Dhaka University hosted a day-long biotechnology summit bringing together researchers, industry leaders and students, as organisers positioned the event as a platform to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and promote innovation.
The Future Biotechnologists Summit and the 6th International Young Biotechnologists Congress were held on Saturday at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, organised by the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBBB).
Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Administration Professor Sayma Haque Bidisha inaugurated the programme as chief guest, marking International DNA Day.
NYBBB Executive Director Mustak Ibne Ayub chaired the opening session. Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Chairperson Samina Ahmed and Aristopharma Director Sadman Shahriar Hasan attended as special guests. Professor Adnan Mannan delivered the welcome speech. Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology students Md Mahin Rana and Rinvi Nusrat Prapti conducted the programme.
Strengthening links between research and industry remains critical for developing practical applications of scientific knowledge, said Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Administration Professor Sayma Haque Bidisha. The platform can enhance young researchers’ skills and open new areas of knowledge development, she said.
Collaboration between experienced researchers and emerging scientists should be channelled towards sustainable national development, she added.
Around 450 teachers, students and researchers from public and private universities across Bangladesh attended the summit, according to organisers.
They said the congress would help stimulate innovation and support new research ideas, with the longer-term goal of positioning Bangladesh as an emerging regional hub for genomics and artificial intelligence-driven biotechnology in South Asia.
