Overcoming all social barriers in Bangladesh, Dr. Firdausi Qadri - winner of the VinFuture 2024 Special Prize for Scientists from developing countries, is still steadfast in its scientific research path. She has spent the entire prize money of 500,000 USD from VinFuture to expand the scale of the ideSHi Institute for the Development of Science and Medical Initiatives, which she founded, to nurture future medical talents for Bangladesh.
VinFuture adds inspiration and motivation
How has the VinFuture 2024 Special Prize for the innovation of oral choreography vaccines in developing countries affected your scientific research path in your hometown?
- VinFuture has given me more inspiration and motivation to contribute to improving the lives of Bangladesh people, while also giving me new energy and strengthening my reason for living. The recognition both motivates me in my research and motivates me to ensure that scientific solutions are applied in practice, bringing benefits to the less fortunate, especially in global humanitarian crises.
In 2014, I established the ideSHi Institute for the Development of Medical Sciences and Initiatives with the desire to improve public health and nurture the next generation of scientists. I am extremely happy to receive a prize of 500,000 USD from VinFuture, because this amount of money helps me invest in expanding ideSHi's space and opening more laboratories. Currently, the Institute is providing modern facilities, supporting research on genetic and infectious diseases, organizing training programs and cooperating with many international partners.
With bonuses from VinFuture, I believe that ideSHi will continue to bring practical solutions, solve challenges in community health care, thereby enhancing Bangladesh's position in the field of biomedical medicine.
Can you share the new research directions that are currently being implemented?
- Oral vaccines have created a premise for widespread vaccination campaigns in Bangladesh and other developing countries, contributing to preventing outbreaks. However, only the vaccine cannot prevent cholera. There needs to be a comprehensive approach, improving water, environmental sanitation and personal hygiene (WASH), including enhancing education and most importantly, strong monitoring to monitor the spread of bacteria.
We are also striving towards the goal of effective cholera control through comprehensive public health solutions and have achieved important strides. One of them proves that, in case of an outbreak, timely vaccination can quickly reduce the number of cases.
We have implemented this strategy in many areas in Bangladesh. At the same time, we are also working closely with the government to develop a national cholera control plan. This is a milestone marking an important step forward in the fight against this dangerous disease.
Breaking down gender discrimination in science
Do you encounter any gender barriers when pursuing science?
- Currently, gender prejudices or barriers do not only exist in Bangladesh or Asia but are still global. I always want to work equally with my male colleagues, known as a simple " home of scientists" rather than a " home of female scientists". Therefore, instead of being gendered as an obstacle, I always focus on work and do not allow myself to feel weak or limit my own abilities.
As a passionate person for STEM education (Science - Technology - Technology - Mathematics), why do you think empowering women in this field plays an important role?
Statistics show that men still dominate in most areas, even in advanced economies. If women want to create a better world, they need to participate in this transition process.
Although not lacking in capacity, many women are still afraid to pursue STEM due to deep social prejudices. In particular, engineering and Mathematics majors are still missing women due to invisible cultural barriers.
STEM success requires perseverance and sacrifice, especially for women when they have to balance their careers and family expectations. I use my own journey to prove that women can take care of their families while firmly walking on the path of science. Just perseverance, focus and commitment will certainly reap success.
Thank you for sharing!
