Genomic research is becoming increasingly important in the field of infectious diseases, as it helps scientists design diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Hence, building local capacity in genomics for healthcare is of the  utmost importance around the globe.  

The Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) was the first to sequence the genome of SARS CoV-2 in Bangladesh and continues to perform genomic surveillance. Recently, CHRF proudly  partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to build a 10-year strategic plan for  global genomic surveillance. CHRF has also launched a program in 2022 called, 'Building  Scientists for Bangladesh' (BSB). One of the objectives of this program is to provide hands-on  genomics training to undergraduate and postgraduate students of life sciences, as well as  aspiring scientists and professionals. To this end, CHRF is collaborating with various public and  private academic institutes to build a strong network of partnerships nationwide, one of them  being the reputed Jahangirnagar University. 

CHRF and Jahangirnagar University signed an MoU to provide hands-on genomics training to final year undergraduate students. The program is sponsored  by FIND, the Global Alliance for Diagnostics, based in Switzerland. 

The MoU signing ceremony took place on July 24, at Jahangirnagar University. From CHRF's end, the signatories were Dr. Senjuti Saha, Director  & Scientist, and Mr. Arif Mohammad Tanmoy, Senior Research Investigator. From  Jahangirnagar University, the signatories were Professor Dr. Rasheda Akhtar, Treasurer and  Professor Dr. Shuvra Kanti Dey, Chairman & Professor of the Department of Microbiology.  Also present in the ceremony were distinguished guests from the university's microbiology  department, including Professor Dr. Ali Azam Talukar and Professor Dr. Md. Salequl Islam. 

From CHRF, the Senior Research Manager, Dr. Sultana Aflatun Rubana and Research Officer,  Ms. Afroza Akter Tanni, along with other officials were present.