This week is World Antimicrobial resistance Awareness Week (WAAW). The theme of this year’s WAAW is “Educate Advocate Act now” and so we thought there was no better example of this theme than the work of our friends in Bangladesh.
The Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF), where CAMO-Net Bangladesh is based, are actively engaged in helping to develop the scientists of the future alongside their important work in addressing antimicrobial resistance. CHRF has long been dedicated to reducing child deaths and disabilities from preventable diseases in Bangladesh. In 2022, CHRF initiated the Building Scientists for Bangladesh programme to take this mission further by engaging young people in scientific learning, equipping them with practical skills, and inspiring them to envision careers in research and public health.
The three streams of BSB connect students and early-career professionals with scientific education and practical training.
Stream 1: Bringing Science to People
This stream engages high school students in grades 7 to 12. CHRF organises science camps and interactive discussions in schools, providing all necessary equipment and facilitating sessions led by local scientists. The goal is to make science relevant and accessible through simple experiments that answer everyday questions, such as “What causes diseases?”, “Can antibiotics stop working” and “Is your diet providing the nutrition you need?”
These activities help students develop critical thinking skills and a scientific mindset, encouraging them to observe, question, and analyse the world around them. Participants leave with basic knowledge, practical insights, and take-home materials to share with their families and peers.
Stream 2: Training for School Students
This stream, bringing people to science, also focuses on high school students but offers a more in-depth experience at CHRF’s research laboratory in Dhaka. Students, especially young girls, from outside Dhaka are given priority with provisions for their mothers to accompany them.
Students from Dhaka can attend after-school or holiday science camps. They have the opportunity to work alongside scientists addressing local health challenges, visit hospital and diagnostic facilities, and perform hands-on experiments. Participants receive a certificate and kits to continue their learning. This stream helps students understand practical research and inspires an interest in pursuing careers in science.
Stream 3: Training for University Students and Professionals
This stream is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate life sciences students, as well as professionals, seeking practical laboratory and data analysis training. While many universities provide theoretical education opportunities for hands-on training can be limited. The intensive training programs in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics at CHRF help to fill this gap.
Trainees from around the world
Though CHRF’s BSB initiative has heavily focuses on training Bangladeshi future scientists, but the programme attracts people from around the world, including the UK, Germany, USA, Malaysia, India, and South Korea. They gain experience in clinical research and diagnostic techniques, contributing to building research skills within Bangladesh. Participants receive a certificate upon completion, which supports their development and future career opportunities.
Dr Senjuti Saha, Deputy Executive Director at the CHRF and CAMO-Net Bangladesh Lead said of the project, “At CHRF, we believe that building a generation of future scientists who are equipped with practical skills and a love for science is essential for the progress of public health. This programme is designed to create a community of thinkers and innovators who can tackle local and global challenges. We know that when young people come together to learn and share their ideas, incredible things can happen.”
CHRF has trained over 700 students and professionals and engaged with more than 140 institutions through BSB. Since 2022, they conducted 12 science discussions, spanning 11 districts across the country and reached over 10,600 students through this initiative. By nurturing talent, fostering curiosity and providing access to cutting-edge resources, CHRF’s Building Scientists for Bangladesh programme is more than an educational initiative, it’s a movement to empower the next generation of innovators to change the world! By working with partners such as CAMO-Net, CHRF helps strengthen the scientific community and supports the development of future researchers and professionals.
