NSTU to Fund Student Research

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) has taken an initiative to provide special financial grants to undergraduate and postgraduate students engaged in research projects, theses and academic projects. The support is intended to help students meet research-related expenses, including data collection, travel, report preparation, printing and binding.

As an initial step, the NSTU Research Cell has issued a notice seeking lists of undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in research across all institutes and departments of the university. The notice was issued on November 12 and signed by Research Cell Director Professor Dr Muhammad Shafiqul Islam.

According to the notice, the lists must include students’ names, research titles, roll numbers, mobile phone numbers and supervisors’ names. Each list must carry the signature and official seal of the respective department chairman and reach the Research Cell office by November 26. Both hard and soft copies are required. The soft copy must be prepared in English and sent to the designated email address.

Copies of the notice have been sent to the directors of all university institutes and the chairmen of its departments.

Research Cell Director and NSTU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Shafiqul Islam said many undergraduate students were interested in research but faced financial difficulties in collecting necessary data and completing other research activities. Students also had to bear significant costs for data collection, printing and binding.

He said the initiative was designed to reduce these financial barriers and encourage greater student participation in research. He expressed hope that the programme would receive a strong response from students.

He added that, under University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, 85 percent of the university's research budget is required to be allocated to research at the BSc, MSc and fellowship levels. The Research Cell is working to expand research opportunities and provide the necessary support to students.

NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Golam Rabbani said that, under UGC directives, such allocations had previously focused mainly on postgraduate and PhD-level research. However, undergraduate students are now also becoming involved in various research activities and projects. The university has taken the initiative to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent them from pursuing their work.

He said students directly involved in research or projects would be eligible for the support. The grant could cover research data collection, travel, report typing and other related expenses. The university wants to ensure that no student falls behind in research because of financial limitations.

//DBTech/Samea Hossan Munea/SCDE/FOESC//