Jashore University Hosts Microbiology Conference

The Department of Microbiology at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has organised ‘NextGen Microbiology 2: 2nd National Conference on Emerging Horizon of Microbiology’, highlighting emerging research opportunities in public health, antibiotic resistance, pandemic preparedness and climate-related challenges. The day-long conference also explored the integration of microbiology with genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Professor Dr. Yarul Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of JUST, inaugurated the conference at the Professor Mohammad Sharif Hossain Gallery at 10:30am on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of JUST, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Faruk Hasan, Treasurer of the university, attended the event as special guests.

In his address, Professor Dr. Yarul Kabir said microbiological research is highly important in addressing global challenges including pandemics, antibiotic resistance and climate change. He said national conferences of this kind help young researchers develop new ideas and identify directions for future research.

He also commended the Department of Microbiology for organising month-long awareness programmes at schools and colleges in observance of International Microbiology Day.

Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan said conventional laboratory-based research can produce high-impact publications, but such research does not always translate directly into benefits for society. He emphasised that research problems should be identified from real social needs and scientifically grounded solutions should then be developed in laboratories.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Faruk Hasan said microbiology is no longer confined to conventional studies of microorganisms. In modern science, the discipline is increasingly integrated with advanced fields including genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and genetic engineering. He also highlighted the importance of such platforms for continuing scientific practice and exchanging new ideas.

Speakers at the conference included Dr. Latiful Bari, President of the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists and Chief Scientific Officer of the Center for Advanced Research in Sciences; Dr. Ziaur Rahman, Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences and Senior Scientist and Head of the One Health Laboratory at icddr,b; and Professor Dr. Monowara Sultana, Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences and Professor at the University of Dhaka.

The speakers presented research-based findings on food security, Nipah virus and antibiotic resistance through presentations.

Students from 12 universities participated in the conference. Poster and oral presentations were also held, giving students opportunities to present research findings and exchange academic perspectives.

Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hasan, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology at JUST; Professor Dr. Selina Akter, Convener of the conference; Dr. Abhinu Kibria Islam, Organising Secretary; and Professor Dr. Md. Tanvir Islam also addressed the programme. Faculty members and students from the Department of Microbiology and other departments of the university were present.

As part of a month-long programme marking International Microbiology Day, the Department of Microbiology had earlier organised an antibiotic resistance awareness campaign, a rally, tree plantation activities, a microbiology olympiad and awareness programmes for school and college students.

//DBTech/NHJ/SME/BTOP//