Bhutanese Journals
There are five journals published in Bhutan at present:
- Journal of Bhutan Studies The oldest of the journals, the Journal of Bhutan Studies was founded in 1999 by the Centre for Bhutan Studies. This journal is a twice-yearly, blind peer-reviewed publication aimed at promoting scholarly research on the social, cultural and economic aspects of Bhutan.
- Bhutan Journal of Natural Resources and Development This journal aims to provide a forum for home academics and scholars to publish their work in regards to promoting sustainable utilization of arable agriculture and pasture land resources as well as the enhancement of food security. Starting in 2014 with biennial publication, the journal replaced the previous Journal of Renewable Natural Resources Bhutan.
- Bhutan Journal of Research and Development Published biannually since 2012 by the Royal University of Bhutan, this journal aims to advance research and scholarship in all fields of social, physical and biological sciences as well as the humanities relevant to the Kingdom of Bhutan. It publishes a wide range of papers in English or Dzongkha including theoretical or empirical research, short communication (e.g. research notes and review articles), and book reviews which can inform policy and advance knowledge relevant to Bhutan. The journal aspires to publish high quality papers and follows a system of blind peer review.
- Druk Journal Starting in 2015, the Druk Journal is the first journal in Bhutan concerned with serving Bhutan’s national interests by creating serious conversation around major policy issues. The journal is published by the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy and supported by Open Society Foundations.
- Bhutan Health Journal The first scientific Medical Journal to publish biannually from Bhutan. It is internationally peer reviewed and incorporates Clinical, Para-Clinical, Medical Education, Nursing and Midwifery, Traditional Medicine, Public Health, Health Policy, Planning and Financing, Hospital and Health Care Management, Research and Publication Ethics as well as perspectives from various fields of health sciences to improve health in Bhutan.
Previously: Journal of Renewable Natural Resources Bhutan
This journal was an annual research publication published by the Council for Renewable Natural Resources Research of Bhutan (CoRRB), Ministry of Agriculture. It was mandated to present well-researched articles on RNR in Bhutan with the aim of enhancing sustainable rural livelihood and conservation as well as promoting sustainable utilization of forest and water resources. The journal lasted from 2006 to 2014.
Higher Education Institutions
- College of Natural Resources
Centre for excellence on rural development services.
Location: Thimphu - College of Science and Technology
The only institute in the country offering undergraduate degree programmes in engineering which were introduced in 2001 by Royal Command. Responsible for overseeing Bhutan’s tertiary education system in the field of science and technology.
Location: Phuntschoeling - Gaeddu College of Business Studies
The only premier college under the Royal University of Bhutan offering full time contemporary business and management education in the country.
Location: Chukha - College of Language and Cultural Studies
Centre for higher learning and research in Dzongkha, Culture, History, Buddhist Studies, and Himalayan Studies, as well as a premier institution for cultural preservation and promotion.
Location: Trongsa - Jigme Namgyel Engineering College
Centre of excellence in diploma and degree level programmes in Applied Engineering and technology, covering a wide spectrum of programmes.
Location: Samdrup Jongkhar - Paro College of Education
Ensures quality education based on the values and principles of GNH for primary and Zhungkha teacher education, educational leadership, and research.
Location: Paro - Sherubtse College
A multidisciplinary institution offering a wide range of undergraduate programmes in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical and biological sciences.
Location: Trashigang - Samtse College of Education
The premier educational institution in the country providing training to primary, secondary and postgraduate teachers.
Location: Samtse - Royal Institute of Management
A premier centre in management development and policy research in the region with a mission to develop socially and professionally responsible, proactive leaders and managers with holistic values and competencies.
Location: Thimphu - Royal Thimphu College
Bhutan’s first private college, which offers general degree programs under the auspices of the Royal University of Bhutan.
Location: Thimphu - Tango Buddhist University
Location: Thimphu - Royal Academy
The Royal Academy is a visionary initiative of His Majesty The King that is being developed as an enduring tribute to the unparalleled leadership and the rich legacy of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The guiding philosophy of the Royal Academy focuses on the holistic development of individuals to help them actualise their innate potential across all areas of development – cerebral, physical, social, emotional and spiritual, and enables each individual to become exceptional leaders and good human beings. Emphasis is given not only to high academic achievement but also to development of character that fosters fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, teamwork, generosity and compassion towards others. Through this approach, the Royal Academy will promote a culture of excellence in all aspects of student life.
Location: Paro - Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law
The first and only law school in the Kingdom of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law was founded in 2015, by the promulgation of a Royal Charter by His Majesty the King. His Majesty envisioned that the law school would “provide legal education, facilitate research in law and related fields, [and] promote cultural enrichment and traditional values.” The permanent teaching faculty are drawn from across Bhutan and around the world, and are supplemented by top visiting faculty from abroad. Admitted students study at the law school for five years, leading to a qualifying degree in law.
Location: Thimphu - Norbuling Rigter College
The second private college affiliated with the Royal University of Bhutan, NRC offers degrees in commerce and business administration.
Location: Paro - Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology
Founded in 2017, GCIT is one of the integral colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan. The college at its initial stage offers an undergraduate degree in computer applications.
Location: Mongar - Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan
The first medical school in Bhutan, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences was inaugurated in 2015.
Location: Thimphu
Bhutanese Research Centres
- Centre for Bhutan Studies
An autonomous social science research institute that conducts inter-disciplinary research for advancing Bhutan’s social, cultural, economic, environmental and political wellbeing.
Location: Thimphu - Shejun Agency for Culture Documentation and Research
The Shejun Agency was established with the aim of preserving and passing on the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan to future generations. Shejun means knowledge (ཤེས) transmission (རྒྱུན་) in Classical Tibetan and Dzongkha.
Location: Thimphu - Loden Foundation
The Loden Foundation is dedicated to fostering an enlightened and happy society in Bhutan through promotion of education, learning and entrepreneurship among Bhutanese children and young adults.
Location: Thimphu - Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research (UWICE)
An institute with a special focus on the environment. It disseminates its research through trainings, publications, and conferences.
Location: Bumthang - National Library of Bhutan
A major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan.
Location: Thimphu - Music of Bhutan Research Centre
Preserves and promotes Bhutanese culture through professional research, recording and archiving of the many musical traditions found in the country’s diverse regional, linguistic and ethnic groups. It also documents the finest living master musicians in performance and interviews.
Location: Thimphu - National Museum of Bhutan
An institute dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in keeping with the fulfillment of the Gross National Happiness.
Location: Paro - Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies
A premier institute promoting excellence in governance, leadership and strategic studies.
Location: Phuntsholing - Royal Society for Protection of Nature
Inspiring personal responsibility and active involvement of the Bhutanese people to preserve Bhutan’s environment through education, research and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Location: Thimphu - Royal Academy of Performing Arts
Founded in 1954 through the initiative of the Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it is also under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Department of Culture, where they carry out research on folk songs and mask dance. In addition, the academy also preserves traditional Bhutanese culture.
Location: Thimphu
Overseas Centres
- Department of Bhutan Studies, Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University
The Kokoro Research Center promotes scientific research on the mind and consciousness, which spans the disciplines of psychology, neurophysiology, cognitive sciences, cultural studies and the humanities. The center aims to develop community outreach solutions through wide-ranging interdisciplinary research involving interdepartmental and international collaboration. Through its research, the center aspires to contribute to a humanity and mentality suited to life in the coming global era.
Location: Kyoto, Japan - Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies
The Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies (ANHS) is the oldest academic organization devoted to the study of the Himalaya in the United States. ANHS was founded in 1971 as the Nepal Studies Association with support from the Ford Foundation.
Location: Wisconsin, USA - Tibetan and Himalayan Studies, Wolfson College, Oxford
Tibetan and Himalayan Studies engages with the Tibetan speaking areas of Asia, spanning more than 2500km from west to east, and nowadays comprising areas in five countries (Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China). These areas are united by shared cultural features, religious customs and beliefs, and the use of Tibetan as the language of literature and religion.
Location: Oxford, UK - Circle of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies, SOAS
The aim of the Circle is to encourage the scholarly exploration of Tibetan culture by providing a forum for research, exhibitions and affiliated events pertaining to the civilisations of Tibet and the Himalayas held in the greater London area.
Location: London, UK - Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies, Himachal Pradesh University
The mission of the institute is to create an integrated knowledge base that explores strategies for the development of the Himalayan region and its people through research, academic courses of practical utility, and service.
Location: India - Tibetan and Himalayan Library, University of Virginia
The Tibetan and Himalayan Library consists of a broad array of collaborating individuals, institutions, and communities. Its overall development is guided by an international advisory board consisting of prominent scholars, librarians, technologists, and community leaders in the field of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, geographical/cultural foci, and institutional bases.
Location: Virginia, USA - Himalayan Studies at UC Berkeley, Institute for South Asia Studies (UCB)
One of the world’s leading institutes for research and programs on South Asia, the Institute for South Asia Studies (ISAS) at the University of California, Berkeley works with faculty members, graduate students, community members, private institutions, and non-profit organizations to deepen understanding of the region and to create new generations of scholars of South Asia.
Location: California, USA - Yale Himalaya Initiative
The Yale Himalaya Initiative brings together faculty, students, and professionals across Yale University whose work focuses on the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, and China, as well as the Tibetan cultural areas that traverse the borders of all those states.
Location: Connecticut, USA - National Mission on Himalayan Studies
To launch and support innovative studies and related knowledge interventions (that do not tread on the beaten path) towards the sustenance and enhancement of the ecological, natural, cultural, and socio-economic capital assets and values of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Location: India - Tibetan and Himalayan Studies, Religion in Pluralist Society, University of Oslo
Location: Norway - Centre for Himalayan Studies, North Bengal University
The University of North Bengal was established by an Act of the Legislature of West Bengal in 1962 with the mission “to encourage and provide for instruction for teaching, training and research in various branches of learning and course of study; to promote advancement and dissemination of knowledge and learning and to extend higher education to meet the growing needs of society.”
Location: India - Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, Arunachal Pradesh
Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS), Dahung, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh was established as an aegis of the Buddhist Culture Preservation Society (BCPS), Bomdila under the Presidentship of H. E. 13th.
Location: India