National Youth Research Summit held at Barishal University

The country's first multidisciplinary National Youth Research Summit was held at the University of Barishal on Saturday under the theme 'Multidisciplinary Youth Research Towards a Sustainable Bangladesh'.

The day-long event was organised by the Barishal University Research Society.

More than 400 students, young researchers, teachers and academics from over 65 public and private universities participated in oral and poster presentations, research storytelling, elevator pitches, networking sessions, a collaboration wall, and expert seminars.

Professor Dr Md Toufiq Alam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Barishal, attended as chief guest. Professor Dr Md Abu Bin Hasan Susan, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, was the keynote speaker. Special guests included Professor Dr Md Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Pirojpur University of Science and Technology; Professor Dr Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali University of Science and Technology; Professor Dr Shafiqul Baroi, Vice-Chancellor of Trust University; Professor Dr S M Hemayet Jahan, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Dhaka; Professor Dr Subrata Kumar Aditya; Professor Dr Suraiya Parvin; Professor Dr Muhammad Manjurul Karim; and Dr Md Rakibul Haque. Muhammad Mosahedullah, Deputy General Manager of Pubali Bank, Barishal Region, was also present. The programme was presided over by Md Azam Khan, President of the Barishal University Research Society.

Opening the summit, Professor Toufiq Alam said: 'Today, a new chapter is being written in the history of the University of Barishal. The curiosity and exploration of youth will shape future research. Research is not a solitary journey – it is a collective art of learning.'

In his keynote, Professor Abu Bin Hasan Susan stressed the need for collaboration across disciplines given limited access to advanced laboratories and equipment: 'Making mistakes in research is not failure – it is part of learning.'

The summit began at 9:00am with a symbolic tree-watering. In the inaugural session, convenor Md Azam Khan, S M Sadek (Founder and Director, Bangladesh Research Society), Dr Hafiz Ashraful Haque (Research Director), and Chief Adviser Dr Md Khorshed Alam delivered welcome remarks.

An expert jury board evaluated submissions and presented the Best Paper Award to Sabikun Nahar Sumi and the Best Poster Award to Md Lagbi Adnan. Sub-theme awards went to Professor Armin Khatun, Md Ferdous Ahmed, Nusrat Jahan, Md Shahin Ahmed, and Meraj Hossain Chishti; Mst Kamrun Nahar Hena was recognised in the storytelling category.

Professor Dr Md Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Pirojpur University of Science and Technology, closed the event, noting: 'Research is the foundation of a sustainable Bangladesh. Young researchers are the architects of an inclusive and resilient future.'

Sponsors and partners: Pubali Bank PLC (title sponsor), City Bank (gold sponsor), and Sonali Bank PLC (silver sponsor). BDJobs served as career partner; media partners were Jamuna TV, The Business Standard, Kaler Kantho, and Ajker Patrika. Ispahani and Deco were food partners.

Organisers said the summit provided a platform for young researchers nationwide to exchange ideas and strengthen real-world problem-solving skills. Since its inception, the Barishal University Research Society has promoted a student research culture through activities and collaborative projects; the summit is its most ambitious initiative to date.