Two city institutes have the highest number of research publications in chemical engineering across the country last year. According to a survey report released last week by Professor Jude Sommerfeld of Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, the Matunga-based Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
ranks first with 185 publications in 2010.

The chemical engineering department at the Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay (IIT-B) stood second with 74 publications.

This is the 10th year that the ICT has emerged at the top. In fact, the number of publications has significantly increased from 106 publications in 2009 to 185 last year.

IIT-B bettered its rank from number three in 2009 with a marginal decrease of two publications – from 74 in 2009 to 72 last year. On a global stage, ICT not just continues to be among the top 10 but has also improved it rank to nine last year as compared to 10 in 2009.

“Our peer reviewed publications and cited papers per faculty are the highest in the country among all institutes,” said professor GD Yadav, head, ICT. “These consistent rankings have ensured that all our students are accepted with full fellowships in foreign universities as well as in India.”

Back in India, the chemical engineering departments at the IITs in Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras are ranked three, four and five respectively.

Internationally peer reviewed publications symbolise advancement in science and technology.  It suggests the creation of new knowledge in universities and research institutes and finding their applications that would be of national importance.