Scientists at a special webinar emphasized the importance of scientific communication, teamwork, and social support systems in shaping a successful research career. In celebration of International Women’s Day -2026, the International Society of Bangladesh-affiliated Microbiologists (ISBM) organized the webinar held on Sunday, March 29th.
 
Titled “Celebrating Women Who Shape Science”, the webinar brought together distinguished female scientists from Bangladesh and abroad. Approximately 110 participants, including students and professionals from multiple countries, attended the webinar session.
 
The webinar featured meaningful discussions on the current status, challenges, and opportunities for women in microbiology and related biological sciences both in Bangladesh and globally. The organizers also informed participants about upcoming ISBM awards and encouraged continued engagement through ISBM’s official communication platforms.
 
The webinar was co-hosted by Prof. Dr. Sangita Ahmed (Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka and Organizing Secretary, ISBM, along with Dr. Salma Akter, Dr. Nadia Deen, Fahmina Jahan Moona, and Nazmus Sakib.

The session was anchored by Tasnimul Arabi Anik, from Notre Dame University of Bangladesh and Nazifa Tasnim from BRAC University, who introduced the speakers and guided the program.
 
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sheikh Abdus Selim, President of ISBM. In his remarks, Dr. Selim warmly welcomed participants and highlighted ISBM’s mission to promote microbiology and support the global scientific community through research and
collaboration.
 
The scientific session opened with an engaging presentation by Prof. Dr. Colleen Kraft (Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, USA), who discussed the role of gut microbiota and reflected on her journey as a woman in science. Her talk generated significant audience engagement and discussion.
 
Prof. Dr. Munawar Sultana (Department of Microbiology, University of
Dhaka), emphasized the importance of scientific communication, teamwork, and social support systems in shaping a successful research career. She also shared insights from her professional journey, including her experience as a Fulbright scholar.
 
Dr. Farzana Diba, Senior Scientific Officer at the Institute of Tissue Banking and Biomaterial Research (ITBBR), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), presented her inspiring research journey and highlighted the impactful therapeutic services developed by ITBBR.

The final speaker, Rubaiya Tarannum Shathi, a PhD student in the Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences Program at the University of Vermont, USA, shared her recent experience of securing a PhD fellowship. As a former ISBM Travel Award recipient, she discussed overcoming challenges as an early-career researcher and her academic journey across institutions.
 
It is noteworthy that Dr Senjuti Saha, one of the members of ISBM Board of Directors, has recently been awarded the Sabin Rising Star Award 2026, by the renowned Sabin Vaccine Institute. Dr. Saha is an imminent Bangladeshi Scientist and Deputy Executive Director of the Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) in Bangladesh. Dr. Salma Akter, on belahf of ISBM, congratulated Dr. Senjuti Saha for this remarkable achievement, followed by a short speech from Dr. Saha during the webinar Discussion and Closing Remarks.
 
The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Nadia Deen, Organizing Secretary, ISBM, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions.
 
As a growing international scientific platform, ISBM remains committed to fostering collaboration, promoting excellence in microbiology, and enhancing public awareness of scientific advancements through future initiatives.