2026Agricultural Sciences
Asian Scientist 100
Asian Scientist Magazine
Named among the Asian Scientist 100 in the Agricultural Sciences category — a regional recognition of researchers shaping the future of science across Asia.
Bangladesh to the World
Marjana Akter
An Emerging Voice from Bangladesh in Science, Biosecurity, and Global Leadership
Working at the intersection of microbiology, molecular biology, infectious disease research, agricultural biotechnology, and global biosecurity — and carrying the name of Bangladesh onto the world's scientific stage.
- Asian Scientist 100 · 2026
- UNODA Biosecurity Fellow · 2025
- iGEM Judge · 2026
Asian Scientist 100· 2026UNODA Fellow· 2025iGEM Judge· 2026
Recognized across global scientific platforms
Asian Scientist 100
Agricultural Sciences · 2026
UNODA Fellowship
Young Women for Biosecurity · 2025
iGEM Judge
Competition Judge · 2026
CAV Genotype IIIb Discovery
First-author, Bangladesh · 2025
Bangladesh in Global Science
Representing a rising nation
About
The Journey of a Bangladeshi Scientist
Marjana Akter is a Bangladeshi scientist whose work sits at the meeting point of life sciences, public health, and global security. She earned her BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), and her MSc in Microbiology and Hygiene from Bangladesh Agricultural University — a foundation that bridges molecular research with real-world questions of health and food systems.
Beyond the laboratory, Marjana is committed to biosecurity and science diplomacy. Her selection as the first Bangladeshi female researcher in the UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship (2025) reflects a growing role in international conversations on biological risk reduction, while recognition in the Asian Scientist 100 (2026) for Agricultural Sciences and an invitation to judge the iGEM competition (2026) signal her emergence as a trusted voice among the next generation of scientists.
Signature Achievements
Recognition That Carries Bangladesh Forward
A growing record of research, fellowship, and service — each milestone opening doors for the next generation of Bangladeshi scientists.
2025Biosecurity & Science Diplomacy
UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
Selected as a Young Women for Biosecurity Fellow — a programme advancing women's leadership in biological risk reduction, biosecurity, and international science policy.
2026Synthetic Biology · Scientific Service
iGEM Competition Judge
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine)
Invited to serve as a judge for the iGEM competition — evaluating synthetic biology projects from student teams around the world.
2025Peer-reviewed Research
First Genomic Discovery of CAV Genotype IIIb in Bangladesh
Microbiology Spectrum · ASM · 2025
Led the first complete genomic characterisation of a chicken anemia virus genotype IIIb strain in Bangladesh — identifying key genetic variations that influence viral virulence and informing vaccine strategies and surveillance for the country's poultry industry.
OngoingLeadership
Research & Science Leadership
Across microbiology, biosecurity & agriculture
Building a body of work and a voice that connects laboratory research with global platforms in biosecurity, science diplomacy, and agricultural biotechnology.
OngoingMentorship & Inspiration
Role Model for Bangladeshi Students
Women in STEM · Bangladesh
A visible example for young Bangladeshi students — and especially young women — that a path from local classrooms to global science is real and reachable.
Research Focus
Science at the Intersection of Life, Health, and Security
From the molecular scale to global policy — a research identity that connects laboratory rigour with real-world impact for Bangladesh and beyond.
Microbiology & Infectious Disease
Studying microorganisms and the mechanisms of infection to better understand, detect, and respond to diseases that affect populations and food systems.
- Microbiology
- Infectious disease
- Pathogens
- Diagnostics
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Applying molecular tools to characterise organisms at the genetic level and to unlock biotechnology approaches for health and agriculture.
- Molecular biology
- Genotyping
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
Poultry Virology & Animal Health
Investigating viruses that threaten poultry and animal health — including work related to chicken anemia virus genotype IIIb — to strengthen agricultural resilience.
- Poultry virology
- Animal health
- Chicken anemia virus
- Veterinary science
Agricultural Sciences
Connecting microbiology and biotechnology to agriculture, food security, and the health of the systems that feed communities across Bangladesh and beyond.
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Food security
- One Health
- Sustainability
Biosecurity & Biological Risk Reduction
Contributing to the responsible management of biological risks — a field where science, policy, and international cooperation must work together.
- Biosecurity
- Biosafety
- Risk reduction
- Dual-use research
Science Diplomacy
Engaging with international platforms where science informs policy — building bridges between research communities and global institutions.
- Science diplomacy
- Policy
- International cooperation
- UNODA
Women in STEM
Championing the participation and leadership of women in science — and demonstrating what is possible for the next generation from Bangladesh.
- Women in STEM
- Equity
- Leadership
- Representation
Youth Science Leadership
Mentoring and inspiring young scientists — nurturing curiosity, rigour, and ambition among students who will shape the future of Bangladeshi science.
- Mentorship
- Youth leadership
- STEM education
- iGEM
Featured Research
First Genomic Discovery of CAV Genotype IIIb in Bangladesh
Using whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, this first-author study identified and characterised a novel chicken anemia virus genotype IIIb strain in Bangladesh — original findings with direct impact on poultry health, vaccination strategy, and food security.
Microbiology Spectrum2025First author
Genomic and pathological insights into the first identified genotype IIIb chicken anemia virus strain in Bangladesh
First complete genomic characterisation of a genotype IIIb CAV strain in Bangladesh, integrating clinical, pathological, and molecular analyses. Identifies critical genetic variations influencing viral virulence.
Authors: Akter, M., Mia, R., Hasan, S.M.N., Mozumder, A., Jeba, N., Farazi, R., Akter, F., Akter, S., Rahman, M.Z., Saha, S., Islam, T., Hossain, M.G.
- Poultry virology
- Chicken anemia virus
- Genotype IIIb
- Whole-genome sequencing
- Phylogenetics
Global Platforms
From Bangladesh to Global Scientific Platforms
A single voice connecting national roots with international recognition — in research, biosecurity, and synthetic biology.
Asian Scientist 100
UNODA
iGEM
Google Scholar
Timeline
Her Scientific Journey
From undergraduate foundations in Bangladesh to recognition on the global stage.
- BSc
BSc, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST)
Undergraduate foundation in the molecular life sciences.
- MSc
MSc, Microbiology & Hygiene
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Graduate specialisation bridging microbiology, hygiene, and agriculture.
- 2025
First Genomic Characterisation of CAV Genotype IIIb in Bangladesh
Microbiology Spectrum · 2025
Led the identification and complete genomic sequencing of a novel CAV genotype IIIb strain — the first documented in Bangladesh, with direct implications for poultry health and vaccine development.
- 2025
UNODA Young Women for Biosecurity Fellow
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
Selected for a global fellowship in biosecurity and science diplomacy.
- 2026
Asian Scientist 100
Asian Scientist Magazine · Agricultural Sciences
Recognised among Asia's notable scientists for agricultural sciences.
- 2026
iGEM Competition Judge
iGEM Foundation
Invited to judge synthetic biology projects on a global stage.
Gallery
Moments from a Growing Global Journey
Snapshots of research, recognition, and representation — from the laboratory to international platforms.
Media & Press
Media, Speaking, and Collaboration
Available to journalists, event organisers, research partners, and students who want to build with science.
Interviews
Available for interviews on science, biosecurity, and women in STEM from Bangladesh.
Speaking
Talks and panels on microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and global science leadership.
Research collaboration
Open to collaboration across microbiology, virology, and agricultural biotechnology.
Biosecurity & science diplomacy
Engagement on biological risk reduction, biosecurity policy, and international cooperation.
Student mentoring
Mentoring students and early-career researchers, with a focus on women in STEM.
Download the CV
A full curriculum vitae for committees, editors, and collaborators.
Contact
Connect with Marjana Akter
For interviews, speaking, collaboration, and mentorship — reach out directly or send a message.
From Bangladesh to the World