Yan He, a Postdoctoral Scholar of Stanford University, USA paid a courtesy call on Dhaka University (DU) Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam today November 3, 2026, at the latter’s office. Dr. Apurba Aham, Senior Research Assistant at icddr,b, was also present on this occasion.

During the meeting, they discussed ongoing research initiatives on air pollution and the presence of lead in the environment in Bangladesh their potential impacts on public health, data collection, sample analysis, and prospects for future research collaboration.

Yan He briefed the Pro-Vice-Chancellor regarding ongoing research projects titled ‘Project Unleaded’ and ‘Airborne Lead Study’ in Bangladesh. These studies aim to assess the presence of lead and other heavy metals in the air and environment, as well as the level of air pollution in different parts of the country. Discussions also focused on identifying potential sampling locations in industrial areas, brick kiln sites, and different geographical regions of Bangladesh.

The meeting also explored opportunities to utilize the University of Dhaka’s existing air quality monitoring and research data, install sampling equipment at different locations, and enhance the quality and reliability of research through comparative analysis of collected data. The importance of collaborative research to assess the health impacts of air pollution, particularly its harmful effects on respiratory health and public health, was also emphasized.

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam highlighted the importance of such research initiatives and discussed possibilities for strengthening communication and collaboration with relevant departments and researchers at the University of Dhaka. He expressed hope that such joint initiatives would contribute to effective research on environmental pollution and public health protection, as well as support evidence-based policymaking.

03/11/26

Forrukh Mahmud
Deputy Director
Public Relations Office
University of Dhaka