In a pioneering move, East West University (EWU) hosted its very first “Research Day 2025” on Saturday, May 24, at its Aftabnagar campus in Dhaka, marking a new chapter in its journey toward promoting a robust culture of research and fostering stronger ties between academic institutions and industries.
The day-long program began with a welcoming address from Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU. In his remarks, he reaffirmed the university’s dedication to advancing interdisciplinary research and stressed the importance of creating knowledge that tackles pressing real-world issues. According to a university press release, Dr. Rahman called on both students and faculty to contribute to a research ecosystem that drives innovation and progress.
Serving as the chief guest, Shelley A. Mubdi, a trustee of the university, shared her views on the evolving role of private universities in shaping national growth through impactful research. She emphasized the value of sustained investment in academic infrastructure, research training, and cross-sector engagement as key enablers of national innovation.
Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, presided over the session. In his address, he commended the university’s scholars for their research efforts and called for deeper collaboration between academic and industry stakeholders to turn academic research into real-world solutions.
Among the most engaging parts of the event were two expert-led panel discussions that drew insights from both scholars and professionals in the private sector.
The first panel, themed “The Role of Research in Building an Innovative Bangladesh,” examined how strategic investments in research across various fields—including healthcare, education, agriculture, and technology—can catalyze sustainable national advancement. Panelists discussed the broader social and economic benefits of embedding innovation into public policy and community development.
The second panel discussion, titled “Academic-Industry Partnerships in Research: Possibilities and Barriers,” addressed the complex but promising relationship between universities and businesses. Speakers explored challenges such as limited funding, gaps in policy support, and weak communication channels, while also sharing successful case studies and collaborative strategies that have delivered measurable outcomes.
Professor Hasina Khan, a distinguished geneticist and former faculty member at the University of Dhaka; Professor Dr. Rashidul Haque, a seasoned academic and research strategist; and Dr. A.K.M. Masud, a policy researcher and analyst, engaged in insightful discussions.
Industry perspectives were shared by Humaira Azam, CEO and Managing Director of Trust Bank Ltd.; Firoz Mohammad, a senior expert in technological development; and Shihab Ahmed, an active member of Bangladesh’s growing startup and innovation community. Their collective input highlighted the untapped potential of university-industry partnerships in driving applied research and economic innovation.
Another standout segment of the event was the “Three-Minute Presentation” session, where students and faculty were challenged to present their current research projects within just three minutes. This segment encouraged concise, engaging communication and offered a snapshot of the diverse and dynamic research being conducted across EWU’s departments. Projects covered a range of topics, from artificial intelligence and green technology to public health and sustainable urban design.
The event was ended with an award and recognition ceremony. The university honored distinguished Professor Dr. Mozammel Haque Azad Khan, from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his significant contributions to academic research and leadership.
Additionally, 72 students and faculty members were presented with certificates of recognition for their exceptional research efforts across various disciplines. These awards served as both an acknowledgment of academic achievement and a motivation for future scholarly work.
By organizing its first Research Day, East West University has set a precedent for building a vibrant academic environment focused on inquiry, collaboration, and real-world impact. The event created space for meaningful conversations, celebrated research excellence, and showcased the university’s ongoing commitment to national and global knowledge advancement.
Plans are already underway to make Research Day an annual event, with future editions expected to feature international collaborators, policy-focused discussions, and multidisciplinary innovation showcases.
