The Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNOBB) is a web based virtual organization for the scientists and professionals who work in the field of Biotechnology. This virtual organization was formed from the urgent necessity of bridging the Bangladeshi academics, scientists, researchers and professionals working in various fields of biology around the globe under the leadership of Prof. Ahmad Shamsul Islam, an eminent scientist of Bangladesh. Few non resident Bangladeshi scientists played important roles in developing the idea of forming this virtual platform. GNOBB was formally established in 2004 by launching its website highlighting the information on a) particulars about the member’s workplace, b) field of expertise, c) scientific achievements, including five recent major publications and d) current and future research plan of the scholar. Like other organizations, the beginning of GNOBB was modest with only a few members on the board. For the 2nd year, GNOBB started to see its growth and currently the member numbers stand at 400. GNOBB possibly has the most enriched database for the non resident Bangladeshi biotechnologists. Over the last 10 years, through this organization, we came to know about many outstanding scholarly achievements of our resident and non resident Bangladeshi researchers and professionals. In addition, the web page periodically updates the breakthrough scientific findings from the researchers of all origins to enrich our scientific understanding.
Three years later in the winter of 2007, GNOBB found a big opportunity to strengthen its foundation by holding an International Biotech Conference jointly with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dhaka University. The international conference was held in the premises of ICDDR, B with all the multimedia facility. Dr. Firdausi Qadri, the Director at the Centre for Vaccine Sciences at icddr,b and life member of GNOBB ably supported the conference by accommodating a large number of participants in their main Conference Hall and adjoining lecture theatres.
Abstracts were invited from potential speakers and authors of posters. The response was unbelievably huge. Both local and foreign participants joined the conference and presented their outstanding research work. In its concluding session, a number of resolutions were adopted by a team of experts selected among the delegates to draft a number of resolutions; and they were placed before the General Body for approval. Some of the resolutions adopted were: the establishment of the National Institute of Biotechnology as an autonomous body. At the conclusion of the conference, we met the concerned authority to materialize the resolutions carried out unanimously in the last session of the Conference. The abstract book was published by a specially constituted body. Later the abstracts were published in the form of an e-book (http://digibook.com.bd/books/2013110/). This was the first indication that the organization can help the science authority in policy making.
GNOBB progressed slowly but steadily and started to house many other additional information for the professionals. It started the Group email system to enhance the communication between its members. GNOBB website helped the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) in the recruitment of scientists of various cadres through paid advertisements. Not only did it publish a number of NIB ads regarding recruitment of various categories of scientists, GNOBB’s Group email system was used to spread the news amidst the GNOBB members.
To celebrate the tenth year of founding anniversary, this year GNOBB is organizing a two day long second international conference focusing on the impact of biotechnology on “Translational Medicine” and “Abiotic Stresses and Climate Change”. The International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture – 2015 (ICBHA-GNOBB-2015) in association with Dhaka University was held on 9-10 January, 2015 at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, Dhaka University. GNOBB proudly announces that ICBHA-GNOBB-2015 is hosting around 400 scientists during the two-day long program. The registered participants are from various countries of the world, e.g. Bangladesh, England, India, Japan, Malaysia and Nepal work in different fields of biotechnology. The conference was scientifically enriched by the participation of some outstanding world renowned scientists – a fact that also proves the decade long accomplishments of GNOBB and wide acceptance of this organization by both local and expatriate scientists.
Recognition for the scientific work always serves as a boost for the scientists to perform better. To encourage the scientific work of Bangladeshi scientists, GNOBB recently introduced the “GNOBB awards for scientific achievements”. This award will recognize the outstanding scientists (based on their scientific achievements and activity in last 5 years) in two categories: one for resident Bangldeshi Scientist and the and other for non-resident Bangladeshiscientists in every alternate year. A jury board of eight members was constituted to adjudicate the nominations of the potential candidates. For the 2015 award, the Board has already returned its verdict. A gold medal each is being awarded to Dr Mohammed Akhter Hossain a Bangladeshi expatriate in Australia as the best scientist among non-resident Bangladeshis and Dr. Mustafizur Rahman the best among resident Bangladeshis. One can well imagine the great impact the competition will create in the future among all Bangladeshi biotechnologists as from now on a keen competition will ensue every alternate year among them to win the coveted prize of Gold medal.
GNOBB is looking ahead to make an impact in the science culture of Bangladesh. The future program plans organizing the GNOBB international conference every alternate year, awarding two scientists one each from local and expatriates a Gold Medal in recognition of their outstanding achievements, extend all possible help to the Government of Bangladesh to rationalize the country’s science policy and to provide a solution to its energy and nutrition problems. GNOBB would also like to work to strengthen bonding among the scientists from different disciplines. GNOBB will assess the possibility of launching an international multidisciplinary, standard electronic journal.
Finally, GNOBB would like to thank its members and well-wishers for their continuous support and unreserved help.