Once again, Bangladeshi scientist Saidur Rahman ranks among the world’s best

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi scientist Professor Dr Saidur Rhaman, based in Malaysia, has once again earned a place among the world’s top researchers. In the recently released AD Scientific Index 2026, he has been ranked first in Malaysia, second in Asia, and seventh globally in the field of Mechanical Engineering. This recognition underscores his sustained research excellence and academic contributions.

According to the AD Scientific Index 2026, out of 33,371 scientists listed globally in the Engineering and Technology / Mechanical Engineering category, Professor Rhaman has maintained a prestigious position. Notably, he held the same global rank in 2025, reflecting his consistent performance and leadership in research over the years.

His impact on international research is evident from multiple evaluations. In 2025, ScholarGPS recognised him as the world’s leading scientist in Sustainable and Renewable Energy research. In the same year, a joint analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier placed him at the top among Malaysian scientists in Energy research within the world’s top two percent of researchers.

Beyond research, Professor Rhaman’s contributions to education and innovation have also been widely acknowledged. He received the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Excellence Award from Sunway University, along with a Student Appreciation Award for outstanding teaching. Additionally, he was honoured in the ‘Distinguished Scientist’ category at the 2025 Obada Awards, a recognition awarded to only eight scientists globally that year.

His research influence is formidable: Google Scholar lists his h-index at 145, with over 86,000 citations. A native of Mymensingh, Bangladesh, he is a former student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and currently serves as a professor at Sunway University, Malaysia. From 2014 to 2021, Clarivate Analytics recognised him as a top one-percent researcher worldwide. His pioneering work includes MXene-based nanomaterials, ranking first in Malaysia according to Scopus, and nanofluids research, ranked first globally according to Web of Science.

Committed to inspiring young researchers, Professor Rhaman regularly shares his 28 years of research experience via online seminars, social media, and a dedicated YouTube channel. He also actively supports talented underprivileged students and has invested over USD 1.5 million to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory at Sunway University for research in energy technologies, advanced materials, solar power, energy storage, and water purification.

In recognition of his contributions to national economic development, the Government of Bangladesh awarded him the Commercially Important Person (CIP) title in December 2022.

Reflecting on this achievement, Professor Rhaman remarked, “This success is not the work of an individual alone. It is the outcome of the collective effort of students, research teams, colleagues, institutions, and funding bodies.” Observers note that his accomplishments not only highlight personal excellence but also elevate Malaysia’s global standing in higher education and research.

Key Achievements of Professor Dr Saidur Rhaman