About

The Hub for Bhutan Studies (HBS) will be the first, and only, international institute/centre focusing on Bhutan-related research. Bhutan, although a small country in terms of its physical size, has made a mark global mark through various bold and innovative policy initiatives. Some of the notable ones are its developmental philosophy of pursuing Gross National Happiness, being the first carbon negative country, its unique and peaceful transition from monarchy to democracy and the creation of a mindfulness city.

Aims and Objectives

The main goal of HBS will be to become the leading global centre for Bhutan-focused policy research, dialogue and capacity-building, contributing to policymaking in Bhutan and offering globally relevant insights drawn from Bhutan’s development experience.

Some of the core objectives will be:

1.       Research excellence: produce high-quality, peer-reviewed and policy relevant research on Bhutan across disciplines.

2.       Policy impact: provide timely policy briefs and advisory inputs to the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB), the Government of Australia and international partners.

3.       Capacity building: support Bhutanese scholars, policymakers and institutions through fellowships, training and collaborative research.

4.       Global engagement: position HBS as the authoritative international voice on Bhutan-related issues.

5.       Network building: create a sustained international network of scholars, practitioners and institutions working on Bhutan. 

During the initial phase, HBS will prioritise interconnected research themes, such as, GNH and wellbeing economics, environmental sustainability and climate leadership, governance, democracy and public administration, small states, resilience and development innovation and regional and international relations of Bhutan. These themes will evolve over time in response to policy needs and research opportunities.