Biotech Brilliance: Young Researchers Shine at National Thesis Competition
Seven young university researchers were honored at the final round of the "National Biotechnology Thesis Presentation Competition 2024" for presenting groundbreaking theses addressing critical real-life issues. These included innovative methods for diagnosing cancer and autism, effective waste management techniques, mosquito control strategies, and producing textile dyes through bacterial processes. The theses also explored the use of seaweed in preventing diarrhea and the detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in cooked broiler chicken.
The awardees were Ahmed Zubair from Khulna University, Saifullah Jamil from the University of Dhaka, Mohammad Al Biruni from Chittagong University, Tanzin Borkatullah from Sylhet Agricultural University, Sanbeam Samin from Jahangirnagar University, Md. Imtiaz from Jessore University of Science and Technology, and Mahmuda Haque from BRAC University.
Mohammad Al Biruni from Chittagong University’s Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department emerged as the champion, winning the "Munira Bokul Best Presentation Award" for his thesis on autism diagnosis using genetic engineering. Tanzin Borkatullah from Sylhet Agricultural University secured the runner-up position for her work on a new mosquito control technology, while Ahmed Zubair took third place.
The event, organized by the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBB), took place at the Kochi Kanchar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The prizes were handed over by Prof. Mohammad Rezwanul Haque, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Noakhali University, accompanied by Arif Khan, a scientific officer at IEDCR and former NYBB president, and Ragib Muttaqi, NYBB Vice President for Events.
The final round judges included senior scientists and professors, such as Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Director of One Health Laboratory at icddr,b; Prof. Md. Rezaul Karim, Chairman of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Jahangirnagar University; Prof. Miraj Kobad Chowdhury from the University of Dhaka; Prof. Adnan Mannan from Chittagong University and Director of NYBB; Associate Prof. Md. Zahid Hasan from Jagannath University; and Assistant Prof. Hamid Hossain from East West University.
Earlier, students from 27 universities presented their theses in the preliminary rounds. On December 20, seven teams were selected for the final.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Adnan Mannan, Director of NYBB, highlighted the challenges and potential of research in Bangladesh. “Despite limited funding, research in Bangladesh has not stopped. Our students are leveraging whatever opportunities they have to pursue world-class research. However, there is often a gap in awareness about each other's work. This event bridges that gap by connecting researchers across the country. It is essential to foster such exchanges regularly,” he said.
The competition was supported by the Disease Biology and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Chattogram, and the Cancer Care and Research Trust Bangladesh (CCRT).
