Stamford University Bangladesh organised an international seminar titled “The Role of Research in Nation Building” on Wednesday at 11:30am at its Siddheswari campus auditorium, highlighting the importance of research in national development and building a knowledge-based society.

The seminar brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and students from various disciplines to discuss how research can contribute to innovation, policy formulation, and long-term development goals.

Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education, attended the event as chief guest. He said research is a key driver of national development and an essential pillar in achieving a developed nation, aligning with the government’s broader vision for science and innovation.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Associate Dean of Research at the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, and Vice President of the Public Health Association of Australia. He spoke on global research trends, innovation, public health, and the practical application of research in development planning.

The session was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sharif Nafe As-Saber, who emphasised that research is essential for building a prosperous, knowledge-based society and noted that universities must become hubs of research-oriented education and innovation.

Other distinguished participants included Emeritus Professor M Feroze Ahmed; Treasurer and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Professor Dr Mohammad Jeaul Hasan; Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder; Proctor Associate Professor Dr Mrityunjoy Acharjee; and Director of the Stamford University Research Centre (SURC) Dr Md Sharifull Islam.

Speakers throughout the seminar stressed strengthening research capacity, improving academic environments, expanding international collaboration, and encouraging young researchers to engage in innovation for national progress.

The event was jointly organised by the Stamford University Research Centre (SURC) and the Faculty of Science, with organisers expressing hope that such initiatives will strengthen collaboration between academia and policymakers in advancing research and knowledge-sharing.