Govt boosts support for young scientists, researchers

The government has continued to expand financial and institutional support for young scientists, researchers and innovation-driven activities across the country, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said on Sunday at Parliament.

Responding to a question from Selina Sultana (Women Seat-35), the minister said 4,282 researchers received grants worth Tk 25.45 crore under the National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship programme in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

He said the Ministry of Science and Technology provides NST fellowships to students and researchers pursuing MS, MPhil, PhD and postdoctoral studies in science and technology-related fields at universities.

The minister noted that the ministry is also promoting science-based higher education and research through grants for Research and Development (R&D) projects aimed at developing new technologies and enhancing the quality of scientific research.

During the current fiscal year, 358 scientists and researchers received Tk 3.97 crore in grants under the R&D programme, he said.

In addition, the ministry allocated Tk 30 lakh to 30 science-based organisations and institutions in FY2025-26 to support scientific activities, development programmes, journal publications, and the organisation of seminars, symposiums, workshops and exhibitions.

The minister said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s scientific capacity and fostering innovation-led development.

Special research grants are being provided to teachers, researchers and young scientists from public and private universities, as well as researchers from various public and private organisations, to promote scientific research and technological innovation, he said.

He said the government has undertaken a range of initiatives to encourage research and innovation among young scientists and facilitate the development and commercialisation of their projects.

These include financial and technical support for innovative research through universities, research institutions and science-based organisations, as well as the organisation of science fairs, innovation exhibitions, seminars, workshops and training programmes.

The minister said the National Institute of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is providing training, research facilities and access to laboratories for students, researchers and young scientists.

He added that the institute regularly offers research training, internships, thesis support and access to modern biotechnology laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing significantly to the development of skilled researchers in the country.

Highlighting support for research institutions, the minister said the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research approved 143 projects with allocations of Tk 6.62 crore in FY2024-25, while 94 projects received allocations amounting to Tk 6.19 crore in FY2025-26.

He also informed the House that the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission awarded 15 special research grant projects to its scientists during FY2025-26 with a total budget allocation of Tk 80.75 lakh.

Once implemented, these projects are expected to make significant contributions to agriculture, food production, healthcare, nuclear medicine, public health, and science and technology sectors, he said.