icddr,b Hosts Award Ceremony for ‘The Mujib100 Health Research Grants for Women in Science in Bangladesh’

Dhaka, 14 June 2022: — Today, icddr,b hosted the award ceremony of “The Mujib100 Research Grants for Women in Science in Bangladesh (Mujib100 RGfW)” at its Sasakawa Auditorium. Ten awards worth a combined amount of USD 400,000 were given in commemoration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and in celebration of icddr,b’s 60 years of scientific brilliance. This research grant is the first initiative of its kind to build a new generation of women researchers and scientists in Bangladesh. 

The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had great admiration for icddr,b, which was earlier known as the Cholera Research Laboratory, and used to involve icddr,b whenever there was a public health crisis in Bangladesh. He also believed that it was crucial for women to be engaged in science. The Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is one of the Visionary Leaders in the World encourages women empowerment to build a new generation of women researchers and scientists in Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in health, like many other sectors, over the last decade. Strong commitments from the Government of Bangladesh have together brought the success, with icddr,b being a major partner to the Government. 

Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b welcomed the audience, while Mr Zahid Maleque, MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended as the Chief Guest. 

In his welcome address Dr Ahmed said “The participation of women and girls in science is crucial as female researchers are an important part in major innovations and breakthrough research. icddr,b is proud to present this award to deserving female researchers to embark on their research and innovation in public health and assist them in reaching their full potential.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zahid Maleque, MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said “Under the leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, women in Bangladesh are not lagging behind in any sector. I feel very pleased to see icddr,b presenting the grant to deserving female researchers and scientists, and firmly believe that this initiative of empowering women will help Bangladesh achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The awardees were given the research grants under eight thematic areas (maternal and child health, enteric and respiratory infections, emerging and re-emerging infections, malnutrition, universal health coverage, health consequences of climate change, non-communicable diseases, and sexual and reproductive health rights) aligned with icddr,b’s strategic goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The awardees were evaluated based on the merit of their proposal along with credentials of the project lead. icddr,b’s Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) comprising of scientists and public health experts from across the globe evaluated the projects. 

The ten award winners and their projects titles are;

1.     Dr Tanjila Karim, Chest Diseases Hospital, Chattogram

Project Title: Feasibility, Acceptability and Adaptation of S-Condom Uterine Balloon Tamponade (UBT) in Managing Atraumatic Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) at a Tertiary Care Facility in Bangladesh 

2.     Ms Tahmina Sultana, Bangladesh Institute of Governance & Management

Project Title: Assessment of the Utilization of Gavi-funded Birthing Room Facility at Community Clinics and the Service Recipients’ Perception on Safe Delivery

3.     Ms Wasifa Tasnim Shamma, University of Dhaka

Project Title: Developing evidence-based e-Health intervention for transgender women in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

4.     Mst Nurjahan Khatun, Mawlana Bhasani Science and Technology University Tangail

Project Title: Health Care Needs and Vulnerabilities of Female Prisoners: A Study of Selected Jails in Bangladesh

5.     Dr Mossamet Kamrun Nesa,Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

Project Title: The assessment of vulnerable areas in the Sylhet Division for childhood undernutrition

6.     Dr Nowshin Papri, icddr,b

Project Title: A prognostic scoring system to predict respiratory insufficiency requiring mechanical ventilation among Guillain-Barré syndrome patients in low-and-middle-income countries

7.     Dr Shahria Hafiz Kakon, icddr,b

Project Title: Unsupervised Digital Screen Time and its association with Mental Health of Some Selected School-going Children in Dhaka city: A Cross-Sectional Study

8.     Dr Kamrun Nahar Koly, icddr,b

Project Title: The Mental Health Nexus between Household Stress and Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Urban Slum Dwellers of Bangladesh

9.     Dr Nurun Nahar Naila, icddr,b

Project Title: Changes in the nerve electro-physiologic and ultrasonographic properties before and after correction of severe malnutrition in under-2 children

10.  Ms Gulshan Ara, icddr,b

Project Title: Linking health and nutritional status of adolescent girls (10-19 years) with the livelihood profiles of households in rural areas of Northern Bangladesh

Mst Nurjahan Khatun, an awardee expressed her delight and said “Receiving this prestigious research grant from icddr,b is a milestone in my research career. I strongly believe it will help in developing my competency as a female scientist to address the national and global health challenges."

Her sentiment was shared by fellow award winner Ms Gulshan Ara who said “This award will allow me to use my research abilities and expertise to advance my career here at icddr,b. I want to make a significant contribution to the development of interventions to reduce child and maternal undernutrition, which will aid my country in meeting its Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mentoring to the awardees will be provided by Senior Scientists of icddr,b to ensure timely, effective, and efficient completion of the projects. icddr,b is committed to ensure that financial grants reach the deserving female researchers so that Bangladesh can prosper with a new generation of women researchers and scientists. 

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*First publised on June 14, 2022, 8:00pm

*Updated version publised on  June 15, 2022, 2:00PM