Climate change is intensifying drought, salinity and various environmental stresses affecting agriculture. In response to these challenges, scientists worldwide are working to develop high-yielding crops that can survive adverse environmental conditions. To discuss this important field of research, Bangladeshi plant genomics researcher Dr. Shirin Aktar will join an upcoming special interview hosted by Biggani.org.
Dr. Shirin Aktar is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology at Lanzhou University, China. Previously, she conducted postdoctoral research on plant functional genomics and evaluation at the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In Bangladesh, she worked as a research assistant in the Genetics and Plant Breeding Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute and as a research information scientist at the International Rice Research Institute.
Dr. Shirin completed her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and master’s degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding at Patuakhali Science and Technology University. During her master’s studies, she investigated the characteristics of hybrid maize seedlings under drought conditions. She later earned her PhD in Tea Science from the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China. Her doctoral research focused on identifying genes associated with the growth and secondary metabolism of tea plants and analysing their functions.
Her primary research areas include plant genomics, gene function, transcriptomics, metabolomics and modern plant breeding. In simple terms, she analyses plant genes and biochemical processes to understand which genes regulate a plant’s growth, quality and ability to survive adverse environmental conditions. In the future, this knowledge could contribute to the development of improved crop varieties capable of tolerating drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency and the effects of climate change.
Dr. Shirin has contributed to several important research projects, including the identification of genes involved in regulating the growth and secondary metabolism of tea plants, the investigation of genetic and biochemical changes in tea plants under red and blue light and the development of genetic markers for identifying tea varieties and germplasm. Her research also covers plant responses to drought and salinity stress, tolerance to low-nitrogen conditions and artificial pollination in tea plants.
Her research papers have been published in international scientific journals. She has also received the GSCAAS Scholarship and the Beijing Government Scholarship in support of her higher education and research.
This interview is particularly relevant to students in Bangladesh. The path to becoming a researcher is not always straightforward. Selecting an appropriate research topic, developing research skills, identifying scholarship opportunities, preparing to work in international laboratories and publishing scientific findings all require proper guidance and sustained dedication. Dr. Shirin’s journey from a Bangladeshi agricultural university to the international research community will provide students with a realistic understanding of this path.
Alongside her education and research journey, the interview will explore the potential of plant genomics, bioinformatics, multi-omics research and modern plant breeding. Participants will learn how students can select research topics, prepare for higher education and scholarship opportunities abroad and develop the skills required to participate in international research. The discussion will also address the opportunities, challenges and necessary steps for women who wish to pursue careers in science and research.
For students who aspire to become scientists or pursue higher education in agricultural science, genetics, plant science, biotechnology or bioinformatics, this interview offers an opportunity to learn directly from an active researcher. It will help participants understand what the research world looks like beyond textbooks, how a scientific question develops into a research project and how research findings can benefit farmers, food security and society.
Students do not need to wait until the final year of university to begin thinking about their future. Scientific curiosity, the habit of asking questions, data-analysis skills and an interest in research can be developed from school, college or university. Through Dr. Shirin Aktar’s real-world experience, young people will have the opportunity to discover how an interest can be transformed into research, research into expertise and expertise into international opportunities.
Students, teachers, parents and young readers interested in science, higher education and research are warmly invited to join this special interview organised by Biggani.org. Be part of this opportunity to learn from the education, challenges, achievements and future vision of a Bangladeshi researcher.
Event Information
📌 Registration link: https://forms.gle/CtZfLDDr5tGcKRCn6
The meeting link will be sent only to registered participants.
Time: 8:00 PM Bangladesh Time | 10:00 PM China Time
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Host: Tahsin Ahmed Supti
Co-host: Hasna Banu
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