Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In Bangladesh, only a small number of women researchers have contributed to the field of science and health. Eminent scientists such as Firdausi Qadri, Dr. Rubhana Raqib, have played an instrumental role in encouraging young female researchers to follow their path in the light of science. So, who are the next budding women scientists in health in Bangladesh? Aligning with the global campaign, we have communicated to a few of them with the following questions: 1) what problems are you trying to solve? 2) What inspired you to work in Science and Health? 3) What advice would you give to the girls wanting to get into science? Let’s find out what they have to say in the below pictures.

Currently the COVID19 pandemic, an infectious disease is defining the global health crisis of our time and we are facing the greatest challenge. As a biochemist, I work on host immune response to infection. It is very crucial to know the structural and functional cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable the establishment and progression of infectious diseases with particular focus on pathogens, microbial virulence mechanisms, pathogen’s capacity to evade the human response to injury and infection, their ability to cause tissue damage, the pattern of incidence and the epidemiology of outbreaks of infectious disease within communities and the development of new tools to control infectious agents. Science almost always gives the answer to all questions, and it reveals the truth. So I have an immense attraction toward science. Finding something new pushes me forward and I want to contribute to the welfare of mankind through my work. Girls go ahead on the path of your dreams don’t hesitate.

I dream to influence the social dynamics to change the pattern of mental health care by devising context specific programmes with an emphasis to women.
The charisma of being able to invent and testing something new for the greater good for the society. Science is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Slow and steady wins the race. So be consistent and keep trying…!!! If I can, you can too.

Vaccines are medicine’s most powerful weapons against mass protection. Although scientists have made tremendous success on childhood vaccination, still vaccines for women have been lying behind the research hub. As a vaccine scientist, my research focus is to promote a healthy life and well-being for mother and their Infant, addressing the most challenging global health issues like vaccine science and infectious diseases. As my Ph.D. thesis, I am working to evaluate the safety of a Hepatitis E vaccine for women of reproductive age. I am also working to improve vaccine acceptance, vaccine hesitancy, and equity. I wanted to do a job that I am passionate about and which will allow me to think out of the box to make some difference for vulnerable people. A vaccine is the only modality other than safe water that has had such a major effect on mortality reduction, and I am being able to contribute there through my work. What can be more exciting than this? This is our time. We women are genetically innovative and have powerful minds. Let’s rock the world of Science. We are ready to mentor other women who want to make a difference.

I am Giving support to Bangladesh Government during this pandemic situation to diagnose COVID-19 as a front liner and trying to identify the circulating pattern of SARS-CoV-2. My family always inspires me to work in the health sector of Bangladesh as they experience difficulties in health care services. Try to think out of the box, never give up whatever the situation is and be responsible everywhere.

Poor maternal & child health is one of the major global issues. As a Biochemist, my aim is to look for a solution to improve the nutritional status of mothers and children which plays a significant role in combating this challenge. This interesting, dynamic and exciting career could help you make a positive impact on world health! Being a researcher doesn’t mean you couldn’t have a personal life rather you could enjoy two completely different lives in one lifetime.

Explore preventive approaches to reduce premature deaths from Non-communicable diseases. Inaccessible primary healthcare and ignorance regarding preventive care in Bangladesh inspired me to work in the public health field. Be fearless and dream big to crack the mystery of science.

I am working in networking for multimorbidity consortium with the supervision of national and international collaborators. Being supervised by women, supervisors have also encouraged me to do something and contribute to the welfare of society. Girls, dream big and be focused on your passion. The obstacle will come but remember you are a GIRL (Graceful Intelligent Radiant Learner)

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