BRAC University, University of Reading discuss research collaboration
BRAC University recently hosted a meeting with the University of Reading (United Kingdom) to explore opportunities for academic collaboration in education and research.
The two institutions exchanged information, outlined shared priorities, and expressed interest in collaborating across a broad range of disciplines.
The meeting, held at BRAC University's Merul Badda campus in Dhaka on 28 and 29 January 2026, focused on how both universities could leverage their respective strengths to address shared academic and societal challenges. Discussions also explored ways to support future academic collaboration and to strengthen research engagement between the institutions, with particular emphasis on research themes relevant to the Global South.
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Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), University of Reading, highlighted the institution's long-standing experience in transnational education and expressed interest in developing a partnership that is meaningful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University, emphasised the importance of joint degree programmes and stated that international academic engagement would help strengthen the university's institutional capacity. He said BRAC University aspires to become a leading university from the Global South in the coming years, adding that this is both a vision and an achievable goal.
BRAC University was also represented by Sadaf Saaz Siddiqui, Member, Board of Trustees; Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Ariful Islam, Treasurer; Dr David Dowland, Registrar; Professor Mujibul Haque, Dean, BRAC Business School; Professor Aparna Islam, Assistant Dean, School of Life Sciences; and Dr Iftekhar Bin Naser, Chair, Department of Biotechnology.
The University of Reading delegation included Professor Sarah Cardey, Director of Internationalisation, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development; Professor Simon Mortimer, Head, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development; and Ashley Burke, Head of Global Partnerships.
Through this transnational collaboration, BRAC University states it continues to advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Global Partnerships).
