Engage in research early on

Students should engage themselves in research activities from their early academic lives so that they can prepare themselves compatible to the modern world, Nobel laureate Professor Martin Chalfie said yesterday.

The students may not get a result of their research rapidly, but they will benefit in the long run, he said. Therefore, they should keep trying in accordance with their skills instead of being frustrated, he added.

The co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2008 made the remarks at a press conference organised by North South University (NSU) on its campus. Martin Chalfie, also a professor of Columbia University, said apart from conducting research, all students in Bangladesh need to study science beside their basic areas of studies. “So far I know about Bangladesh, the quantity and quality of research is satisfactory in the country comparing to the third world countries. But, the country has to improve more.” The professor also urged the academic institutions, like schools, colleges and universities, to provide research facilities.

NSU Vice Chancellor Prof Atiqul Islam, pro-VC Prof GU Ahsan, and Board of Trustees Advisor Prof Anwar Huq also spoke.

Prof Martin Chalfie arrived in the country on occasion of delivering a speech at the 21st convocation of NSU, held on Saturday.