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.
Bangladeshi Scientist
Marjana Akter
Microbiologist · Biosecurity Fellow · Asian Scientist 100
“Science is not just a career. It is how I carry Bangladesh to tables that once felt impossibly far away.”
From a research lab in Bangladesh to the floor of the United Nations in Geneva, Marjana's work in microbiology, poultry virology, and global biosecurity is quietly rewriting what's possible for Bangladeshi scientists on the world stage.
Asian Scientist 100· 2026UNODA Fellow· 2025iGEM Judge· 2026
As featured in
Prothom AloNational Daily · 2025
The Business StandardBangladesh · 2025
United NationsUNODA · 2025
Asian ScientistMagazine · 2026
United Nations · Geneva
UNODA Biosecurity Fellowship, December 2025
Recognition & Impact
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
As featured in
Prothom AloThe Business StandardUnited Nations · UNODAAsian Scientist MagazineMicrobiology SpectrumThe Lancet Microbe
In the News
Where Marjana Has Been Featured
From the United Nations to peer-reviewed journals, a record of recognition, research, and global reach.
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 bridging 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 opens 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.
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, 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
From Bangladesh to the World