ED: Science is the road to progress

We congratulate Professor Dr AA Mamun of Jahangirnagar University on being listed by Stanford University as one of the world’s most cited physicists, with over 12,000 citations across 417 publications.

That is not all: These numbers mean that Dr AA Mamun -- whose research interests include plasma physics, quantum physics, and medical physics -- now stands among the top 2% globally among physicists whose publications have received the highest number of citations.

His achievements stand as a source of national pride and showcase the importance of encouraging scientific research in our nation, a realm in which we have unfortunately lagged behind.

It is saddening that Dr Mamun stands as an exception in country, not the norm: As much as we like to romanticize the notion of a “science” student, we have failed to properly acknowledge and value the role that scientific knowledge can play in the sustainable development of our nation.

This has resulted in an entire generation of young people pursuing higher education and careers in the more “lucrative” business fields, leaving a void in STEM subjects for passionate individuals who can bring fresh new perspectives and solutions to the table.  

Those who do find their calling in the sciences end up leaving the nation for better opportunities, sadly and rightfully realizing that their skills and knowledge will find little appreciation and demand in their own country.

Scientific research is the bedrock on which great progress and innovations are made, innovations which will one day provide us with the solutions to some of our greatest problems, such as climate change and health care.

We as a nation must encourage scientific exploration through investment and promotion so that more people like Dr Mamun are allowed to reach their full potential as scientists.