UGC Mandates International Research Offices Nationwide
Initiative targets joint laboratories, technology transfer, and global academic connectivity
- Universities mandated to set up International and Research Offices for global institutional synergy
- Focus placed on establishing joint laboratories, tech transfer, and Academic Diaspora Networks
- Erasmus+ Info Session emphasizes institutionalizing cross-border research and dual-degree programs
The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) has initiated a strategic plan to establish 'International and Research Offices' across all universities nationwide to expand global research collaboration, advanced technological infrastructure, and joint innovation centers. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed disclosed the roadmap as chief guest during an 'Erasmus+ Info Session' held at the commission's premises on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
According to the UGC, these dedicated offices will serve as operational hubs to manage foreign institutional linkages, faculty-student mobility, dual-degree programs, international research grants, and joint laboratories. Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed stated, "Our strategy is not confined to outbound student mobility; rather, we aim to leverage global technological partnerships, state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, and advanced technical knowledge to engineer viable scientific solutions for national challenges."
Addressing the mobility of researchers, the UGC Chairman highlighted that the commission is transitioning from the traditional narrative of 'brain drain' toward 'brain circulation' by developing an 'Academic Diaspora Network'. This institutional network will connect expatriate Bangladeshi scientists, engineers, and scholars with domestic universities for research supervision, technical curriculum delivery, and collaborative projects.
Speaking at the session, UGC Member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun noted that European Union's Erasmus+ program provides critical access to skill development and institutional capacity-building, adding that institutionalizing international offices ensures research continuity beyond individual-level contacts.
The session was attended by UGC Members Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, Professor Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Chowdhury; UGC Secretary Dr. Fakhrul Islam; Director of International Cooperation Dr. Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan; Director of Private University Management Jesmin Pervin; and Erasmus+ National Focal Points Network Asia Regional Manager Ashiqur Rahman, alongside vice-chancellors and senior academic officials from across the country.
//DBTech/IHUP/SME//
