This time Scientific Bangladesh has talked with Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain. He is an Associate professor in the
newly founded Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University. He briefly shared his experience and insights. Let’s read it
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Would you like to tell us about your academic and research life? In another way, how would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Hello everyone. My name is Mohammad Nazir Hossain and I am from Bangladesh. My present affiliation is Associate Professor, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University. I did my Bachelor’s and master’s from Dhaka University in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I was awarded a Ph.D. degree from Yokohama City University, Japan in 2006. I love aging research and like to find out new Biomolecules responsible for longevity.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you a researcher and/or a teacher? In another way, what is the story behind your becoming a researcher?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Back in 1993 BTV (Bangladesh Television) used to telecast BBC and CNN. There was one program on BBC named Horizon which intrigued me a lot. First time ever in my life I came to know about Biotechnology from Horizon Program. I was moved by the tremendous potential of Biotechnology. Since then I decided to be a research in Biotechnology.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How do you manage the fund for research? From where you get funds for research?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: I get funds from UGC (University Grants Commission) of Bangladesh and some funds from private sources.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: Do you think Bangladeshi researchers apply enough for international funds?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Not at all.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: Inadequate fund for research is a major problem in Bangladesh. What would you say in response to pointing fingers by many to this basic problem worldwide, not only in Bangladesh?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: When we talk about funding, I think we researchers get the least priority. The think tanks of Bangladesh do not think about technology and innovation. They think to buy and use the technology and inventions of others. Such a mentality should change. In developed countries, research funding mostly comes from corporate sectors. But in our country, we don’t have such a practice.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your research area? What type of research facilities/ infrastructures you have or developed over years and how?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: My research area is aging and finding anti-aging molecules.
7. Scientific Bangladesh: Tell us about your publications and patent, if any. Tell more about your most loved publication/s and/or patents.
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: At present, I have around 30 publications. I and my co-workers developed an anti-aging drink, patented in Japan, and sold worldwide.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Would you like to share your google scholar, LinkedIn or any other profile?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohammad_Hossain91
9.Scientific Bangladesh: Tells us about research grants and awards you have obtained till now.
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: UGC Bd, B & C cosmetics Japan, Nepagene Japan, Bex Japan, ILTS japan
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What 1. qualities and 2. skills you expect in prospective researchers?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: They must have devotion to research and must be keen.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: What are the professional organizations of researchers you involved with? How important it is for researchers to join such professional bodies?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Very important to know the real world of research.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: Do you think different professional bodies of scientists playing their due role in Bangladesh? What are your suggestions for the leading professional organizations of scientists?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Not really. They must come forward to help young promising researchers.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: How important is leadership ability to become a great researcher? Should researchers take leadership training? Did you ever get training on Leadership?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: Leadership training is very much needed to make to the efficient research team and to obtain the desired outcome.
14. Scientific Bangladesh: If asked what will be your three suggestions for the Science Ministry of Bangladesh?
Dr. Mohammad Nazir Hossain: 1. Provide more research funds devoid of political faces. 2. Encourage young researchers to do new and innovative research. 3. Make corporate giants nourish promising researchers.
