Education Desk:
BRAC University recently hosted a meeting with the University of Reading (United Kingdom) to explore academic opportunities for collaboration in education and research.
The two institutions exchanged information, shared priorities, and expressed interest in collaborating across a broad range of disciplines.
During the meeting on the BRAC University campus in Dhaka’s Merul Badda on 28 and 29 January 2026, participants discussed how the universities could draw on their respective strengths to address common academic and societal challenges.
The universities also discussed ways to support future academic collaboration and strengthen research engagement between the institutions. Participants also emphasized research themes particularly relevant to the Global South.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Dr. Caroline Baylon noted the University of Reading’s longstanding experience in transnational education and expressed interest in building a collaboration that is meaningful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar highlighted the importance of joint degree programs and expressed his expectation that such international academic engagement would help strengthen the university’s institutional capacity.
He said BRAC University aspires to become a leading university from the Global South in the years ahead, adding that this is not only a vision but also a goal the university is confident it can achieve.
BRAC University was also represented by Board of Trustees Member Sadaf Saaz Siddiqui, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, Registrar Dr. David Dowland, BRAC Business School Dean Professor Mujibul Haque, School of Life Sciences Assistant Dean Professor Aparna Islam, and Department of Biotechnology Chairperson Dr. Iftekhar Bin Naser.
The delegation from the University of Reading included Professor Sarah Cardey, Director of Internationalization, School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development; Professor Simon Mortimer, Head of School for Agriculture, Policy and Development; and Ashley Burke, Head of Global Partnerships.
Through this transnational collaboration, BRAC University advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Global Partnerships).
