Impact of the HRNCET Project on institutional ranking

Objectives of the Project

The HRNCET project was initiated to strengthen higher education and research collaboration between the University of Jaffna (UoJ), Western Norway
University of Applied Sciences (HVL), and partner institutions.
Its specific objectives are:

Exchange of staff and students for educational and research purposes.
Collaborative research and teaching in areas of mutual interest.
Joint scientific publications and dissemination of knowledge.
Exchange of academic materials and resources.
Organisation of symposia, conferences, short courses, and meetings.
Enhancement of higher education quality through mobility programmes, joint supervision, and guest lecturing in Clean Energy Technologies (CET).
Development of a joint Master’s/PhD-level curriculum on Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications at HVL/University of Bergen and UoJ.
Building institutional capacity, industry linkages, and long-term partnerships.
Creation of new degree programmes to advance clean energy education in Sri Lanka.

Overall Progress

2.1 Research Infrastructure

A 1,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art laboratory 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.
A biomass dryer was installed at UoJ’s Kilinochchi campus for bioenergy research.
Sri Lanka’s first floating solar plant was deployed in Kilinochchi premises of the University of Jaffna, https://project.jfn.ac.lk/hrncet/wp-content/uploads/HRNCET-Booklet-Final.pdf.

2.2 Academic Achievements

Two new Master’s curricula in CET were developed and approved by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Commission — the first of their kind in Sri Lanka.
Nine graduates completed the first Master of Clean Energy Technologies; four progressed to the two-year Master of Science in Clean Energy Technologies.
One PhD successfully completed at HVL on drivers and barriers to clean energy transition in Sri Lanka.
Eight MPhil degrees awarded in solar energy, hydrogen energy, energy storage, and energy policy.
Three PhD students are pursuing research at the University of Bergen and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
Five students are pursuing two-year Master degree programme at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

2.3 Research Output

Over 70 papers/abstracts published, including 35 research articles in high-impact (Q1/Q2) journals.
Several Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students involved in applied clean energy projects with industrial relevance.

2.4 Conferences and Workshops

AMCEHA 2019 (https://conf.jfn.ac.lk/amceha2019/) : First ever large-scale international conference having six symposia co-organised at UoJ with 400+ participants, including 125 international delegates.
AMCEHA 2023 (https://amceha2023.in/): 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.
AMCEHA 2025 (https://conf.jfn.ac.lk/amceha/): Third conference held at UoJ with 200+ papers from 35 institutions worldwide and over 130 international participants.
Multiple clean energy workshops and seminars were conducted in Sri Lanka and Norway, including an industry-focused workshop in Kilinochchi in 2019.

2.5 Mobility and Capacity Building

Over 20 student exchanges (short- and long-term research stays in Norway and Sri Lanka).
Over 20 staff exchanges between the two countries.
Hands-on training in advanced characterisation techniques for BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
Development of technical and soft skills among early-career researchers through joint supervision.

2.6 Industry and Community Engagement

Established a Sustainable Clean Energy Consortium, fostering collaboration among academia, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
Engaged in active partnerships with Sri Lankan and Norwegian enterprises to advance clean energy innovation.
Facilitated industry participation in student research projects and joint research initiatives.
Organised a range of outreach programmes to promote STEM education and raise clean energy awareness in schools and communities.
Developed a strategic plan to strengthen STEMM education in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Current Progress (2024–2025)

One MPhil graduate (staff member of EUSL) is pursuing a PhD under the project.
Two more MPhil students are going submit thesis.
Four research students are currently conducting studies in Norway.
Three PhD students are pursuing research at the University of Bergen and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
Five students are pursuing two-year Master degree programme at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
Five high-impact journal papers (Q1/Q2) have been published in 2024–25, with additional manuscripts under review.

Impact of the Project

4.1 Institutional Strengthening

First CET Master’s programme in Sri Lanka and advanced clean energy laboratories established at UoJ.
Strengthened UoJ’s position as a national hub for renewable energy education and research.

4.2 Human Resource Development

Created pathways for Sri Lankan academics and students to earn internationally recognised MPhil/PhD degrees.
Strengthened research supervision capacity through joint mentoring with HVL and UoB.

4.3 Research Excellence

High-impact publications (Q1/Q2) increased global visibility and citations for UoJ.
International co-authorship raised the University’s profile in global databases such as Scopus and Web of Science.

4.4 Industry Partnerships

Joint research with industry enhanced technology transfer and employability of graduates.
Consortium model connected UoJ with enterprises in Norway and Sri Lanka.

4.5 Global Recognition and Ranking Impact

The HRNCET project has significantly contributed to the international standing and rankings of the University of Jaffna by:

Research Impact (QS & THE Ranking Indicators): Publishing 35+ Q1/Q2 journal papers and SCI-indexed articles increased UoJ’s citations per faculty and global research visibility.
International Outlook (THE Ranking Indicator): >20 staff and >20 student exchanges, along with joint supervision and collaborative publications with HVL and UoB, strengthened UoJ’s score in international collaboration metrics.
Academic Reputation (QS Ranking): Hosting three international conferences — AMCEHA 2019, AMCEHA 2023, and AMCEHA 2025 — with delegates from 35+ institutions improved UoJ’s visibility and reputation in global academic networks.
Teaching and Learning Reputation: Creation of two new Master’s curricula in CET (approved by UGC QAC) positioned UoJ as a pioneer in energy education in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
Sustainability and THE Impact Rankings: HRNCET aligns directly with UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), enhancing UoJ’s visibility in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Conclusion

The HRNCET project has been transformative for the University of Jaffna, significantly elevating its global academic profile. By delivering internationally
visible research outputs, pioneering degree programmes, advanced laboratories, and high-profile conferences, the project has strengthened UoJ’s
competitiveness in global rankings.

Through its achievements, HRNCET has:

Increased UoJ’s QS and THE ranking performance in research impact, academic reputation, and international outlook.
Positioned UoJ as a regional leader in clean energy research and education.
Contributed to Sri Lanka’s visibility in global clean energy research, enhancing both national development and international academic recognition.

Funded by Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU) for five years (2017-2021)

Annual Reports