The NSU Library and The NSU Global Health Institute had jointly organized a Training Program on ‘Scientific Writing’. The program started on 26 January 2019, continued on four consecutive Saturdays, and ended on 16 February 2019. Twenty-four participants from different disciplines (inside and outside the NSU) participated in the training program. The training session came to an end with the closing session and certificate distribution ceremony on February 16, 2019, at 2.30 pm at the NSU Syndicate Hall.

Dr. Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb, University Librarian & Training-Coordinator in his welcome speech mentioned that this program was a beginning for the researchers to build self-confidence and to know how to write for journals, grant proposals, and posters, etc. As that was the first time initiative, so based on feedback and the experience gathered, the program should be more modular and enriched with expected facilities.

Professor Dr. Atiqul Islam, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, North South University was present as the Chief Guest in the session and eminent writer respected Professor Dr. AKM Golam Rabbani, Proctor, University of Dhaka was present as the special guest. Both the speakers emphasized on the necessity of such type of training sessions to enhance the skill of writing capacity of the researcher and scientific writer. Professor Rabbani opined that the reader wanted to become aware of the subject and decided whether the write-up was an exciting or relevant matter for him or not. He also said that the reader wanted to learn about the primary results, methods, achievements, etc. Professor Atiqul Islam emphasized on continuing this program as a regular basis. He thanked NSU Library team and NSU GHI for organizing such a timely event. He mentioned that due to the aim of science, good writing is not a luxury, but essential skill. It is vital not only for the dissemination of knowledge but also for creating knowledge. A good scientist or researcher might not be a good scientific writer, as relevant skills should be taught. He expressed his early career experience when he considered only for research data and result but not the write-up. He stated that he had learned initially from his supervisor, especially, how to write well. For the participants, he also suggested that if they explained the importance of their study, their paper would be heavily cited and their colleagues and organization might then acknowledge them as an expert in their field.

Professor Dr. Sharif Nurul Ahkam, Director, Graduate Studies, NSU shared his ideas as a guest speaker about the training session. He mentioned that Plagiarism in any form is a severe offense. It included verbatim copying of material without mentioning the source, stealing ideas, and so on. So, it should be avoided seriously. The closing session was chaired by Dr. Ahmed Hossain, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, NSU. He stressed on doing more practice to become more skilled as a scientific writer. Among the other guests, Professor Norman Swazo, Director, Office of Research, NSU and Professor Dr. Md. Jakariya, Dept. of ESM were also present. The event was ended with the vote of thanks and group photo session.

This is worth to mention that this joint training session was initiated by the guidance and kind suggestion of Professor Dr. Gias U. Ahsan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (D) & Dean, School of Health and Life Sciences & Chair, NSU Library Committee. The members of the panel of resource persons of the training were Prof. Dr. Sharif Nurul Ahkam, Director, OGS, Prof. Dr. Dipak Kumar Mitra, Chair, Department of Public Health, Dr. Ahmed Hossain, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, and Dr. Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb, University Librarian, NSU. However, our special thanks to all who cooperated and supported to make the event successful.