What an incredible day it was at the Child Health Research Foundation on September 6th, as we celebrated the bright young minds shaping the future of science in Bangladesh! The 3rd Graduation Ceremony for 43 high school trainees from 11 different cohorts of our "Building Scientists for Bangladesh (BSB)" program was a true highlight. These brilliant students, who participated in the Science Explorers, Global Health Pathways: Infectious Disease Training for International Students, Research in Biological Sciences for Beginners, and Infectious Disease Detectives programs, came together to share their inspiring stories and experiences.
The event began with an uplifting speech from Dr. Senjuti Saha, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with enthusiasm and learning. Jaasia Momtahena Hafsa, one of our dedicated trainers, followed with an engaging presentation on the work CHRF is doing to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Our "Building Scientists for Bangladesh" Stream 2 program immerses students in the fascinating world of microbiology. During the ceremony, trainees proudly demonstrated their skills in pathogen identification using microbiological analyses and molecular biology techniques. They had also learned how to perform antibiotic susceptibility testing an essential technique to determine the most effective antibiotics for fighting bacterial infections. Beyond lab work, the students honed their science communication skills, using animation and creative design to explain complex concepts with ease.
The 12 student presentations left us in awe of their creativity and passion. One memorable moment was seeing Meena, the beloved cartoon character, don a CHRF-branded lab coat—a fun and imaginative touch! The students continued to impress with video game-inspired presentations and captivating topics like flesh-eating bacteria that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Our trainees, ranging from grade 8 students to high school graduates, represented an incredible diversity of schools, including SFX Greenherald International School, Bangladesh International Tutorial (BIT), Playpen School, Scholastica, Academia, Quaser Educational Services, and many more. Some students even joined us from the USA, reflecting the global reach and impact of our programs.
We are especially proud of students who traveled from cities like Bogura and Chattogram to participate, demonstrating their commitment to learning and contributing to the scientific community. Their dedication embodies the spirit of the "Building Scientists for Bangladesh" initiative—expanding the horizons of science and health research both locally and globally.
As we congratulate these talented young scientists, we look forward to the positive change they will bring to their communities and the health sciences field. We are confident that they will make significant contributions, and their journey is a testament to the success of CHRF’s commitment to nurturing the future of science through the "Building Scientists for Bangladesh" initiative.