The Annual RUB Faculty Meet, aimed at generating 100 Ideas, witnessed an impressive outcome with the successful proposal of 100 innovative ideas focused on reshaping and strengthening the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) as a whole. More than 450 faculty members from across RUB colleges participated in the event and were organized into 100 groups, each comprising 3-5 members.
The idea pitching sessions were conducted in parallel across four halls, each hosting 25 presentations. Groups 1–25 presented their ideas at the Convention Hall, from which four proposals were shortlisted to join the Top 16 ideas, alongside four selected from each of the other three halls. The ideas pitched by Groups 1–25 reflected a wide range of thoughtful and forward-looking perspectives, addressing key institutional, academic, and societal priorities. Faculty members proposed initiatives ranging from strengthening and revitalising the research ecosystem at the Royal University of Bhutan to establishing an Incubator Hub focused on the holistic development of students. Several proposals highlighted pressing faculty concerns, including the need for mindful and efficient resource and e-waste sharing across RUB colleges through initiatives such as EcoLoop EDU. Other ideas emphasised pedagogical transformation to better respond to the needs of Gen Z learners, including proposals to integrate the “Four Immeasurables” into academic pedagogy, thereby aligning teaching practices with values-based education and contemporary learning expectations.
From the 25 ideas presented at the Convention Hall, the following Top 4 ideas were selected based on their relevance, innovation, and potential impact:
Group 7: RUB ResearchVision 26, a strategic business model proposed in partnership with Elsevier. The initiative outlines a phased partnership framework to transition RUB onto Elsevier’s international publishing platform across four research domains: Science, Engineering and Technology; Education; Natural Resources; and Business. The core aim is to establish a collaborative agreement that provides transformative technology, global marketing, and operational expertise from Elsevier, while leveraging RUB’s core research strengths and researchers.
Group 9: RUB Knowledge HUB, A digital platform designed to connect the 11 colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) into a single, integrated digital ecosystem. The HUB aims to remove barriers created by the isolated operation of colleges, which currently limits research collaboration, narrows learning and career pathways for students, and increases reliance on external consultants. The platform encourages cross-campus projects, stronger alignment with industry needs, and more local opportunities for graduates and faculty.
Group 16: RUB Learning-to-Venture Pathway (LVP, A structured and scalable model that integrates co-creation, market exposure, and venture development directly into the undergraduate academic journey at RUB. The pathway follows a phased approach aligned with students’ progression through the University, enabling a smooth transition from learning to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Group 24: Incubators of Holistic Flourishing: Leveraging the Pedagogy of the Four Immeasurable (Tshe Mey Zhi) for Faculty Transformation and Student Success. This initiative positions RUB as a leader in embedding wellbeing and success within higher education, aligning academic excellence with Bhutan’s national development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
The idea-pitching sessions showcased remarkable creativity and depth. While some ideas addressed similar concerns, they were articulated through diverse perspectives and delivery styles within the five-minute presentations. The recurrence of similar themes underlined a shared understanding among faculty of the challenges faced by the university and a collective acknowledgment that these issues require urgent attention. Overall, the event reflected a strong sense of unity and commitment among faculty members to collaboratively address these challenges and drive the Royal University of Bhutan toward excellence.