Recently, an exciting academic achievement has emerged from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU). A research paper authored by international alumnus Dr. Bagh Ali, a Ph.D. graduate from the School of Mathematics and Statistics, has been recognized as a Top 1% Paper in a Scopus-indexed international journal (data retrieved as of April 10, 2025). Originally published in Powder Technology during his studies in 2020, this recognition not only reflects his personal academic strength and research capabilities but also underscores NPU's ongoing efforts to enhance its international graduate education and the impact of its “Study at NPU” brand.

The award-winning paper, titled "Finite element investigation of Dufour and Soret impacts on MHD rotating flow of Oldroyd-B nanofluid over a stretching sheet with double diffusion Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model," focuses on heat transfer enhancement mechanisms in advanced nanofluids. It introduces a novel modeling approach for non-Newtonian fluid flow, revealing the effects of magnetic fields and thermal diffusion on high-efficiency thermal management system design, and offers theoretical support for engineering applications in complex heat exchange systems.

Dr. Bagh Ali is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Shenzhen campus of Harbin Institute of Technology, specializing in nanofluids, complex fluid dynamics, and numerical simulation. He has published 195 research papers, including 17 Highly Cited Papers, with over 5,600 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 49. He has been listed among the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University for three consecutive years: (2021–2022) S#195552, (2022–2023) S#111005, (2023–2024) S#57715. He stands as one of the most accomplished international student alumni of NPU.

During his doctoral studies, Dr. Ali was supervised by Professor Nie Yufeng, a senior academic supervisor with extensive experience in mentoring international graduate students. Professor Nie not only provided clear academic guidance but also helped establish interdisciplinary platforms and international collaborations, offering holistic support throughout Ali’s doctoral journey.

“The most unforgettable moment was when my supervisor encouraged me to explore a complex idea — that eventually became one of my most important papers,” Dr. Ali recalled. “What I received was not only knowledge but also confidence.”

While academic results are often the visible outcome, they are rooted in systemic support and institutional strength. NPU’s International College has remained committed to a high-quality, content-driven approach in educating international graduate students. Guided by three strategic pillars — Research Empowerment, Academic Integration, and Brand Leadership — the university has continuously increased resource allocation and policy innovation to build a more scientific, systematic, and efficient training mechanism for international postgraduate students.

As of 2025, the number of English-medium graduate courses at NPU has risen from 308 in 2013 to 618, covering core disciplines such as aerospace, materials science, information technology, and mechanical engineering. Meanwhile, the International College has also launched the “Academic Navigation” brand, offering programs such as: Praxis Navigation Peer Mentor Workshop, International Academic Navigation Lecture Series, Academic Path · Peer Salon. These initiatives form a multidimensional, full-process academic support network that helps international students evolve from knowledge consumers to creators.

Scopus, the world's largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, includes vast data on scholarly articles, authors, and research institutions. A paper listed among the Top 1% of Scopus-indexed publications indicates that it ranked in the top 1% of global citations in its publication year, demonstrating world-class influence and significant contribution to its research field.