Australian TIC keen on joint research with KU

A delegation of the commission conveyed their interest during a courtesy meeting with Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim on Thursday afternoon.

The delegation comprised of Trade and Investment Commissioner Megha Gupta and Senior Director (Trade and Investment) for Greater South Asia Mostafizur Rahman.

During the meeting, the delegation showed keenness in expanding opportunities for higher education in Australia for Bangladeshi students, joint research initiatives, curriculum development, and launching partnership programmes with Khulna University in areas including climate change and cyber security.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of jointly addressing climate change-related challenges in the Khulna region.

University officials informed the delegation that Khulna University is placing special emphasis on the internationalization of education and research through joint research, academic collaboration, and teacher-student exchange programmes with various universities and research institutions worldwide.

They highlighted programmes such as Erasmus Mundus and Sakura Science Exchange Programme, along with ongoing skill-based initiatives and plans centering on the university’s offshore campus at Paikgachha.

The delegation was informed about plans to establish an international-standard platform for coastal ecosystem-based education and research at the campus located near the Sundarbans.

Research on coastal regions, biodiversity, climate change and disaster management has been given priority, the university authorities said.

The meeting also discussed the recent launch of a Japanese Language NAT-Test site at the university aimed at creating new opportunities for international higher education and global employment.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said Khulna University has immense research potential due to its proximity to the Sundarbans, particularly through the Institute for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans and Coastal Ecosystems (IISSCE).

He expressed optimism that joint research and international collaboration would further expand the university’s academic capabilities.

At the end of the meeting, the vice-chancellor presented crest souvenirs to the delegation members, while the delegation also handed over commemorative gifts to the vice-chancellor.

Among others, Dean of the Social Science School Professor Sheikh Sharafat Hossain, Director of the Research and Innovation Centre Professor Dr. Kazi Mohammad Didarul Islam, Director of the Office of International Affairs Professor Dr. Md. Ashik Ur Rahman, Director of the Central Research Laboratory Professor Dr. Md. Enamul Kabir, and Additional Director of IQAC Professor Dr. Md. Salauddin were present at the meeting, reports BSS.