In a bid to explore the vast potential of microbiology, Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) hosted Microbiology Olympiad 2024 on its campus.
The program, organized by NDUB’s Microbiology department, bring students, scientists, and educators together in one platform on Monday (December 2). A total of 222 students and 16 teachers participated on the occasion from 56 colleges/A-level schools and nine universities.
It featured speeches from distinguished guests, competitions, and a lab tour designed to inspire the next generation of microbiologists.
In his speech, Chief Guest Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, Vice Chancellor of NDUB, said, “Microbiology unveils what is invisible to the naked eye. Microorganisms can be both helpful and harmful, and it is our responsibility to neutralize their risks for humanity’s benefit. Vaccines exemplify how microbiology helps fight pathogens, and the field continues to evolve to serve humankind.”
Highlighting Notre Dame’s scientific tradition, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Fr. Charles B. Gordon, CSC, said, “A cell, when viewed through a microscope, reveals a universe. Such observations inspire us to delve deeper into the wonders of microbiology and its role in improving lives,” he remarked.
Special Guest Dr. Munirul Alam, President of Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists and Senior Scientist at icddr,b, emphasized the broad applications of microbiology. “This field touches every aspect of life – from medicine and disease management to food safety and environmental health. Its possibilities are endless and crucial to human progress.”
The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Md. Shahidul Kabir, Chairman of NDUB’s Department of Microbiology, followed by competitions like quizzes and thesis presentations. Participants explored cutting-edge research through lab tours and cultural activities.
The day concluded with prize distribution and acknowledgments, followed by the speech of Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, reaffirming NDUB’s commitment to fostering innovation in science.
The program had three news media – The Daily Samakal, Kalbela, and NTV – as the media partners. In addition, the event was supported by Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists, Invent Technologies, Paradise Scientific Co., InterScience Technologies Ltd, Logic Lab solution, and Nestle Bangladesh PLC.
