The present fourteen party alliance govt. has come to power raising hope with slogan of change and digital Bangladesh. Though digital Bangladesh indicates that the govt. will emphasize on information technology and it was also clear from the interview of the state minister for MOSICT Yeafes Usman with the daily Jaijaidin, scientists expected that science and technology as a whole will get priority for full fulfillment of the pledges of the govt. But Scientists’ community was shocked and disappointed a state minister for the science ministry. They think that appointing a state minister for science ministry is sign of negligence to science and technology. So they have raised voice for a cabinet minister for the science ministry. Not doubt this is a just demand. But question is , will a cabinet minister satisfy our need or bring change that scientific organizations of Bangladesh need? Did’t we have cabinet minister for science ministry? A very brilliant scientist who never became second in his academic life, who had working experience in research organization like Bell institute was cabinet minister for science ministry of Bangladesh. Question is, were Bangladesh scientist’s community happy with his performance? Did he bring any significant change in the research culture and performance of the country? Answer is a big NO. He could not satisfy the scientists’ community by bringing necessary changes in the science ministry. Why? Because he, firstly he had no vision regarding science and technology. Hence he did’t take the charge of science ministry when he was transferred from information ministry to science ministry. He regarded this transfer as a demotion of him .Later he borrowed some vision regarding Information and communication technology and joined science ministry on the condition that science ministry be named as “ministry of science and Information and communication technology”.
But did he succeed in bring his vision in reality? Big NO. Why? Lack of efficiency. He could not get voice heard, vision shared with his cabinet colleagues. So didn’t get enough funding for ICT. ICT was not given enough importance PRSP (poverty removal). So he thrown the PRSP paper in a conference in presence of World Bank representative as a trash paper as it did not include ICT for poverty elevation tool. Who does show such anger? Any efficient person? No, only inefficient person who can not get his voice heard, vision shared express anger in such a way in such a place.
Before that we had state minister for science ministry. Though he had no vision, as evident from his activity, he had more efficiency being an ex-bureaucrat, than the scientist cabinet minister. So the ministry run well during his tenure. But due to lack of vision , there was no significant change, no significant progress of Bangladesh in science and technology research.
What will happen if the present state minister is promoted to cabinet minister of the same ministry? Will there have significant change? Will it increase his ability or performance or give him any vision? Many people don’t think so. Moreover, due to his position in the party, there is no chance for him to be a cabinet minister. Then to fulfill the demand of cabinet minister in the science ministry some one needs to be transferred in this ministry or some one new to be appointed.
What will happen if the generally regarded as honest and efficient minister s credited for making Bangladesh self sufficient in food is transferred in science ministry? The ministry may run more efficiently and honestly. Corruption may be reduced; day to day activity may be little bit faster. But will it bring significant change that is needed for lifting Bangladesh from a “scientifically lagging” country to “scientifically developing “ country by 2021with the vision of making Bangladesh a scientifically advanced country 2030 or 2050? No, analyzing her attitude, work style and speeches we find nothing such that can make us hopeful for big change even if she is in the science ministry.
What about one adviser who is chemist and was VC of a university? If he is appointed science minister, will he be able make the scientists’ community happy by bringing necessary changes? His track record as VC and other positions don’t make us hopeful.
We can think of another ex- VC who is active in present govt. party politics and pharmaceutical scientist. Can we be hopeful with him as science minister? No, personally I am not. During his tenure as VC of my university, there had significant construction work due to his easy access to the high command of the party. But he could not bring any change in the quality of environment, teaching and research of the university.
The common lacking of the persons discussed above is lack of vision. Some might have efficiency but due to lack of vision, they could not and will not meet our expectation as science minister.
Then whom do we want as science Minister? Can we name any one from the present government party on whom we have confidence that as science minister, he can bring expected changes?
I can not. Can they name who are raising voice for a cabinet minister for science ministry? If can, then they should specify the person on whom they have confidence and clearly demand that we want him as science minister.
If we can not specify any person, then we should not waste time on such demand. Rather we should focus on the changes that are necessary for scientific advancement and engage our time, effort and money to get those changes brought by the present state minister. We should remember that when there is a state minister for a ministry, then prime minister herself is directly in charge of that ministry. So if we can make due pressure, the chance is better to get our demand fulfilled with the state minister than a cabinet minister.
Let's be specific as much as possible on what need to be done for scientific progress of Bangladesh.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bangladesh Academy of Sciences: A mysterious organisation
For scientific and technological advancement of any country, the role of her Academy of Sciences is very crucial.
It seems that Bangladesh Academy of Sciences(BAS) is a mysterious organisation. It seems so as two of the most dynamic and capable Bangladeshi scientists are leading it but its website (www.basbd.org ) does not reflect their dynamism and capability.
Secondly, its officials ,particularly president , hardly identify themselves as executive of this most prestigious organisation for scientists.Honourable president is well known as prominent scientist but few scientists,particularly young scientists,know what is BAS and who are leading it as revealed in a small survey in the largest e-group of Bangladeshi scientists(bdresearchers@yahoogroups.com)
Can we expect that Bangladesh will make progress in scientific research and technology development until and unless BAS becomes a dynamic organisation?
It seems that Bangladesh Academy of Sciences(BAS) is a mysterious organisation. It seems so as two of the most dynamic and capable Bangladeshi scientists are leading it but its website (www.basbd.org ) does not reflect their dynamism and capability.
Secondly, its officials ,particularly president , hardly identify themselves as executive of this most prestigious organisation for scientists.Honourable president is well known as prominent scientist but few scientists,particularly young scientists,know what is BAS and who are leading it as revealed in a small survey in the largest e-group of Bangladeshi scientists(bdresearchers@yahoogroups.com)
Can we expect that Bangladesh will make progress in scientific research and technology development until and unless BAS becomes a dynamic organisation?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
If you want to do PhD in Australia, today is the time to start
If you want to start PhD in the second half of 2009 or at the beginning of 2010 in Australia, today is the time to start.
What you need to do first is to find a suitable supervisor. If you get a suitable supervisor, then he /se will show the path.
Along with your search for supervisor, you have to prepare for IELTS as IELTS is required for getting scholarship and Australian visa. Minimum 6.5. Some universities need 7 or 7.5. The more is score, the better than chance of scholarship. The more is sugar, the sweeter it is.
Don’t be in hurry to sit for IELTS. Take time to ensure good score.
To get a supervisor in your field of interest you have to search the profiles of lecturers’ to professors’ in the filed /subject/faculty/school in which you want to do PhD in the university websites.
Here is the link for all the universities of Australia:
http://www.braintrack.com/linknav.htm?pprevid=28&level=2
Read the recent published papers of the teacher’s .Write a letter to the teacher if you find his work interesting. Don’t forget to mention that you have read his this or that paper and want to do PhD in that filed. Read the conclusion or future direction very carefully. You may find a clue for writing project proposal from this part.
Don’t send the same letter to all. You must give some hints that you have researched on his profile and studied his publications.
Don’t neglect lecturers as lecturers do supervise PhD students in Australia.
You can apply any time for PhD candidature. And applications are considered twice for scholarship. For July –August session, one need to apply by May and for February session, one need to apply by 30 September or 31 October depending on university. Deadline varies with universities. You will be considered for International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS). You may be considered for other scholarships available in the university you have applied.
If you get offer letter for PhD, with it you can also apply for ALA and Endeavour scholarship. Advertisement for application for these scholarships will come in the Bangladeshi newspapers at the end of February or in the beginning of March or even earlier
.
Details information for these scholarships are available in the link below :
http://www.australianscholarships.gov.au/
For theses scholarship too, you need IETS score.
Don’t think that you need to complete master degree to do PhD in Australia. If you have completed or going to complete a 4 year bachelor degree with very good result (CGPA>3.5 or around 75% marks), you can apply for PhD and expect scholarship.
Even you don’t get full scholarship, just tuition fee waiver, you can consider to do it for two reasons. Firstly, if you are a good manager of time, you can earn your living expense here from part time jobs. Secondly, you can again apply and may get scholarship in the next semester.
At then end when you are coming to Australia, be sure that you have good skill in driving car whatever you are male or female. It will help you to live little bit far from city centre and save in house rent. Even you will have opportunity to earn some living expenses in your free time.
TO get e-mail alert on scholarship in australian universities , you can subscribe to http://www.jason.edu.au
What you need to do first is to find a suitable supervisor. If you get a suitable supervisor, then he /se will show the path.
Along with your search for supervisor, you have to prepare for IELTS as IELTS is required for getting scholarship and Australian visa. Minimum 6.5. Some universities need 7 or 7.5. The more is score, the better than chance of scholarship. The more is sugar, the sweeter it is.
Don’t be in hurry to sit for IELTS. Take time to ensure good score.
To get a supervisor in your field of interest you have to search the profiles of lecturers’ to professors’ in the filed /subject/faculty/school in which you want to do PhD in the university websites.
Here is the link for all the universities of Australia:
http://www.braintrack.com/linknav.htm?pprevid=28&level=2
Read the recent published papers of the teacher’s .Write a letter to the teacher if you find his work interesting. Don’t forget to mention that you have read his this or that paper and want to do PhD in that filed. Read the conclusion or future direction very carefully. You may find a clue for writing project proposal from this part.
Don’t send the same letter to all. You must give some hints that you have researched on his profile and studied his publications.
Don’t neglect lecturers as lecturers do supervise PhD students in Australia.
You can apply any time for PhD candidature. And applications are considered twice for scholarship. For July –August session, one need to apply by May and for February session, one need to apply by 30 September or 31 October depending on university. Deadline varies with universities. You will be considered for International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS). You may be considered for other scholarships available in the university you have applied.
If you get offer letter for PhD, with it you can also apply for ALA and Endeavour scholarship. Advertisement for application for these scholarships will come in the Bangladeshi newspapers at the end of February or in the beginning of March or even earlier
.
Details information for these scholarships are available in the link below :
http://www.australianscholarships.gov.au/
For theses scholarship too, you need IETS score.
Don’t think that you need to complete master degree to do PhD in Australia. If you have completed or going to complete a 4 year bachelor degree with very good result (CGPA>3.5 or around 75% marks), you can apply for PhD and expect scholarship.
Even you don’t get full scholarship, just tuition fee waiver, you can consider to do it for two reasons. Firstly, if you are a good manager of time, you can earn your living expense here from part time jobs. Secondly, you can again apply and may get scholarship in the next semester.
At then end when you are coming to Australia, be sure that you have good skill in driving car whatever you are male or female. It will help you to live little bit far from city centre and save in house rent. Even you will have opportunity to earn some living expenses in your free time.
TO get e-mail alert on scholarship in australian universities , you can subscribe to http://www.jason.edu.au
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Gold medal award by Bangladesh Academy of Sciences
Recently (August,2006), the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences(BAS), the most prestigious and influential organisation of scientific professionals, has awarded gold medal to eight scientists for their contribution in scientific research in the country. All the newspapers published report on it. But we could not be satisfied as the report was not very informative. There was no information on the identity of scientists, contribution of the scientists for which they were rewarded. I think there is still scope to give due importance to the matter. And your science page is the place to give it due treatment.
I think the science page can and should publish eight reports on the eight persons highlighting the academic background, scientific contribution, organisation involved etc. An interview of each scientist focusing on their suggestion on what the science ministry should do for better performance of scientific organisations can also be included in the report.
Profiles of these distinguished scientists should also be available in the website of BAS www.bas.org.bd
I think the science page can and should publish eight reports on the eight persons highlighting the academic background, scientific contribution, organisation involved etc. An interview of each scientist focusing on their suggestion on what the science ministry should do for better performance of scientific organisations can also be included in the report.
Profiles of these distinguished scientists should also be available in the website of BAS www.bas.org.bd
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Poor Performance Of Bangladeshi Research Organizations: Where Are The Problems?
Frequently we read news that Non Resident Bangladeshi scientists have done this or that excellent research in this or that field or have won prize for his invention or discovery. Though no statistics can be provided but those who are active in different internet based groups of Bangladeshi will agree that there is hardly any world class laboratory where Bangladeshi scientists are not working. Not only that every year increasing number of Bangladeshi science graduates going to the scientifically advanced and proficient countries including USA,UK, Japan, Singapore , Canada, Norway, Korea for PhD or postdoctoral research. At least from this increasing number, we can guess that performance of Bangladeshi science graduates in international standard is satisfactory. This increasing trend indicates high ability of research of Bangladeshi science graduates.
If this is the case, then why the performance of our national research organizations is not at the satisfactory level? Where are the problems?
We need to analyse and find out the reasons for poor performance and take measures accordingly.
Before that we need to know what is performance or what are the factors determining performance. Otherwise we will not be able to find real cause of such poor performance.
The equation for performance is , Performance = ability X motivation.
From the equation we see that the two factors are equality important for performance. Decrease or fall in anyone affects performance and the other factor. If ability is poor or ability can not be utilized, motivation decreases. If motivation is not enough, ability can not be utilized properly. In both the cases, performance decreases. So recruiting able researcher is not enough, keeping them motivated is equally important.
Now come to the point. Where are the problems in Bangladeshi research organisations, in the ability or motivation of the researchers ? Is it that science graduates working in the Bangladeshi laboratories are not able? Or can not utilize their ability? Or not motivated enough to utilize their ability? Answers of these three questions are critical for improvement of performance of Bangladeshi research organizations.
To get answer of the first question, we need to keep in mind that to join in national research organizations one must have at least three first class results in their four degrees/certificates. A large number of very brilliant graduates also join in these organizations. On the other hand, graduates with very good results, good results and below average (with two second class) results go abroad for higher study and then join in research jobs. So we can not say that the average ability of the researchers in national research organizations is poor than the average ability of NRB scientists. So dearth in ability of scientists in Bangladesh is not the cause of poor performance of our national research organizations.
Then is inability to utilize their ability the cause of poor performance? Or lack of motivation to utilize ability or improve ability?
Yes, these are the cause of poor performance of our national research organizations. Then comes the question, why they are not able to utilize their ability or not motivated enough to utilize and improve ability?
What are the specific reasons for which they can not utilize their ability? Lengthy and faulty procurement process for which they don’t know whether they will get the instruments and equipments they are ordering or if yes, and then do not know when. Lengthy and faulty procurement process for which they can not buy whenever and whatever chemicals and reagents they need? Faulty procurement for which any one can get tender for supplying instruments and equipments in these organizations though they don’t have service engineer for installation, giving training on operation and post sale service? One example can be given from the experience of the author. A multifunctional microscope came to one laboratory of the largest research organization of the country at the end of 2006. But those who were working in the lab since august 2003, didn’t know who ordered it and for what purpose. The person who came to handover the microscope didn’t know how to operate it and could not train the users. Similarly, at the beginning of financial year, each laboratory has to give requisition of equipment, instruments and reagents and chemicals as per the allocated fund. People usually give requisition so that all of the allocated fund will be used whether they require all these things or not. They do because if a laboratory can not spend all the money, next time budget of the laboratory will be reduced. If such is the procurement process, how come researchers use their full ability?
Is there any measure to keep the researchers motivated? Neither sticks nor carrot. If some one do excel in his work, no reward. If some one becomes too lethargic, no sticks to wake him up. Such lethargic person gets sympathy during promotion due to seniority. No quality checking of research. Paper for Publication can be sent without sending it through proper channel though using the name of the organization.
Are these all for poor performance of our research organizations? Certainly not.
Disrupted power supply is another reason of poor performance of these organizations. During summer, electricity supply is so disrupted that it is difficult to carry out any experiment for two hours continuously. This problem should be brought to the notice of minister or high official of the ministry. But interesting thing is done during the visit of the ministers or high officials. It is done not to bring the problem to the notice, rather to hide the problem. The Administration of the organization request the local distributor of electricity to keep supply of power at least for the time of the visit of the VIP. They never contact with them other time for constant power supply in the organization. This is the authors experience in his research organization.
Are All reasons for poor performance discussed? No, one major cause is yet to be mentioned. What’s that ? Every body knows it. So even without mentioning it , question can be asked . How much of our research fund is utilized and how much is wasted? Can we utilize 25% of our resources? If the fund is doubled but the management is as inefficient as it is now, what will be consequence of increasing fund? Wastage of money or improvement in research? If fund increases from 100tk to 200tk but its utilization efficiency is still 25%( author’s assumption is that the fund utilization efficiency of Bangladeshi research organization is 25%, in no way it is more than 35%), 50 TK will be utilized and wastage will be 150tk. But even if funding is 100TK, but efficiency is increased to above 50 %, more than 50 TK will be utilized. If efficiency is 75%, then?
So before increasing fund, making the management process efficient to get maximum output of input (Input) more important.
What should be done to create wave in the stagnant pond of Bangladeshi research organizations will be discussed later.
If this is the case, then why the performance of our national research organizations is not at the satisfactory level? Where are the problems?
We need to analyse and find out the reasons for poor performance and take measures accordingly.
Before that we need to know what is performance or what are the factors determining performance. Otherwise we will not be able to find real cause of such poor performance.
The equation for performance is , Performance = ability X motivation.
From the equation we see that the two factors are equality important for performance. Decrease or fall in anyone affects performance and the other factor. If ability is poor or ability can not be utilized, motivation decreases. If motivation is not enough, ability can not be utilized properly. In both the cases, performance decreases. So recruiting able researcher is not enough, keeping them motivated is equally important.
Now come to the point. Where are the problems in Bangladeshi research organisations, in the ability or motivation of the researchers ? Is it that science graduates working in the Bangladeshi laboratories are not able? Or can not utilize their ability? Or not motivated enough to utilize their ability? Answers of these three questions are critical for improvement of performance of Bangladeshi research organizations.
To get answer of the first question, we need to keep in mind that to join in national research organizations one must have at least three first class results in their four degrees/certificates. A large number of very brilliant graduates also join in these organizations. On the other hand, graduates with very good results, good results and below average (with two second class) results go abroad for higher study and then join in research jobs. So we can not say that the average ability of the researchers in national research organizations is poor than the average ability of NRB scientists. So dearth in ability of scientists in Bangladesh is not the cause of poor performance of our national research organizations.
Then is inability to utilize their ability the cause of poor performance? Or lack of motivation to utilize ability or improve ability?
Yes, these are the cause of poor performance of our national research organizations. Then comes the question, why they are not able to utilize their ability or not motivated enough to utilize and improve ability?
What are the specific reasons for which they can not utilize their ability? Lengthy and faulty procurement process for which they don’t know whether they will get the instruments and equipments they are ordering or if yes, and then do not know when. Lengthy and faulty procurement process for which they can not buy whenever and whatever chemicals and reagents they need? Faulty procurement for which any one can get tender for supplying instruments and equipments in these organizations though they don’t have service engineer for installation, giving training on operation and post sale service? One example can be given from the experience of the author. A multifunctional microscope came to one laboratory of the largest research organization of the country at the end of 2006. But those who were working in the lab since august 2003, didn’t know who ordered it and for what purpose. The person who came to handover the microscope didn’t know how to operate it and could not train the users. Similarly, at the beginning of financial year, each laboratory has to give requisition of equipment, instruments and reagents and chemicals as per the allocated fund. People usually give requisition so that all of the allocated fund will be used whether they require all these things or not. They do because if a laboratory can not spend all the money, next time budget of the laboratory will be reduced. If such is the procurement process, how come researchers use their full ability?
Is there any measure to keep the researchers motivated? Neither sticks nor carrot. If some one do excel in his work, no reward. If some one becomes too lethargic, no sticks to wake him up. Such lethargic person gets sympathy during promotion due to seniority. No quality checking of research. Paper for Publication can be sent without sending it through proper channel though using the name of the organization.
Are these all for poor performance of our research organizations? Certainly not.
Disrupted power supply is another reason of poor performance of these organizations. During summer, electricity supply is so disrupted that it is difficult to carry out any experiment for two hours continuously. This problem should be brought to the notice of minister or high official of the ministry. But interesting thing is done during the visit of the ministers or high officials. It is done not to bring the problem to the notice, rather to hide the problem. The Administration of the organization request the local distributor of electricity to keep supply of power at least for the time of the visit of the VIP. They never contact with them other time for constant power supply in the organization. This is the authors experience in his research organization.
Are All reasons for poor performance discussed? No, one major cause is yet to be mentioned. What’s that ? Every body knows it. So even without mentioning it , question can be asked . How much of our research fund is utilized and how much is wasted? Can we utilize 25% of our resources? If the fund is doubled but the management is as inefficient as it is now, what will be consequence of increasing fund? Wastage of money or improvement in research? If fund increases from 100tk to 200tk but its utilization efficiency is still 25%( author’s assumption is that the fund utilization efficiency of Bangladeshi research organization is 25%, in no way it is more than 35%), 50 TK will be utilized and wastage will be 150tk. But even if funding is 100TK, but efficiency is increased to above 50 %, more than 50 TK will be utilized. If efficiency is 75%, then?
So before increasing fund, making the management process efficient to get maximum output of input (Input) more important.
What should be done to create wave in the stagnant pond of Bangladeshi research organizations will be discussed later.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Comments by: Monir Uddin Ahmed on NIB on 9/30/2006
Comments by: Monir Uddin Ahmed , Scientific officer (Microbiologist, ) on 9/30/2006
Name: Monir Uddin Ahmed , Scientific officer (Microbiologist, )
Affiliation : Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
Would you like National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) to be like existing research Institutes? NO
If 'No', would you like partnership between NIB and BRAC/NGO capable of providing high salary for hiring highly to qualified expatriate scientists?: No
How do you like the idea of "brain Circulation" and "Brain Gain"? Add your own if there is any.
Brain circulation and brain Gain may be unique and innovative idea but impractical and unconvincing. It will be very difficult to convince the bureaucrats and policy makers (politicians) for high salary scale and NGO management for NIB. Rather “ Brain Retention “, that is, retaining those who join NIB, is more practical and implementable. This can be achieved with the present salary scale with modern recruitment system, motivational promotion policy, and work worthy procurement procedure.
How do you like the idea of creating postdoctoral positions in NIB and universities? Elaborate.
Very good ideas but what’s about doctoral student?
How about Creation of "Centers of Excellence" for conducting internationally competitive molecular biosciences research to benfit the region? Elaborate.
Who can say against it?
Do you think Development of new drugs is a health priority? Explain if your answer is yes.
Indigenous drug development will help reduce price of drugs. For this the example of Brazil, Cuba, India, Egypt, and china can be followed.More can be learned from “ Conclusion: promoting biotechnological innovation in developing countries” By Halla Thoresteindotti, Uyen Quach, Abdullah S. Daar And Per A Singer from www.nature.com/naturebiotechnology
What is your opinion about Intellectual Property Development & Protection? Add your own if there is any.
Very necessary to protect our resources and innovation and to keep researchers motivated by ensuring financial gain for person and organization.
What is your opinion about for creating biosafety and toxicological studies?
Go ahead if you have scope and facilities
What about supporting the idea for Bangldesh to apply for establishing a "Millennium Institute" under the umbrella of Third World Academy of Sciences" to do molecular biology research?
Who can give any point against it?
Add any other relevant Comments in this column.
To make NIB different from the existing research institute, “Management of manpower, time and money of NIB ” must be different, improved and efficient. To do so, we must find out a visionary full time head of NIB for, at least, the first five years who will be a leader, not BOSS. He must have capabilities to obtain resources from local, regional, national and international granting bodies in addition to the backbone financing from the government. Recruitment must be done by the hand of a human resource specialist. Procurement policy must be cost effective and time saving. Promotion policy must be motivating, not make the scientists lethargic which is occurring in other organizations.
NIB must develop three core complementary activities:
1. Strategic basic research
2. Active technology transfer policy
3. latest scientific information generation for general public and policy makers to make them feel that NIB is doing something for the nation and it deserves funding.
From the proposal of high salary by NGO, it seems that some people have misperception(probably as they have not worked in these organizations) that other research organizations in Bangladesh could not meet our expectation due to low salary. Low salary may have its part in it but not the major cause. The real culprit is the promotion policy and procurement procedure and recruitment system. we should find out very meticulously why other organisations failed to meet the expectation with help of those who worked in these organisations and then set policy for NIB
Name: Monir Uddin Ahmed , Scientific officer (Microbiologist, )
Affiliation : Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
Would you like National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) to be like existing research Institutes? NO
If 'No', would you like partnership between NIB and BRAC/NGO capable of providing high salary for hiring highly to qualified expatriate scientists?: No
How do you like the idea of "brain Circulation" and "Brain Gain"? Add your own if there is any.
Brain circulation and brain Gain may be unique and innovative idea but impractical and unconvincing. It will be very difficult to convince the bureaucrats and policy makers (politicians) for high salary scale and NGO management for NIB. Rather “ Brain Retention “, that is, retaining those who join NIB, is more practical and implementable. This can be achieved with the present salary scale with modern recruitment system, motivational promotion policy, and work worthy procurement procedure.
How do you like the idea of creating postdoctoral positions in NIB and universities? Elaborate.
Very good ideas but what’s about doctoral student?
How about Creation of "Centers of Excellence" for conducting internationally competitive molecular biosciences research to benfit the region? Elaborate.
Who can say against it?
Do you think Development of new drugs is a health priority? Explain if your answer is yes.
Indigenous drug development will help reduce price of drugs. For this the example of Brazil, Cuba, India, Egypt, and china can be followed.More can be learned from “ Conclusion: promoting biotechnological innovation in developing countries” By Halla Thoresteindotti, Uyen Quach, Abdullah S. Daar And Per A Singer from www.nature.com/naturebiotechnology
What is your opinion about Intellectual Property Development & Protection? Add your own if there is any.
Very necessary to protect our resources and innovation and to keep researchers motivated by ensuring financial gain for person and organization.
What is your opinion about for creating biosafety and toxicological studies?
Go ahead if you have scope and facilities
What about supporting the idea for Bangldesh to apply for establishing a "Millennium Institute" under the umbrella of Third World Academy of Sciences" to do molecular biology research?
Who can give any point against it?
Add any other relevant Comments in this column.
To make NIB different from the existing research institute, “Management of manpower, time and money of NIB ” must be different, improved and efficient. To do so, we must find out a visionary full time head of NIB for, at least, the first five years who will be a leader, not BOSS. He must have capabilities to obtain resources from local, regional, national and international granting bodies in addition to the backbone financing from the government. Recruitment must be done by the hand of a human resource specialist. Procurement policy must be cost effective and time saving. Promotion policy must be motivating, not make the scientists lethargic which is occurring in other organizations.
NIB must develop three core complementary activities:
1. Strategic basic research
2. Active technology transfer policy
3. latest scientific information generation for general public and policy makers to make them feel that NIB is doing something for the nation and it deserves funding.
From the proposal of high salary by NGO, it seems that some people have misperception(probably as they have not worked in these organizations) that other research organizations in Bangladesh could not meet our expectation due to low salary. Low salary may have its part in it but not the major cause. The real culprit is the promotion policy and procurement procedure and recruitment system. we should find out very meticulously why other organisations failed to meet the expectation with help of those who worked in these organisations and then set policy for NIB
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
GNOBB and YoungBB can make it happen
GNOBB and YoungBB can make it happen
From: monir uddin ahmed (muahmed1977@hotmail.com)
Sent: Sun 10/05/08 9:56 PM
To: aislam24@yahoo.com
Cc: abidur@iwate-u.ac.jp; rabidur@yahoo.com; clingb@gmail.com
Dear Sir,
I think you will not disagree with me that unless and until science and technology is a national issue, issue in national election, there is little or no chance for the development of scientific research in Bangladesh.
And I think GNOBB and YoungBB can make science and technology an important issue in the upcoming national election.
For this, four things need to be done. Firstly, GNOOB gives a statement signed by all 328 or majority members and if possible including others. Statement from a large number of scientists like 328 will be a rare event in the history of Bangladesh and will draw attention of all. This statement needs to be published in all national dailies. The statement should have two messages. One for the voters and another for the political parties. The voter will be asked to take into consideration what the party or alliance has said in their manifesto about science and technology while voting. Message for the political parties should be such that scientists will campaign for the party or alliance which will give the most importance and doable reform proposal in their electional manifesto.
If such a statement is published in all national dailies before the political parties publish their manifesto, then they must think to give science and technology due importance in the manifesto.
However, such statement will not be enough. Three more things need to be done to make the statement most effective.
One online petition towards voters, to vote for science friendly parties or alliance. poster which will also ask to vote for science friendly parties or alliance. YoungBB can do such postering in the universities. I think YoungBB has member in all universities and they will do such non partisan postering enthusiastically. If you decide to so, I will be happy to provide financial support with five thousand taka.
Another thing that YoungBB can do is to arrange a question answer session of all the science secretary of the political parties. The question answer session can be like that of BBC sanglab. The science editor of the national dailies must be invited in the session along with eminent scientists. If electronic media can be convinced to air such program, then it will be great.
I think if these things can be done, it will bring noticeable change, if not , then a begining of change , in the sector of science in Bangladesh. And it seems to me that GNOBB and YoungBB jointly can make all these happen under your leadership. Hence I am sharing my thought with you.
May Allah help us to bring such changes in the science and technology research in Bangladesh.
With best regards and wishes
Monir Uddin Ahmed
MS Student ( Biotechnology ),
Student Representative (International) ,
Academic Board ,Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, Australia.
Scientific Officer
Institute of Food and Radiation Biology
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
Mobile: +61 431091781, phone:+61-3-94846135
http://scitechinbd.blogspot.com/
My Understanding of Science:
Science is the endless pursuit of firstly exploration of the processes, procedures and mechanisms of Allah's creation and then to copy or replicate them as much as possible for the betterment of the Mankind.
From: monir uddin ahmed (muahmed1977@hotmail.com)
Sent: Sun 10/05/08 9:56 PM
To: aislam24@yahoo.com
Cc: abidur@iwate-u.ac.jp; rabidur@yahoo.com; clingb@gmail.com
Dear Sir,
I think you will not disagree with me that unless and until science and technology is a national issue, issue in national election, there is little or no chance for the development of scientific research in Bangladesh.
And I think GNOBB and YoungBB can make science and technology an important issue in the upcoming national election.
For this, four things need to be done. Firstly, GNOOB gives a statement signed by all 328 or majority members and if possible including others. Statement from a large number of scientists like 328 will be a rare event in the history of Bangladesh and will draw attention of all. This statement needs to be published in all national dailies. The statement should have two messages. One for the voters and another for the political parties. The voter will be asked to take into consideration what the party or alliance has said in their manifesto about science and technology while voting. Message for the political parties should be such that scientists will campaign for the party or alliance which will give the most importance and doable reform proposal in their electional manifesto.
If such a statement is published in all national dailies before the political parties publish their manifesto, then they must think to give science and technology due importance in the manifesto.
However, such statement will not be enough. Three more things need to be done to make the statement most effective.
One online petition towards voters, to vote for science friendly parties or alliance. poster which will also ask to vote for science friendly parties or alliance. YoungBB can do such postering in the universities. I think YoungBB has member in all universities and they will do such non partisan postering enthusiastically. If you decide to so, I will be happy to provide financial support with five thousand taka.
Another thing that YoungBB can do is to arrange a question answer session of all the science secretary of the political parties. The question answer session can be like that of BBC sanglab. The science editor of the national dailies must be invited in the session along with eminent scientists. If electronic media can be convinced to air such program, then it will be great.
I think if these things can be done, it will bring noticeable change, if not , then a begining of change , in the sector of science in Bangladesh. And it seems to me that GNOBB and YoungBB jointly can make all these happen under your leadership. Hence I am sharing my thought with you.
May Allah help us to bring such changes in the science and technology research in Bangladesh.
With best regards and wishes
Monir Uddin Ahmed
MS Student ( Biotechnology ),
Student Representative (International) ,
Academic Board ,Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, Australia.
Scientific Officer
Institute of Food and Radiation Biology
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
Mobile: +61 431091781, phone:+61-3-94846135
http://scitechinbd.blogspot.com/
My Understanding of Science:
Science is the endless pursuit of firstly exploration of the processes, procedures and mechanisms of Allah's creation and then to copy or replicate them as much as possible for the betterment of the Mankind.
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