Microbiology Meets Machine Intelligence: JUST Hosts National Conference on AI in Genomics
To advance students' knowledge and skills in microbiology through recent scientific developments and the application of artificial intelligence (AI), the Department of Microbiology (MB) at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) organized a national conference titled “NextGen Microbiology: Genomics and Research in the Age of AI.”
The event took place on Thursday at the university’s Central Gallery, drawing participation from faculty members, researchers, and students. The conference was inaugurated by JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid, who attended as the chief guest.
In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the growing significance of microbiology in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical sectors globally. “Microbiology lies at the core of all these developments,” he stated. “Studying under one roof while embracing diverse perspectives will widen your intellectual horizon. The Genomics Centre at JUST is equipped with advanced research instruments, providing a remarkable opportunity to elevate the scale of your scientific investigations.”
He further encouraged students, saying, “You must become the future leaders in microbiology and serve the nation through your knowledge and research.”
The keynote speaker at the event was Professor Dr. Mohammad Manjurul Karim from the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka. Another notable speaker was Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Sarkar, Senior Scientific Officer at BCSIR.
The first session of the conference was followed by a series of student presentations from the MB department. In the afternoon, a training workshop was held, and by 4:30 PM, certificates were distributed to all participants, with special awards presented to the winners of the presentation segment.
Special guests included Professor Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology; Associate Professor Dr. Avhinu Kibria Islam from the MB Department; and Dr. Selina Akhter, Chairperson of the MB Department and convener of the conference.
Also in attendance were Md. Amzad Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hasan from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; and several other faculty members and students of the MB department. The event was conducted by students Nusaiyba Shiuli, Habiba Akter, and Abhishek Roy.
