School of Data and Sciences hosts a discussion on advancing home-grown science in the developing world
On February 3rd, the School of Data and Sciences hosted the second installment of The NOW Talks at the Brac University Auditorium. The panel discussion, Standing On Our Own Feet: Developing home-grown Science and Technology in the Developing World Through Activism, brought together leading figures of theoretical sciences, economics, and academia to discuss how developing nations can build infrastructure to create fundamental knowledge. Sadaf Saaz (Membe for the Board of Trustees) moderated the discussion.
The panel featured a distinguished lineup from home and abroad. Breakthrough Fundamental Physics Prize winner Professor Ashoke Sen, Professor Suvrat Raju, recipient of the ICTP and Nishina Asia Prize from the International Center for Theoretical Sciences in India, Professor Jaya Mehta, a Senior Economist at the Joshi Adhikari Institute of Social Sciences in India, and Professor Dr. Mahbub Majumdar (Dean, School of Data Sciences) joined the discussion.
Following a week-long Jamal Nazrul Islam Memorial Winter School in theoretical and mathematical physics held at the RS campus, the visiting experts addressed broader issues in science and education. A central theme was the need for local research and graduate studies centers that can nurture home-grown talent.
Professor Mahbub echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism that private funding from NGOs and corporations could help realize this vision.
He said, “The faculties and students of BracU have made this Winter School possible following the spirit of the July Movement. When we started doing the Maths Olympiad, people were skeptical about how much our students could do, but now we have a gold medal in the International Math Olympiad. We have proven that our students are at the same level as the top students in the world. We just need to create more opportunities for them.”
Professor Sen emphasized creating research institutes to attract scholars back home and help reverse the brain drain. At the same time, Professor Mehta underlined the need to ensure that the benefits of science and technology reach everyone equally.
In closing, Professors Sen, Raju, and Mehta thanked the organizers for inviting them to Bangladesh. They also voiced hope for a strong, collaborative relationship between Bangladesh and India, positioning both as role models for excellence in the developing world.
