Understanding the mind of brain cancer: BSM seminar at BracU
On April 5th, an informative seminar titled “The Deadly Intelligence of Brain Cancer: What a Collaborative Cancer Cell Atlas Is Teaching Us” was organised by the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM), collaborating with BracU’s Department of Microbiology. The session was led by Dr. Ashraf Zaman (Conjoint Lecturer, Garvan Institute of Medical Research). The event welcomed notable figures, including Dr. Sangita Ahmed (General Secretary, BSM), Dr. Aparna Islam (Assistant Dean, SLS), and Dr. Nadia Sultana Deen (Chairperson, MIC).
Dr. Zaman received his doctorate from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and is currently working as a Research and Biobank Officer at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, while also serving as a conjoint lecturer. His expertise lies in brain cancer research, including anticancer drug development, spatial transcriptomics, Single-cell RNA and DNA sequencing, and more.
Photo credit : Collected
At the session, he depicted how modern research is helping scientists understand brain cancer at the cellular level. He also contributed to treating terminal brain cancer, repurposing an asthma drug. Currently, he is focusing on understanding the diversity of cancer cells in aggressive brain tumors using advanced technologies. He shared, “Platforms like these are vital for connecting the emerging scientific advances with real-world health challenges, particularly in countries like Bangladesh. I would be happy to continue supporting Brac University and BSM in the future.”
Mohammad Sajid Aufi Sahil (Sophomore, SLS), an enthusiastic participant, reflected, “These discussions really broadened my perspectives, and now I feel more confident approaching complex research topics.”
The session concluded with appreciation from Dr. Deen. She shared, “Dr. Zaman reemphasized the importance of collaboration between clinicians and researchers in advancing the understanding of human diseases”. In her words, the seminar also that science is not only about innovation, but also a philosophy in which compassion and curiosity work together for the well-being of humanity.
