Bangladeshi researcher Marjana Akter has been selected for the United Nations’ prestigious “Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025” program. Out of candidates from 193 countries, only 10 young women scientists were chosen — and Marjana is the only representative from Bangladesh.
As part of the fellowship, she will attend the 50th Anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention organized by the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, this December.
Growing up in the small town of Chandpur, Marjana first fell in love with science when she observed a cell through a microscope during a biology class. That curiosity led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and later a Master’s in Microbiology from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
Her research contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s virology studies — she was the first to identify the E Genotype 3b strain of the Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) in local poultry.
Marjana’s academic journey, however, was far from easy. During her Master’s, she faced severe health challenges while pregnant. Even after being admitted to the ICU due to respiratory complications, she made a promise to herself: “I’ll recover and finish my thesis.” True to her word, she defended her thesis with remarkable determination despite her illness.
Her research supervisor, Professor Golzar Hossain, and her husband, Yusha Araf (currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Auckland, New Zealand), were her biggest sources of inspiration. It was Yusha who first encouraged her to apply for the UN Biosecurity Fellowship.
Marjana’s path hasn’t been without setbacks. Her research was once selected for Japan’s Sakura Science Exchange Program, but she couldn’t attend because she was in the ICU at the time. Reflecting on her journey, she says,
“Every failure is actually preparation for the next success.”
Currently, she is conducting research on biosafety and laboratory security. She believes,
“Women can achieve equal success in research — if they are given confidence, perseverance, and proper guidance.”
So far, Marjana has authored nine international research papers. She sees this fellowship not just as a personal milestone but as a recognition of the potential of young Bangladeshi researchers.
This December, at the 50th anniversary of the UN Biosecurity Convention in Geneva, Marjana Akter will proudly represent Bangladesh on the global scientific stage.
