PUST Secures First HEAT-Funded Research Grant for Rooppur Power Project

Jul 31, 2025 21:14

Jul 31, 2025 21:15

For the first time, Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) has received a government-funded research grant under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project, aimed at enhancing technological advancement and research capacity in higher education institutions across Bangladesh.

The approved project titled "Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Transforming Innovation, Employment, Growth and Sustainability for Northern Bangladesh in Achieving SDGs" has been awarded to Dr. Masud Rana, Associate Professor at the Department of Business Administration. The project is registered under the code 13439 and carries a budget allocation of approximately BDT 10 million.

Dr. Rana will be supported by three research associates in the project—Dr. Kamal Hossain and Dr. Rebeca Sultana Rekha from the Department of Business Administration, and S.M. Shahidul Alam from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality.

The announcement has sparked enthusiasm among faculty members, researchers, and students at PUST, with the achievement being regarded as a milestone in the university’s academic and research endeavors.

According to university sources, the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to enhance the academic and research capabilities of higher education institutions. The HEAT Project is designed to elevate the quality and transformation of higher education in Bangladesh, particularly by promoting and accelerating research activities at the university level.

The HEAT Project is a five-year program jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank. Implementation began in July this year, with a total project cost of BDT 40.1657 billion. Of this, BDT 20.3346 billion is being provided by the Government of Bangladesh, and BDT 19.8311 billion by the World Bank.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Masud Rana said, “The HEAT Project is a groundbreaking initiative for the development of higher education. Initially, eight proposals were submitted from PUST, and ultimately, only my project was selected. Among 111 projects approved nationwide, this is the first ever from our university, making it a landmark achievement for us.”