Marjana Akter, a former student of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) had become the first Bangladeshi woman selected for the United Nations Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025 and based on which she has earned a 7th place spot in the prestigious Asian Youngest 100 Scientist, 2026.

Her journey reflects not only personal excellence but also the growing potential of Bangladesh’s young researchers on the global stage. To know more about her journey of becoming a well-recognised scientist, I sat down with Marjana.

Love for Microbiology

Shortly after beginning her master’s in Microbiology at Bangladesh Agricultural University, she became pregnant with her first child. While pregnant, she continued classes, laboratory work and thesis writing, despite physical challenges.

During the sixth month of pregnancy, she suffered severe respiratory distress and spent five days in the ICU. A few weeks after her daughter Anaiza was born, Marjana successfully defended her MSc thesis.

After completing Masters, getting results and giving IELTS at a point, she came across with the fellowship circular which at first forced her into a limbo of self-doubt. Her husband, Yusha Araf encouraged her in this regard by casually saying, “You can do it. Just give it a shot.”

At that time Marjana was pregnant. So, at the end of the day at around 12 am, she sat with the circular and started filling it, which took her four hours to complete because of so many demands and requirements in the circular.

Luckily, Marjana had fulfilled all the requirements such as age above 35 years, work and study experience in life science, pathogens, research experience etc.

At last, after getting selected in preliminary selection, giving viva’s stage by stage the authorities selected 10 women across 193 countries among which Marjana was one of them, the first Bangladeshi female researcher for the 2025 United Nations Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship.

Only after two months of getting this Biosecurity fellowship, based on her work and research in the field of Agricultural Sciences, she became the recipient of the top 100 youngest scientists of Asia.

Marjana is the mother of a daughter, Anaiza Araf, who is 14 months old. Continuing research alongside family and personal responsibilities has not been an easy path. Yet, through patience, hard work and dedication, she has represented Bangladesh in the international biosecurity arena.

Her husband, Yusha Araf, is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Auckland. He is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Resolinc, a New Zealand based wireless power transfer company. Together, this research and innovation-oriented family, living in Switzerland, has become an inspiring example for the younger generation.

Through this fellowship, Marjana had the opportunity to engage internationally with biosecurity, biosafety, science diplomacy and the responsible use of biological sciences. In the post-Covid world, infectious disease preparedness, laboratory biosafety, biological risk reduction and global health security have become more important than ever. In that context, the international recognition of a young Bangladeshi woman researcher in biosecurity is highly significant.

As a young mother, researcher and Bangladesh’s first female UN Young Women for Biosecurity Fellow, her recognition carries an added layer of significance.

The weight of the Asian Scientist 100, 2026 list becomes clear when looking at other honourees from the same year. In this context, Marjana Akter’s inclusion is a matter of special pride for Bangladesh. As an early career researcher, her name now appears on a platform that also features Nobel laureates, an Abel Prize winner and internationally recognised leaders in science, public health, engineering, climate action and technology.

Her recognition sends a powerful message to young researchers in Bangladesh, especially women in science: with opportunity, hard work, mentor support, and belief in oneself, it is possible to reach the global stage.

Marjana Akter’s achievement is an inspiring milestone for young Bangladeshi researchers, particularly women in science. Her journey is still at an early stage, but this recognition shows that researchers from Bangladesh can actively contribute to global science, biosecurity, science diplomacy and research leadership.

The Asian Scientist 100 recognises outstanding scientists, researchers, innovators and academic leaders across Asia and the Asia Pacific region. To be acknowledged on the list, an honouree must have received a national or international research prize in the preceding year, made a significant scientific discovery, or demonstrated leadership in academia or industry.

Inclusion in the list is not merely a media mention. It is a recognition of documented scientific contribution, leadership and impact, which is also a proud matter for Bangladesh.