{"id":1933,"date":"2017-11-13T10:59:11","date_gmt":"2017-11-13T10:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/?page_id=1933"},"modified":"2025-11-07T07:01:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T07:01:15","slug":"progress-reports","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/progress-reports\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact of the HRNCET Project on institutional ranking"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Objectives of the Project<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The HRNCET project was initiated to strengthen higher education and research collaboration between the University of Jaffna (UoJ), Western Norway<br \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0University of Applied Sciences (HVL), and partner institutions.<br \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Its specific objectives are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exchange of staff and students for educational and research purposes.<\/li>\n<li>Collaborative research and teaching in areas of mutual interest.<\/li>\n<li>Joint scientific publications and dissemination of knowledge.<\/li>\n<li>Exchange of academic materials and resources.<\/li>\n<li>Organisation of symposia, conferences, short courses, and meetings.<\/li>\n<li>Enhancement of higher education quality through mobility programmes, joint supervision, and guest lecturing in Clean Energy Technologies (CET).<\/li>\n<li>Development of a joint Master\u2019s\/PhD-level curriculum on Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications at HVL\/University of Bergen and UoJ.<\/li>\n<li>Building institutional capacity, industry linkages, and long-term partnerships.<\/li>\n<li>Creation of new degree programmes to advance clean energy education in Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Overall Progress<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02.1 Research Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>1,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art laboratory<\/strong> for clean energy research has been established at UoJ. The research laboratory has excellent facilities for synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials and is open to any researchers across Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>biomass dryer<\/strong> was installed at UoJ\u2019s Kilinochchi campus for bioenergy research.<\/li>\n<li>Sri Lanka\u2019s <strong>first floating solar plant<\/strong> was deployed in Kilinochchi premises of the University of Jaffna, <a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/HRNCET-Booklet-Final.pdf\">https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/HRNCET-Booklet-Final.pdf<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02.2 Academic Achievements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Two new Master\u2019s curricula<\/strong> in CET were developed and approved by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Commission \u2014 the first of their kind in Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nine graduates<\/strong> completed the first Master of Clean Energy Technologies; four progressed to the two-year Master of Science in Clean Energy Technologies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>One PhD<\/strong> successfully completed at HVL on drivers and barriers to clean energy transition in Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eight MPhil degrees<\/strong> awarded in solar energy, hydrogen energy, energy storage, and energy policy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three PhD students<\/strong> are pursuing research at the University of Bergen and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Five students<\/strong> are pursuing two-year Master degree programme at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02.3 Research Output<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over <strong>70 papers\/abstracts<\/strong> published, including <strong>35 research articles in high-impact (Q1\/Q2) journals<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Several Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s, and PhD students involved in applied clean energy projects with industrial relevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02.4 Conferences and Workshops<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AMCEHA 2019<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha2019\/\">https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha2019\/<\/a>) : First ever large-scale international conference having six symposia co-organised at UoJ with 400+ participants, including <strong>125 international delegates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>AMCEHA 2023 <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/amceha2023.in\/\">https:\/\/amceha2023.in\/<\/a>): Second conference co-organised with Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT) and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL); 20 Sri Lankan researchers from the universities of Jaffna and Peradeniya and National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) presented papers in Coimbatore and the project supported their international travel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>AMCEHA 2025 <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha\/\">https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha\/<\/a>): Third conference held at UoJ with 200+ papers from 35 institutions worldwide and over <strong>130 international <\/strong>participants.<\/li>\n<li>Multiple clean energy workshops and seminars were conducted in Sri Lanka and Norway, including an industry-focused workshop in Kilinochchi in 2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 2.5 Mobility and Capacity Building<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over <strong>20 student exchanges<\/strong> (short- and long-term research stays in Norway and Sri Lanka).<\/li>\n<li>Over <strong>20 staff exchanges<\/strong> between the two countries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hands-on training<\/strong> in advanced characterisation techniques for BSc, MSc, and PhD students.<\/li>\n<li>Development of technical and soft skills among early-career researchers through joint supervision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 2.6 Industry and Community Engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Established a Sustainable Clean Energy Consortium<\/strong>, fostering collaboration among academia, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engaged in active partnerships<\/strong> with Sri Lankan and Norwegian enterprises to advance clean energy innovation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Facilitated industry participation<\/strong> in student research projects and joint research initiatives.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Organised a range of outreach programmes<\/strong> to promote STEM education and raise clean energy awareness in schools and communities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Developed a strategic plan to strengthen STEMM education<\/strong> in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Current Progress (2024\u20132025)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>One MPhil graduate (staff member of EUSL) is pursuing a PhD under the project.<\/li>\n<li>Two more MPhil students are going submit thesis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Four research students<\/strong> are currently conducting studies in Norway.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three PhD students<\/strong> are pursuing research at the University of Bergen and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Five students<\/strong> are pursuing two-year Master degree programme at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Five high-impact journal papers<\/strong> (Q1\/Q2) have been published in 2024\u201325, with additional manuscripts under review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Impact of the Project<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04.1 Institutional Strengthening<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First <strong>CET Master\u2019s programme<\/strong> in Sri Lanka and advanced clean energy laboratories established at UoJ.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthened UoJ\u2019s position as a <strong>national hub for renewable energy education and research<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04.2 Human Resource Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Created pathways for Sri Lankan academics and students to earn <strong>internationally recognised MPhil\/PhD degrees<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthened research supervision capacity through joint mentoring with HVL and UoB.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04.3 Research Excellence<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>High-impact publications (Q1\/Q2)<\/strong> increased global visibility and citations for UoJ.<\/li>\n<li>International co-authorship raised the University\u2019s profile in global databases such as <strong>Scopus<\/strong> and <strong>Web of Science<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 4.4 Industry Partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Joint research with industry enhanced <strong>technology transfer and employability<\/strong> of graduates.<\/li>\n<li>Consortium model connected UoJ with enterprises in Norway and Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 4.5 Global Recognition and Ranking Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The HRNCET project has significantly contributed to the <strong>international standing and rankings of the University of Jaffna<\/strong> by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Research Impact (QS &amp; THE Ranking Indicators):<\/strong> Publishing <strong>35+ Q1\/Q2 journal papers<\/strong> and SCI-indexed articles increased UoJ\u2019s <strong>citations per faculty<\/strong> and global research visibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>International Outlook (THE Ranking Indicator):<\/strong> &gt;20 staff and &gt;20 student exchanges, along with joint supervision and collaborative publications with <strong>HVL and UoB<\/strong>, strengthened UoJ\u2019s score in <strong>international collaboration metrics<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Academic Reputation (QS Ranking):<\/strong> Hosting <strong>three international conferences<\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha2019\/\">AMCEHA 2019<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/amceha2023.in\/\">AMCEHA 2023<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/conf.jfn.ac.lk\/amceha\/\">AMCEHA 2025<\/a> \u2014 with delegates from 35+ institutions improved UoJ\u2019s <strong>visibility and reputation in global academic networks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teaching and Learning Reputation:<\/strong> Creation of <strong>two new Master\u2019s curricula in CET<\/strong> (approved by UGC QAC) positioned UoJ as a <strong>pioneer in energy education<\/strong> in Sri Lanka and South Asia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sustainability and THE Impact Rankings:<\/strong> HRNCET aligns directly with <strong>UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)<\/strong> and <strong>SDG 13 (Climate Action)<\/strong>, enhancing UoJ\u2019s visibility in the <strong>Times Higher Education Impact Rankings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> Conclusion<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The HRNCET project has been transformative for the University of Jaffna, significantly elevating its <strong>global academic profile<\/strong>. By delivering internationally<br \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0visible research outputs, pioneering degree programmes, advanced laboratories, and high-profile conferences, the project has strengthened UoJ\u2019s<br \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0competitiveness in global rankings.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Through its achievements, HRNCET has:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased UoJ\u2019s <strong>QS and THE ranking performance<\/strong> in research impact, academic reputation, and international outlook.<\/li>\n<li>Positioned UoJ as a <strong>regional leader in clean energy research and education<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Contributed to Sri Lanka\u2019s visibility in global clean energy research, enhancing both <strong>national development<\/strong> and <strong>international academic recognition<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Funded by Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.siu.no\/eng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=en-GB&amp;q=https:\/\/www.siu.no\/eng&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1510237306297000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFs2t_9ot73yPxd55lUnOXSDJ4RLw\">SIU<\/a>) for five years (2017-2021)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annual Reports\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Annual-report-Progress-Report_01.01.2019-31.12.2019_MoHE-July-2020-Final-.pdf\"><strong>2019<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Annual-Report-CBERC-2020_HVL-and-UoJ-SFB-.pdf\">2020<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<br \/><\/strong><strong>2021<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02017\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quaterly-Progress-report-HRNCET-to-the-Senate-Final-19.09.2017.pdf\">\u00a0 \u00a0 Q1\u00a0 &#8211; First Quarter : March to June<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quaterly-Progress-report-HRNCET-to-the-Senate-Final-19.09.2017.pdf\">\u00a0 \u00a0 Q2-\u00a0 Second Quarter :July to September<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 Q3 &#8211; Third Quarter: October &#8211; December<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02018<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Capacity Building and Establishment of a Research Consortium in Nanomaterials for Clean Energy\u00a0Technologies Project\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka\u00a0 for three years (2017-2019)<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a02017\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>H1\u00a0 &#8211; Half &#8211; Yearly: July to December<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a02018<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2019-\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Progress-Report_-2019-HRNCET-and-CBERC-projects..pdf\">Progress report<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 Objectives of the Project \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The HRNCET project was initiated to strengthen higher education and research [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1933","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1933","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1933"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1933\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4119,"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1933\/revisions\/4119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrncet.jfn.ac.lk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1933"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}