Curtin Malaysia puts Sarawak on the global research map with seven scientists named among World’s Top 2%

Miri, Sarawak – 19 October 2026 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened Sarawak’s presence on the global research stage, with seven of its academics named among the world’s top 2 per cent of most-cited scientists in the prestigious 2026 Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List.

The recognition places Curtin Malaysia’s researchers among an internationally recognised group of scientists whose work has attracted significant scholarly citations, reflecting the reach and influence of their research within their respective fields. Spanning clinical medicine, geology, environmental science, energy and chemical engineering, the seven scholars demonstrate the breadth of research expertise contributing to scientific advancement and the global exchange of knowledge.

For Sarawak and Malaysia, the achievement highlights the contribution that research institutions in the region can make to the international scientific community, while reinforcing the importance of developing homegrown research talent to address complex challenges in health, environmental sustainability, energy and industrial innovation.

Compiled through a collaboration involving researchers at Stanford University and Elsevier, the ranking evaluates scientists across standardised sub-field disciplines using citation-based indicators. While citations are one measure of research influence, the recognition offers an international benchmark of the reach of the scholars’ published work.

Leading the group is Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, who ranked in the top 0.23 per cent in Clinical Medicine (General & Internal Medicine), with a global rank of 55,576. His publication record comprised 135 papers from 2025 to 2026.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Ramasamy Nagarajan, Dean of Research and Development, ranked in the top 0.75 per cent in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology), achieving a global rank of 140,412.

In engineering and energy-related research, Associate Professor Jundika Candra Kurnia of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering ranked in the top 0.76 per cent in Enabling & Strategic Technologies (Energy), with a global rank of 93,534.

Professor Tony Hadibarata of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering ranked in the top 0.82% in Earth & Environmental Sciences (Environmental Sciences), earning a global rank of 53,333.

Also recognised in Enabling and Strategic Technologies (Energy), Professor Sujan Debnath of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering ranked in the top 1.25 per cent with a global rank of 165,184, while Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Associate Dean of Research and Development, ranked in the top 1.58 per cent, with a global rank of 182,334.

Completing the group, Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Deputy Dean of the Curtin Malaysia Graduate School, ranked in the top 1.66 per cent in Enabling and Strategic Technologies (Chemical Engineering), achieving a global rank of 169,424.

Together, their achievements underscore the value of multidisciplinary research in expanding scientific understanding, developing practical solutions and strengthening the connections between universities, industry and society.

Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, said the recognition was a proud milestone for the university and a testament to the dedication of its academic community.

“Being counted among the top 2 per cent of researchers worldwide is a significant achievement, worthy of the praise and admiration of the entire Curtin community. It speaks to the dedication, expertise and perseverance required to produce research that advances knowledge and makes a meaningful difference across disciplines,” Professor Lee said.

He added that the achievement represented more than individual academic distinction, serving also as an inspiration for the university’s wider research community and future generations of scholars.

“On behalf of Curtin Malaysia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our seven researchers on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievement is a source of great pride for our university and an inspiration to colleagues and aspiring researchers alike. Let us join together in celebrating their success as we continue to foster a culture of research excellence, innovation and impact at Curtin Malaysia,” he said.

As global challenges increasingly demand evidence-based solutions and collaboration across disciplines and borders, Curtin Malaysia’s researchers contribute to a wider ecosystem of knowledge creation with the potential to inform scientific progress, industry practices and community well-being.

Their recognition also reinforces the role of universities in Sarawak and across Malaysia in developing internationally connected research capabilities, nurturing future research leaders and contributing expertise to issues of regional, national and global importance.

For Curtin Malaysia, the milestone reflects its continuing commitment to research excellence, international collaboration and the pursuit of knowledge that can create meaningful benefits beyond the university. By strengthening research capabilities and cultivating talent, the university aims to contribute to Sarawak’s development while extending its research impact to the wider world.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Seven Curtin Malaysia academics were named among the world’s top 2 per cent of most-cited scientists in the prestigious 2026 Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List.