At the University of Central Punjab (UCP), research is recognized as a vital pillar for knowledge creation, innovation, and societal development. It is instrumental in enhancing the university’s competitiveness on the global stage by addressing complex organizational and societal challenges through evidence-based solutions. High-quality research strengthens the academic environment, fosters critical inquiry, and continually refines teaching and learning practices.

The Directorate of Research, operating under the leadership of the Pro-Rector, is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic and impactful research culture across the university. Its core mission is to design, develop, and oversee research processes that empower faculty members to engage in market-driven, high-impact research, thereby advancing their professional growth and reinforcing UCP’s reputation for excellence in research and development.

In close collaboration with the Deans of all faculties, the Directorate formulates and updates research policies, ensuring a supportive framework for both faculty and student researchers. It organizes specialized training workshops aimed at enhancing research competencies, and it provides strategic support to integrate cutting-edge research practices into academic life.

The Directorate also operates a state-of-the-art research portal to monitor and assess research output, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement. Exceptional faculty researchers are recognized and incentivized through a publication remuneration award, promoting a culture of excellence and innovation. Through its initiatives, the Directorate of Research is committed to nurturing a vibrant research ecosystem that not only contributes to academic advancement but also drives meaningful societal impact.

Director Research

Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh is Professor of Chemistry and Director Research at the University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, Pakistan, and Adjunct Professor of Chemistry/Nanomaterials at Shandong University of Science and Technology, China. With over 25 years of professional experience in research, teaching, and academic leadership, he has made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology. He also served as a TWAS Postdoctoral Fellow at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia.

Dr. Farrukh holds key national/international positions, including Chairman of the Technical Committee on Nanotechnology at PSQCA, Government of Pakistan, and Member of ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Switzerland.

He has been honored with three gold medals for academic excellence in chemistry and six additional gold medals, including awards from the Minister for Higher Education, the Governor of Punjab, and the SATHA Innovation Award 2018 for his research achievements and service to society. His international recognitions include representing Pakistan at UNESCO (Morocco), the Young Chemist Award by IUPAC (Italy), Young Scientist Awards by TWAS (Egypt) and IAP/GYA (Germany), the Young Scientist Award by the World Economic Forum (China), and the Young Researcher Award by the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. He also received the IUPAC-2015 Award for Chemists in South Korea and multiple Research Productivity Awards (Categories A, B, and C), ranking 11th among young chemists in Pakistan in 2017 and 2018. Since 2023, he is listed among the World’s Top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University.

Dr. Farrukh’s scholarly output includes 137 research articles in reputed journals, 26 books (authored/edited), and 7 US patents/applications. He has presented 153 conference papers—including Plenary, Keynote, Invited, and Oral talks—across 25 countries. He secured three industrial projects and 12 major research grants from organizations such as TWAS, USM, HEC, PSF, UA, and NSFC, particularly in nanotechnology. He also established the first Nano-Chemistry Laboratory at GC University Lahore. His mentorship has guided 75 M.Phil./Ph.D. scholars and 47 BS-level theses.