Inside BracU’s Journey at the Future Biotechnologists Summit
On April 25, in celebration of World DNA Day, the Network of Young Biotechnologists organised the Future Biotechnologists Summit and the 6th International Young Biotechnologists Congress 2026 at the University of Dhaka. BracU students Sanjida Akter (Senior, SLS), Nowshin Jahan (Alumna, SLS), Samaila Islam Ocean (Senior, SLS),Tafsirul Sharif Shuvo (Junior, SLS), Adiat Muhtasim (Senior, SLS), Abid Mahmud (Senior, SLS) representing BioNova, along with Salman Masud (Sophomore, SLS), and Fahim Dian Shwarit (Sophomore, SLS), made a remarkable impact at the national platform.
Sanjida Akter became the champion of the 1st National Biotechnology Communication Contest in the BioStory segment, translating a paper that explores a novel approach to arthritis treatment and shows how a synthetic molecule can effectively suppress inflammation. She reflected, “Science communication in Bangla is not a lesser form of science – it’s one of the hardest things to do right. This gave me the encouragement to try new things and not be afraid of criticism.”
Sanjida Akter receiving the award, Photo credit: Collected
Nowshin Jahan, the 1st runner-up in Environmental & Agricultural Biotechnology poster presentation, presented her work on oxygen-infused nanobubble treatment to inactivate harmful pathogens in Dhaka’s polluted surface water. Inspired by a class lecture, her work had previously been recognised at the International Biotechnology Conference 2025. She expressed, “This achievement reflects months of dedication and a quiet belief that one day my work would be recognised and valued by the scientific community.” Another achievement came from BioNova, which earned 1st runner-up in the BioVenture segment for its project to produce bioethanol from agricultural waste. The team highlighted a journey of resilience through entrepreneurship.
Nowshin Jahan receiving the award, Photo credit: Collected
Behind these stories is Dr Munima Haque (Associate Professor, SLS), whose mentorship is a shared journey where both success and failure are collective experiences. She noted with pride, “When there is nothing on the horizon yet, they take my hand and walk towards it.”
