University Grants Commission member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said initiatives are being taken to strengthen young teachers’ skills and orient them toward research. He made the remarks on August 12 as chief guest at the opening of a daylong workshop at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The faculty organised the workshop, titled “The Modern Social Scientists: Navigating Research, Teaching and Academic Growth.”

Mamun said activities are under way under the HEAT project to ensure knowledge- and skills-based education in higher education. The plans include training for young teachers, increased research grants, funding for participation in conferences and priority in faculty exchange programmes. He also said steps are being taken to involve them in programmes such as summer schools and young scholars programmes.

Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor Dr Abdus Salam stressed internationally standard research, publication of research papers and increasing citations. He also highlighted the need for research facilities, international collaboration and funding mobilisation. Faculty Dean Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while department heads and teachers attended.