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BRAC University's CED in strategic research partnership with science ministry, Digital Bridge Partners

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. th-science-ministry-digital-bridge-partners.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 16:01 GMT by The Daily Star
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BRAC University, Ministry of Science & Technology Forge Strategic Research Partnership Focused on Digital Bridge

BRAC University (BU) has entered into a strategic research partnership with the Bangladesh Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), alongside Digital Bridge, a US-based non-profit organization focused on advancing scientific computing. The collaboration aims to bolster computational science and engineering capabilities within Bangladesh through joint research initiatives, capacity building programs, and infrastructure development. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating advanced digital technologies into national research endeavors and addressing critical challenges across various sectors.

The core of the partnership revolves around establishing a Center of Excellence in Digital Science (CED) at BRAC University. The CED will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, focusing initially on areas including climate change modeling, precision agriculture, healthcare analytics, and disaster management – all fields where computational power and data analysis are increasingly vital. The MoST’s involvement signifies the government's commitment to fostering scientific innovation and aligning research priorities with national development goals. Digital Bridge brings to the table its expertise in high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and software tools, crucial for tackling complex simulations and large datasets.

According to a press release from BRAC University, the partnership will involve several key components. These include joint research projects between BU faculty and researchers from MoST and Digital Bridge; training programs designed to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi scientists and engineers in computational science techniques; access to advanced HPC resources provided by Digital Bridge; and collaborative development of digital tools and platforms tailored for local needs. The initial phase will concentrate on building a foundational infrastructure, including establishing a dedicated CED facility at BRAC University’s Mohakhali campus.

Digital Bridge's role is particularly noteworthy. The organization, founded in 2018 by Dr. Paul Reynold, has been instrumental in providing access to HPC resources and expertise to researchers globally, especially in developing countries. Their website details their mission: "to accelerate scientific discovery by democratizing access to high-performance computing." They achieve this through a combination of hardware donations, software licensing, and training programs. Their involvement ensures that the CED will have access to cutting-edge computational tools, overcoming a significant barrier for many Bangladeshi researchers who often lack sufficient resources. [ https://digitalbridge.org/ ]

The selection of BRAC University as the host institution reflects its established reputation for innovation and interdisciplinary research. BU has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing societal challenges through academic pursuits, particularly in areas related to sustainable development and technology adoption. The university’s existing strengths in computer science, engineering, and environmental science make it an ideal platform for the CED's activities.

The initial focus on climate change modeling is strategically aligned with Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The country faces significant challenges from rising sea levels, increased frequency of cyclones, and erratic rainfall patterns. Computational models can play a crucial role in predicting these events, assessing their impact, and developing effective adaptation strategies. Similarly, the application of computational science to precision agriculture aims to optimize crop yields while minimizing resource consumption – a critical need for ensuring food security in a densely populated nation. Healthcare analytics promises to improve disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and public health interventions through data-driven insights. Disaster management applications will focus on developing early warning systems and optimizing response efforts during emergencies.

The partnership’s success hinges on several factors. Sustained funding commitments from the MoST and Digital Bridge are essential for maintaining infrastructure and supporting research activities. Building a strong team of researchers with expertise in both computational science and domain-specific knowledge is also crucial. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies will be vital for translating research findings into practical solutions that benefit society. The Daily Star article highlights the importance of ensuring that the CED’s outputs are accessible and usable by policymakers and practitioners working on these critical issues.

The initiative represents a broader trend towards recognizing the transformative potential of computational science in addressing global challenges. By investing in capacity building and infrastructure, Bangladesh is positioning itself to leverage this power for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its citizens. The collaboration between BRAC University, MoST, and Digital Bridge provides a model for other developing nations seeking to harness the benefits of advanced digital technologies.