Future scientists on the rise: Biotech students visit IFRB and ICDDR,B

Learning does not stop within the classroom walls. This became clear when Brac University’s Biotechnology students visited the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDR,B) on 7th August as part of their BTE303: Basic Immunology course and the Institute of Food and Radiation Biology (IFRB), Atomic Energy Commission on 21st August as part of their BTE306: Industrial Biotechnology course, aiming to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

At IFRB, students explored nine specialised laboratories covering gamma source units, food safety, irradiation, microbiology, plant biotechnology, molecular radiobiology, insect biology, and genetic engineering. They were inspired to think like real scientists, witnessing the advanced equipment and research, and imagining they would work in such labs in future. Avijit Saha (Junior, MNS) remarked, “Seeing the equipment and learning about its functions, it’s easier for us to relate to our lecture. Visiting IFRB along with our faculty was undoubtedly a valuable experience in our academic journey.” He believes that collaboration between academia and industry is vital for effective learning. At ICDDR,B, students had a rare chance to observe how immunology and biomedical research are conducted professionally by visiting four labs in total. Moonshayat Azad Arshi (Sophomore, MNS) shared, “This visit exceeded my expectations as I saw advanced equipment in action and learnt many things beyond lectures.” 

Syed Akib Hossain (Lecturer, MNS) said, “I believe students became more interested in studying certain topics out of curiosity and researching those topics they observed. They witnessed the professional environment, work ethics, institutional policies, good laboratory practices, and research diversity.” This field trip was a reminder that learning becomes deeper when it is experienced. The natural surroundings provided them with exposure to spend lively moments beyond the monotonous city life.