Research Must Deliver Real Benefits to Society: Science and Technology Secretary

Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain has said that research outcomes should contribute directly to improving people's quality of life. He stressed that research should not remain confined to publications and academic papers but must be translated into practical applications that bring positive change to society.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a seminar titled “Challenges and Way Forward for Improving Appropriate Technology” as the chief guest at the conference room of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The secretary said research findings should be transformed into prototypes and transferred to industries so that companies can conduct pilot testing and commercialize them as products or services. This process, he noted, would ensure that research creates a measurable impact on society.

He emphasized that the true success of research lies in its ability to solve real-world problems and improve people's lives. According to him, greater focus should be placed on practical and impactful research rather than innovations that have no meaningful social application.

Discussing appropriate technology, he said it does not mean choosing the cheapest option. Instead, it refers to selecting technologies that are relevant, effective and suitable for the country's needs. He added that technology should be adapted to Bangladesh’s context rather than forcing the country to adapt to technology.

He further stated that appropriate technology should be accessible, affordable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable. It should also be scalable so that successful pilot initiatives can be expanded nationwide. Moreover, technological development must benefit people from all segments of society.

Among others, Director General of the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) Dr. Md. Chogir Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority Mahmudul Hasan, BCSIR Chairman Dr. Samina Ahmed and Joint Secretary Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam spoke at the seminar.

Heads of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Science and Technology joined the seminar virtually through the Zoom platform. Additional Secretary Ashraf Ali Faruk and other senior officials of the ministry were also present.

//DBTech/MAAM/MI//