National Biotech Olympiad and Innovative Idea Contest at Brac University: Paving the Way for Future Biotech Leaders
The Brac University’s Biotechnology programme, in collaboration with the BRAC University Natural Science Club, organised the National Biotechnology Olympiad and Innovative Idea Contest on July 7 to highlight the brilliance and potential of the biotechnology field.
The inauguration of the National Biotech Olympiad was a grand affair brimming with enthusiasm. Dr. Munima Haque, the Associate Professor and Director of the Biotechnology Programme, gave the welcoming speech, while A F M Yusuf Haider, Chairman of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at BRAC University, formally inaugurated the event.
The National Biotech Olympiad:
Around 150 individuals representing 27 universities across the country actively participated in the olympiad. These brilliant minds congregate in the sacred spaces of research and discovery, conveying the promise of their deep wisdom and invincible commitment. Students demonstrated their profound expertise and prowess in the biotechnology field in the olympiad.
The young students and future biotech leaders exhibited their expertise in genetic engineering, precision medicine, and bioinformatics at the olympiad. Dr. Jetekhar bin Naser, an esteemed expert in the field, initiated the setting for compelling challenges that are intended to test the resolve of these ambitious biotechnology researchers with unflinching zeal. They employ their grasp of genetics, molecular biology, and cutting-edge methods to weave together the delicate threads of DNA in perfect unison.
Innovative Idea Contest:
The journey does not stop there, though! The spirit of the students evolves as the National Biotech Innovative Idea Contest approaches. Enthusiasm ignites within the hearts of the participants as they present their groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to completely alter the field of biotechnology in the contest. Their voices rang with conviction as they shared their intention to help create a more promising and sustainable future.
The contest was chaired by Dr. Iftekhar Bin Naser, while Dr. Sabrina Moriom Elias, Assistant Professor of the Independent University Bangladesh; Dr. Ishrat Jabeen, Assistant Professor of the North South University; Pratul Dipta Somadder, Assistant Professor of the Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University; and Abdullah Al Jubayer, Assistant Professor of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, were present as the Jury members.
Discussion on Career in the Biotech Field:
After the rigorous competition, a discussion titled “Career Discussion with Biotech Experts: Challenges and Opportunities in Biotechnology as a Career,” was held to encourage young biotech leaders. The students were able to receive valuable insights and recommendations regarding their professional paths.
Dr. Mustak Ibn Ayub, Assistant Professor of the University of Dhaka, Dr. Zahid Hayat Mahmud, Scientist of the icddr,b, Md. Mizanur Rahman, CEO, NIPRO JMI Pharma Ltd, Md. Shawkat Hossain, Bio-Process and Bio-Therapeutics Developer and R&D Head, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, were the esteemed discussants of this segment.
Suraia Nasrin, the Chairperson of the Department of Biotechnology at East West University; Dr. Dilara Islam Sarif, the Chairperson of the Department of Biotechnology at Jagannath University; Dr. Sabina Yeasmin, the Chairperson of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Dhaka; and Dr. Salimullah, the Director General of the National Institute of Biotechnology, also attended the event.
Closing and Award Giving Ceremony
The event came to its conclusion with the Closing and award-giving ceremony, where Dr. Iftekhar Bin Naser did the honour of opening the segment and summarising the event.
Ayesha Siddiqua, Tamzidur Rahman, and Sharup Hasan Anando from the University of Dhaka placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the junior category. While Suvroto Kormokar from the University of Dhaka, Muhammad Sibgatullah Zunnun from the University of Dhaka, and Victor Ebube Madubueze from Brac University placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the senior category.
In the innovative idea contest, the first position was secured by Sabiba Rahman Faraizi of North South University, second position was secured by Azrin Nahian from Brac University; and Durba Saha from Brac University secured the third position.
The Biotech Olympiad presented an exclusive platform for enthusiasts of biotechnology to actively participate and present their innovative ideas and skills. Such a competition serves the purpose of enhancing public awareness regarding biotechnology and its applications, thereby creating interest among students to study biotechnology.
