Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Oct 29, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna University (KU) has placed special importance on expanding joint research initiatives between academia and industry through the implementation of the Collaborative Research Grant Program (CRGP).

To this end, the 22nd meeting of the university's Research Advisory Committee (RAC) was held yesterday at the conference room of the administrative building, with Vice-Chancellor and Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim in the chair.

The meeting reviewed in detail various issues related to the approval of project proposals under the CRGP and the first phase of the Research Grant Program (RGP) for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Addressing the meeting, Professor Rezaul Karim said that for the first time in the country, Khulna University has allocated funds to launch the Collaborative Research Grant Program, creating new opportunities for joint research between academic institutions and industries.

He said such collaborations are widely recognized and highly effective in developed nations, and Bangladesh should adopt similar approaches to strengthen its research ecosystem.

The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the need to organize an annual 'Academic Fair' to showcase research outcomes, demonstrating their practical relevance and social impact. 

He added that regular seminars and workshops would further enhance knowledge sharing between universities and industries.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid Khan underscored the importance of ensuring genuine collaboration between academia and industry under the CRGP to make research results more practical and applicable. 

He also highlighted the necessity of forming partnerships with other research institutions for successful project implementation.

Committee Member-Secretary and Director of the Research and Innovation Center Professor Dr. Mohammad Kazi Didarul Islam conducted the meeting.

Among others, RAC members Prof Dr. Md. Golam Hossain, Dean of the Life Science School; Prof Sheikh Sharafat Hossain, Dean of the Social Science School; Prof Dr. Kh. Mahfuz Ud-Darain of the Architecture Discipline; and Prof Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haider of the Economics Discipline also spoke on the occasion.