To foster stronger academic and research ties in microbiology, the International Society of Bangladesh-affiliated Microbiologists (ISBM) and Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement was formally signed on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) in the university’s boardroom by Prof. Dr. Mahmuda Yasmin, Vice President of ISBM, and Prof. Dr. Fr. Charles B. Gordon, CSC, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NDUB.

The program opened with a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Md. Shahidul Kabir, Chairman of the Department of Microbiology at NDUB. This was followed by Fr. Charles presenting an introduction to NDUB and Prof. Yasmin providing an overview of ISBM.

In his remarks, Fr. Charles described the partnership as the beginning of a promising new phase of collaboration between ISBM and NDUB. He emphasized that the MoU would pave the way for enhanced research opportunities and the exchange of knowledge in microbiology, ultimately benefiting students and the broader academic community.

Prof. Yasmin expressed her appreciation for the cooperation with NDUB, noting the institution’s commitment to values and quality education. She highlighted that the collaboration would play a vital role in supporting young researchers, facilitating expertise sharing, and advancing microbiology in Bangladesh.

An open discussion session followed, featuring distinguished attendees including Dr. Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, Treasurer of NDUB; Prof. Dr. Sangita Ahmed, Organizing Secretary of ISBM; Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, Deputy Registrar of NDUB; and Dr. Salma Akter, Assistant Treasurer of ISBM.

The event concluded with a formal acknowledgment of the MoU, an exchange of gifts, and a visit to the Microbiology Department laboratory.