BICOL University reaffirmed its status as the region’s research leader after emerging as the top higher education institution in Bicol in terms of Scopus-indexed publications.

According to data presented by the Global Health Focus University Excellence during the SUC ACAP meeting in Bohol, BU recorded 32 new Scopus documents this year, raising its total to 253 since 2021—the highest in the region.

Trailing BU are Sorsogon State University with 66 documents, Catanduanes State University with 54, and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology with 52, alongside other institutions with notable outputs.

BU’s consistent research growth is reflected in its annual publications: 21 in 2021, 26 in 2022, 34 in 2023, 43 in 2024, and 32 as of mid-2025.

With these achievements, BU now qualifies for consideration in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking and the QS World University Ranking.

“As the region’s leading state university, BU’s consistent contributions to global research databases not only strengthen its institutional profile but also inspire other higher education institutions in Bicol to pursue international recognition in research and innovation,” the university said.

Scopus is one of the world’s largest databases of research journals, books, and conference papers. When a university produces a “Scopus document,” it means its research has passed international quality standards and is now visible to researchers worldwide.