We spoke to University of Bristol Alumni, Dr Syed Farrid Uddin Farhad, PhD 2016, Principal Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), about their achievements and experience studying at a UK University.
Please describe your success and achievements:
My scientific journey began with a deep desire to contribute to sustainable energy solutions that align technological progress with environmental responsibility. Growing up in Bangladesh—a nation highly vulnerable to climate change—I aspired to use science as a means of empowerment. This pursuit led me to the United Kingdom, where I completed my Ph.D. in Metal Oxide-based Solar Cells through a collaborative program between the School of Physics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol.
My UK education profoundly shaped my research philosophy. It instilled in me a sense of scientific rigor, interdisciplinary curiosity, and a conviction that innovation must serve both people and the planet. Immersed in the UK’s culture of collaboration and precision, I learned to view science as a bridge between fundamental discovery and societal transformation.
Returning to Bangladesh, I joined the Industrial Physics Division (IPD) of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), determined to apply my UK training to national development. Starting with a modest laboratory, I helped establish a modern research facility for renewable energy and semiconductor technologies. Today, this lab is one of Bangladesh’s leading centers for solar materials, optoelectronic devices, and sunlight-driven hydrogen (H₂) production, directly supporting national clean energy goals.
A key milestone has been pioneering lead-free perovskite solar cells, supported by grants from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC, UK) and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Our team developed tin-based absorber materials with superior stability and performance—offering sustainable alternatives to toxic lead-based systems. Our work on solar fuel (H₂) and metal oxide nanostructures has been featured in ‘ACS Applied Energy Materials’ and ‘Nanotechnology’.
These efforts have gained international recognition. I was listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier, reflecting the global impact of our research. I have also received fellowships and awards from UNESCO/TWAS, RSC (UK), and TWAS-CSIR (India). Collaborations with the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS, Japan), Ritsumeikan University (Japan), and CSIR-India have strengthened Bangladesh’s research presence in global networks and fostered cross-border innovation.
Beyond research, I focus on capacity building and industry linkage. I have mentored over 30 postgraduate students and early-career researchers, contributing to Bangladesh’s semiconductor and renewable energy workforce. Through IPD’s engagement with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and its Semiconductor Taskforce, our research supports national strategies for high-tech industry growth and foreign investment.
For me, science is a moral responsibility—a commitment to serve humanity through knowledge. My UK education transformed curiosity into conviction and research into impact, guiding my mission to help build a cleaner, more resilient, and energy-secure Bangladesh.
What was it about studying at a UK university that helped you to achieve your success? What made it different to studying elsewhere?
Studying in the United Kingdom was a transformative experience that fundamentally shaped my scientific outlook and professional trajectory. The UK’s education system emphasizes independent thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and global collaboration, which empowered me to look beyond disciplinary boundaries and connect physics, chemistry, and materials science toward solving real-world problems.
At the University of Bristol, I was trained in a culture that values both academic excellence and societal relevance. I enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills by attending various training sessions offered by the university, presenting my research at weekly meetings in both the School of Physics and the School of Chemistry, and sharing my findings at annual school conferences. I also presented at professional platforms, including the Institute of Physics (UK), Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) conferences (supported by travel grants to UCL and Imperial College London), and the Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring Meeting and Exhibit 2014 in San Francisco, USA. These opportunities sharpened my ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with international peers.
Equally important was the diversity and inclusivity of the UK’s academic environment. Working alongside researchers from across the world expanded my cultural understanding and strengthened my ability to collaborate internationally—skills that now underpin my partnerships with institutions such as NIMS and Ritsumeikan University (Japan) and CSIR-India.
The UK’s strong industry-academia linkage also left a lasting impression. Exposure to translational research, where scientific discoveries are directly connected to technology and policy, inspired me to pursue research that not only advances knowledge but also contributes to Bangladesh’s industrial and environmental development.
In essence, my UK education didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me a global mindset, a sense of purpose, and the confidence to turn science into societal impact. It taught me that research, when rooted in collaboration and responsibility, can truly change lives.
Please tell us about any examples of how you’ve shared your experiences of studying at a UK university and how you have inspired others:
During my Ph.D. at the University of Bristol, I learned the importance of punctuality and time management—lessons I often share with colleagues to inspire discipline and professional rigor. Early in my program, I had a 9 a.m. meeting with my supervisor, Professor David Cherns. Walking from my dormitory, Hodgkin House, to the School of Physics, a sunny morning suddenly turned into heavy rain and strong winds, soaking me despite my small umbrella. I arrived only five minutes late, only to find my supervisor had already started another meeting, thinking I wouldn’t attend. The incident taught me a vital lesson: never underestimate preparation and punctuality, especially in professional and academic settings.
Since then, I have consistently maintained strict time discipline and encouraged my students and young colleagues at IPD, BCSIR, to adopt similar practices. Beyond punctuality, I share stories of presenting research at weekly meetings, international conferences (including RSC, IOP, and MRS events), and leveraging every opportunity to communicate effectively. These experiences emphasize the importance of resilience, adaptability, and professionalism, inspiring the next generation of scientists in Bangladesh to pursue research with dedication, integrity, and global standards.