers, policymakers, and the public seeking to access Bhutanese scholarly work. The university continues to develop its research infrastructure and expand its publication record as part of its commitment to evidence-based knowledge relevant to Bhutan's development.