Young researchers converge at CU as 'Scholars Convergence' research summit held

A strong and largely spontaneous turnout of young researchers marked an international-standard research conference titled "Scholars Convergence: Research and Innovation Summit 2026" at the University of Chittagong on Saturday (31 January).

The day-long conference, held at the auditorium of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, aimed to encourage students to engage in research, innovation and interdisciplinary academic practice. It was organised by the Chittagong University Scientific Society (CUSS), a science-based organisation of the university registered under the National Museum of Science and Technology, according to a press release.

The event provided an open platform for students, early-career researchers and professionals to present their work through oral and poster sessions. Organisers said participants were allowed to submit research abstracts free of charge at the initial stage, a move that helped widen participation.

The conference focused on four thematic areas: Physical and Chemical Sciences; Life and Health Sciences; Engineering, Technology and Information Sciences; and Earth, Environment and Sustainable Development Sciences. Prominent national and international academics joined the sessions as chairs, keynote speakers and guest speakers.

The Physical and Chemical Sciences session was chaired by Professor Dr AKM Moinul Haque Meaze of the University of Chittagong and Asian University for Women. Associate Professors Dr Md Kamrul Hossain and Dr Kamol Dey from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chittagong, delivered keynote speeches, while Assistant Professor Md Abadat Hossain of Port City International University spoke as a guest.

For Engineering, Technology and Information Sciences, Professor Dr Md Murshadul Hoque of the University of Chittagong chaired the session. Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor Dr Zhihua Zhang of Shandong University, China, and Professor Dr Md Asifur Rahman of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Associate Professor Dr Lipon Chandra Dash of the University of Chittagong attended as a guest speaker.

The Life and Health Sciences session was chaired by Professor Dr A M Masudul Azad Chowdhury of the University of Chittagong. Associate Professor Dr Md Mahbub Hasan delivered the keynote address, while Assistant Professors Dr Mitasree Barua of Chandpur Medical College and Dr Shafika Afroz of Southern Medical College and Hospital spoke as guest speakers.

The Environment and Sustainable Development Sciences session was chaired by Professor Dr M Shafiqul Islam. Dr Tonia Astrid Capuano of the Institute of Oceanography, University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote speech. Guest speakers included Professor Dr Biswajit Nath and Assistant Professor Dr Sohag Miah, both from the University of Chittagong.

The inaugural address was delivered by Professor Dr Al Forkan, advisor of CUSS and conference chair. Opening remarks were made by Kakon Saha, joint general secretary and conference secretary, and Anonya Dey, keynote coordinator.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong Professor Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter attended as the chief guest. In his address, he urged students to become research-oriented, saying sustainable human progress is impossible without continuous research and innovation. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Shamim Uddin Khan attended as a special guest and wished success for the initiative.

In the concluding session, Professor Dr Laila Khaleda, advisor and conference patron, expressed gratitude to participants and encouraged continued engagement in research. The conference convenor was Abidul Moula Khan, senior vice president of CUSS. Mohammad Ekramul Haque Ekram, vice president and co-director, and Pratik Datta, joint general secretary and overall coordinator, also addressed the audience.

Closing remarks were delivered by KM Sifat Shahrin Shawccho, president of CUSS and chief director of the conference, who thanked participants, speakers and partners.

The opening session was moderated by Rufaida Siddiquee, media and press secretary, while the closing session was moderated by Mobashira Anika, communications executive, along with general member Tamim Sarkar.

The programme included keynote panel discussions, research presentations, an award distribution ceremony and cultural performances. Participants received conference kits, certificates, networking opportunities and logistical support.

The National Museum of Science and Technology co-organised the event. BRAC was the overall sponsor, with Research Buddy AI as supporting partner. Janata Bank joined as strategic partner, the Center for Drug Research and Development as kits partner, and Nescafé as beverage partner. Several national media outlets served as media partners.

Organisers said they expect the conference to play a meaningful role in strengthening research and innovation culture at the University of Chittagong and beyond.