Researchers from developing nations must lead global innovation: CUET VC

Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiyan has emphasised the importance of leadership from researchers in developing countries to tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pandemics, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and rising inequality.

"Researchers from developing nations must take the lead in addressing these issues for the betterment of humanity," he said. "Fundamental knowledge of physics is crucial for breakthroughs in renewable energy, eco-friendly fuels, advanced materials, and technological innovations of the future. No complex engineering problem can be solved without a deep understanding of physics."

He made these remarks on Wednesday morning while inaugurating the 6th International Conference on Physics for Sustainable Development and Technology (ICPSDT) 2025, organized by the Department of Physics at CUET at the university's central auditorium.

The event's Guest of Honor was Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Naqeeb, Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University. Special Guests included Professor Dr. Faruq-uz-Zaman Chowdhury, former Vice-Chancellor of Hamdard University Bangladesh and former CUET Physics Professor, and Professor Dr. A.H. Rashedul Hossain, Dean of CUET's Faculty of Science and Technology.

Conference Chair Professor Dr. H.M.A.R. Maruf, Head of the Department of Physics, presided over the session, while Conference Secretary Dr. Animesh Kumar Chakraborty delivered the welcome address. The program was conducted by Physics Department students Tanzina Akhter (PhD) and Himel Barua (Master's).

Addressing the audience, Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Naqeeb noted, "This conference provides a valuable platform to share global research insights in physics and offers direction for addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development."

The two-day international conference brings together leading academicians and researchers from the USA, China, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, featuring three keynote speakers, fifteen invited speakers, and 274 selected papers — including 165 oral and 109 poster presentations — out of 400 submissions.