The Molecular Biology Research Group under the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at Islamic University (IU), Kushtia, has organised the Biology Think Tank Meeting 2025 in Sylhet, bringing together senior scientists, biotechnologists and young researchers to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities in biological sciences.
The three-day meeting was held from 1 to 3 January at the BRAC Learning Centre in Sylhet, under the theme “Solving complex problems through collaborative science and community actions.” The event aimed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthen connections between scientific research and societal needs.
Renowned geneticist Dr Abed Chowdhury attended the programme as the keynote speaker. Other participants included Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam of Islamic University; scientists from the National Institute of Biotechnology—Dr Iftekhar Alam, Dr Shamima Akhter Sharmin and Dr Hafizur Rahman—as well as Professor Dr Basir Uddin from Sylhet Agricultural University. Researchers Dr Ferdous Mohammad Altaf Hossain and Dr Kazi Mohammad Ali Jinnah also took part in the discussions.
During the meeting, participants engaged in in-depth and constructive dialogue on modern biotechnology research, sustainable agricultural development, eco-friendly technologies, healthcare innovation and the role of biological sciences in biodiversity conservation. Speakers highlighted the growing importance of biotechnology in ensuring sustainable development, food security, addressing the impacts of climate change and improving public health in Bangladesh.
They noted that think tank initiatives play a vital role in building effective linkages among researchers, policymakers and the wider community, helping to translate scientific innovation into practical and impactful solutions.
In his keynote address, Dr Abed Chowdhury said scientific research should not remain limited to academic publications but must contribute directly to solving real-life societal problems. He also observed that unnecessary regulatory complexities often restrict scientists’ freedom to think creatively and slow the transfer of research outcomes to the public.
Dr Chowdhury urged policymakers to identify existing barriers within the research ecosystem and take prompt and effective measures to address them, enabling scientific research to play a stronger role in national development.
