The Rajshahi University Education Club (RUEC) successfully hosted the RUEC 1st International Research Conference 2025 on 6–7 September, transforming the university campus into a vibrant hub of scholarly exchange, innovation, and cultural celebration.

Themed “Advancing Knowledge and Innovation Across Disciplines for Social Transformation”, the two-day conference received over 1,600 research abstract submissions from representatives of more than 100 higher education institutions across 10 countries. A total of 380 research papers were selected for presentation, featuring oral presentations, poster sessions, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, panel discussions, workshops, keynote speeches, and cultural programmes.

“Our main objective was to create a platform where young researchers, teachers, and students from home and abroad could exchange knowledge freely and become inspired to pursue impactful research,” said Rayhana Malik Senjuti, President of RUEC and Convener of the conference.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Mohammad Kaykobad, educationist and professor at BRAC University, who highlighted the importance of nurturing Bangladesh’s intellectual potential. A panel discussion titled “Shaping the Future: Research for Social Transformation in National and Global Contexts” featured Professor Nasir Uddin (University of Chittagong), Dr Muhammad Tarique Arafat (Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering, BUET), and Md Zohurul Islam (Member Directing Staff, Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre).

A workshop on “Research Visibility and Academic Branding through Digital Media” was conducted virtually by Dr Rosemary Avance, Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University. With over 1,000 participants, the session offered strategies for strengthening academic identity and research impact.

The conference featured more than 250 oral presentations and 100 poster presentations. In the 3MT competition, Md Toufiq Hasan from Bangladesh Agricultural University emerged as champion. Ten international participants from Pakistan, Nepal, India, and the United States also presented their research. Notable awardees included Rajen Phellu (Best Oral Presentation, Arts, Culture and Humanities) and Pitambar Sapkota and Sandeep Paudel (Business, Management and Innovation), both from Nepal.

Professor Saleh Hasan Naqeeb, Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University, emphasised the ethics of research, underlining that academic honesty and integrity form the foundation of meaningful scholarship.

Participants lauded the conference for its impact. Helal Uddin (Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University) noted how workshops and networking sessions broadened his perspective, while Tasnim Taher (Government Titumir College) said, “I realised that research is not limited to books or papers; its true beauty lies in exchanging ideas and sharing experiences.” The event also attracted 500 registered observers from 80 institutions.

Looking ahead, Fuad Pablo, Founder of RUEC and Conference Chair, said, “We aim to continue organising this conference regularly so that young researchers not only present their work but also use research to drive social change.” Anjum Tasnim, General Secretary of RUEC, added, “We have seen participants gain knowledge and feel motivated to make a positive impact on society. That is our greatest achievement.”

By combining rigorous academic exchange with cultural enrichment, the RUEC 1st International Research Conference 2025 highlighted the potential of youth-driven research in promoting collaboration and social transformation in Bangladesh and beyond.