Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative - ESRI

🏆 Celebrating Three Incredible Achievements!

We are incredibly proud to share some wonderful news from our team! 🎉

🍁 Congratulations to Dr. Md Pervez Kabir on being awarded the prestigious Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Western University, Canada. This is a remarkable recognition of your dedication and contribution to health research. We are so proud of you!

🎓 Congratulations to Mondira Bardhan on receiving the Graduate Student Award of Excellence at Clemson University, USA. Your hard work, passion, and commitment to academic excellence have truly shone through. Well deserved!

🌿 Congratulations to Mehedi Hasan on achieving the Outstanding Environmental Sciences Graduate Student Award at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA. Your exemplary academic achievement is an inspiration to all of us!

These achievements remind us that hard work, perseverance, and passion always lead to great things. We are beyond proud to see our members excel on the international stage! 🌍

Keep soaring high — the best is yet to come! ✨

We are delighted to share that our systematic review — "Systematic Evaluation of Wastewater Surveillance of Infectious Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic" — has been accepted and is now available online in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Elsevier), Q1, IF=7.2.

This work synthesizes WHO-guided wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) methodologies applied to six priority pathogens — SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, RSV, MPXV, Salmonella, and Poliovirus — across 37 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), drawing on 180 studies published between 2020 and 2025.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:

▸ WBS detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater 2–21 days before clinical case surges, demonstrating its powerful early warning potential.

▸ Despite diverse infrastructural conditions, WBS proved feasible across both centralized and decentralized settings in LMICs.

▸ Methodological heterogeneity remains a critical challenge — standardization of sampling, concentration, and normalization protocols is urgently needed.

▸ Genomic surveillance via wastewater sequencing successfully detected emerging variants, including cryptic mutations, ahead of clinical detection.

▸ Machine learning models integrating wastewater data predicted COVID-19 trends with up to 81.8% accuracy.

This work is the outcome of a truly collaborative effort. We are grateful to all co-authors and collaborators: Md Pervez Kabir, PhD, Asma Safia Disha, Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary, Mahadi Hasan, Sharif Mutasim Billah, Juvair Hossan, Afrin Laila Parvin, Mehedi Hasan, Tyson E. Graber, Egide Kalisa, and Robert Delatolla — representing institutions across Bangladesh, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, and the USA. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and multidisciplinary team.

We hope this work contributes meaningfully to strengthening global infectious disease surveillance, advancing health equity, and building pandemic preparedness capacity in underserved communities worldwide.

📄 Full article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2026.122656

🎉We are thrilled to share that one of our co-founders and senior Researcher Md Pervez Kabir, PhD has been awarded a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. This is a well-deserved milestone and a proud moment for everyone who has followed his journey.

As a Co-founder and Researcher at the Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative (ESRI), Bangladesh, Dr. Kabir has consistently demonstrated intellectual rigor, leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental and sustainability research. This fellowship is a testament to his hard work and the global relevance of his scholarship.

Wishing you every success in this exciting new chapter, Dr. Kabir. The best science often travels far before it changes the world—and this feels like one of those journeys. 🌍🔬

We’re excited to share that 7 abstracts from ESRI have been accepted and presented at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2025 🌍. Our members shared work on issues that sit right at the edge of climate, environment, and public health:
• Behavioral responses to air-pollution reduction in urban Bangladesh by Marvina Rahman Ritu
• Occupational heat risk perception by Rahman Tamim
• Public perception of plastics in Bangladesh by Hasan
• Artificial light at night and maternal health by Mutasim Billah
• Wildfire smoke and health by Mondira Bardhan
• Climate extremes and farmers’ mental health by Baree Tuna
• How green space modifies heat–mortality risks by Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary

Md Shahinur Rahman Mehedi Hasan Afrin Laila Parvin Imran Chowdhury Sakib Afif Iftikhar Md Ismay Azam Badhon Md Atiqur Rahman Md Pervez Kabir, PhD Asma Safia Disha Dana Sikder

American Geophysical Union (AGU)

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡, 𝐚 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛
ডেভিড জে. ক্রেগ | ২০১৬

বাংলাদেশে বড় ভূমিকম্প হওয়ার সম্ভাবনা —এটা নিয়ে কলম্বিয়া বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বিজ্ঞানীরা বেশ নিশ্চিত। কিন্তু কখন আসবে, সেটি নির্দিষ্ট করে বলা অসম্ভব। তবুও তাঁদের উদ্বেগ একটাই: যদি এমন ভূমিকম্প আসে, সেটি হতে পারে ভয়াবহ, কারণ এই ঘনবসতিপূর্ণ দেশটি এখনো প্রস্তুত নয়।

কলাম্বিয়া বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ভূ-বিজ্ঞানী মাইকেল স্টেকলার ও তাঁর দল প্রায় এক যুগেরও বেশি সময় ধরে বাংলাদেশের জমি কীভাবে নড়ে-চড়ে সরে যাচ্ছে, সেটি পর্যবেক্ষণ করছেন। ২০০৩ সালে তাঁরা দেশের বিভিন্ন জায়গায় জিপিএস যন্ত্র বসান। এসব যন্ত্রের ক্ষুদ্রাতিক্ষুদ্র নড়াচড়া বিশ্লেষণ করে তাঁরা দেখেছেন—বাংলাদেশ যে ভূখণ্ডের উপর দাঁড়িয়ে আছে, তা প্রতি বছর প্রায় দুই ইঞ্চি করে উত্তর–পূর্ব দিকে সরে যাচ্ছে। এই সরে যাওয়া ভূখণ্ডটি আবার মিয়ানমারের নিচে থাকা আরেকটি অংশে ঠেস দিয়ে ধাক্কা দিচ্ছে। ফলে সেখানে বছরের পর বছর ধরে চাপ জমে উঠছে। কোনো একসময় এই চাপ যদি হঠাৎ মুক্তি পায়, সেটিই হতে পারে এক প্রচণ্ড ভূমিকম্পের সূত্রপাত।

স্টেকলার বলছেন, “চাপ কতদিন ধরে জমছে সেটা জানলে আমরা শক্তি আন্দাজ করতে পারতাম। কিন্তু নথিপত্রে দেখা যায়, অন্তত চারশো বছর ধরে বাংলাদেশে বড় কোনো ভূমিকম্প হয়নি। ধরে নিতে হয়, চাপও ততদিন ধরে বাড়ছে।”

Nature Geoscience–এ প্রকাশিত এক গবেষণায় তাঁর দল বলছে, যদি আটকে থাকা প্লেটগুলো হঠাৎ সরে যায়, ভূমিকম্পের মাত্রা ৮.২ থেকে ৯.০ হতে পারে—যা ইতিহাসে নথিবদ্ধ সবচেয়ে বড় ভূমিকম্পগুলোর মধ্যে পড়বে।

গবেষকেরা বলছেন না যে বড় ভূমিকম্প শিগগিরই আসছে; এটি আরও শত বছর পরও হতে পারে। কোথায় কেন্দ্র হবে, তাও নিশ্চিত নয়। কিন্তু ঝুঁকির পরিধি বিশাল—কারণ সম্ভাব্য ফল্টলাইনটি প্রায় ১৫০ মাইল এলাকা জুড়ে বিস্তৃত, যেখানে বসবাস করে প্রায় ১৪ কোটি মানুষ। এর ভেতরেই রয়েছে দ্রুত বিস্তৃত হওয়া রাজধানী ঢাকা—যেখানে ১৯৯৩ সালের আগে কোনো বিল্ডিং কোড ছিল না, আর নতুন ভবনগুলোর অনেকই এখনো নিয়ম মানে না। তার ওপর ঢাকার বড় অংশ পলিমাটিতে গঠিত; ভূমিকম্পে এই আলগা মাটি কাঁপন আরও বাড়িয়ে দিতে পারে।

স্টেকলারের কথায়, “ঢাকা যেন নরম জেলীপূর্ণ একটি বাটির ওপর দাঁড়িয়ে থাকা শহর।” ঝুঁকি কমাতে স্টেকলার ও তাঁর সহযোগীরা বাংলাদেশের বিশেষজ্ঞদের সঙ্গে মিলে নীতিনির্ধারকদের সচেতন করছেন—ভবনগুলোকে নিয়ম মেনে নির্মাণ করা, পুরোনো ভবন সংস্কার, এবং জরুরি প্রস্তুতি পরিকল্পনা ঠিক রাখার উপর জোর দিচ্ছেন।

স্টেকলার বলেন, “বড় ভূমিকম্প হলে ধ্বংসস্তূপ জমবে। কিন্তু আগে থেকে প্রস্তুতি নিলে, অনেক জীবন বাঁচানো সম্ভব।”

Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/ngeo2760

https://phys.org/news/2016-07-giant-quake-lurk-bangladesh.html

https://magazine.columbia.edu/article/beneath-bangladesh-tectonic-time-bomb?fbclid=IwY2xjawOPmitleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHd1NWWDZXVjFRMDBPTnNic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlTVrJMbosZClzwKsob0R8SxWn23tpeu16Fe4oVXuCpfeiJBplbiR0sG9ZEY_aem_qHADz4gOXFpc7XxsK0ko5g

🎉🌏 Celebrating 5 Years of ESRI: From Vision to Voice for the Planet! 🌱🚀

On April 7, 2020, six young minds from the Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University came together with a shared purpose—to transform passion into action and research into impact. That day, Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary, Md Pervez Kabir, Zahidul Haque, Mondira Bardhan, Sharif Mutasim Billah, and Asma Safia Disha planted the seed of what would become the Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative (ESRI). 🌿

Today, as we proudly mark 5 years of this incredible journey, we reflect on how that seed has blossomed into a thriving research family of 23 graduates working across the frontiers of environmental science, public health, climate resilience, and sustainability.

In these five years, ESRI has:
✅ Published 40+ peer-reviewed research articles
✅ Collaborated with 25+ global scholars and institutions
✅ Grown partnerships with platforms like the Planetary Health Alliance (USA) and the Clemson Virtual Reality and Nature Lab
✅ Led groundbreaking work on climate, health, green cities, and environmental justice

But beyond the numbers, it's about people and purpose. 🧠💚
🏆 This year, we are delighted to announce:
🎖️ Best Researcher Award 2025 – Imran Chowdhury Sakib, for his exceptional scientific drive and dedication over the past year.
🎖️ Best Study lead 2025 – Marvina Rahman Ritu, for her leading capacity to conduct impactful research within ESRI & beyond.
🎖️ Best Research Proposal 2025- Md. Shahinur Rahman & Imran Chowdhury Sakib for outsnatding research proposal.
👏 We also recognize the remarkable contributions of Mahadi Hasan, Ashiqur Rahman Tamim Afif Iftekhar whose efforts have enriched our collective mission.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear—to bridge knowledge and action, empower the next generation of environmental scholars, and contribute to a sustainable future that leaves no one behind.

🌍 Here’s to more curiosity, more collaboration, and more courage to challenge the status quo. The journey is just getting started. Thank you to all our mentors, partners, and every member of the ESRI family for being part of this movement.

With gratitude and hope,
— The ESRI Team 💚

Thanks to Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary Zahidul Haque Mondira Bardhan Md Pervez Kabir Asma Safia Disha Sharif Mutasim Billah Sardar Al Imran Md Atiqur Rahman Ashiqur Rahman Tamim Marvina Rahman Ritu Dana Sikder Juvair Hossan Mehedi Hasan Mahadi Hasan Md. Shahinur Rahman Afrin Laila Parvin Shahreen Hasan Faiza Imam Tuhi Sama Jamila Rahim Navid Newaz Imran Chowdhury Sakib Ismay Azam Badhon Afif Iftekhar Tasmia Baree Tuna

hashtag

🌿 Big Congratulations to Dr. Pervez Kabir! 🎓

We’re thrilled to share that one of our co-founders, Pervez Kabir, has successfully completed his PhD in Environmental Engineering at the University of Ottawa! 🇨🇦

Coming from a non-microbiological background, Pervez navigated the challenging worlds of molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics with incredible dedication and curiosity. What’s more exciting? His PhD thesis has been nominated for the Best Thesis Award—a well-deserved recognition for his hard work and impactful research. 🌟

We’ve always admired his commitment to science, environmental sustainability, and creating collaborative spaces for young researchers.

Wishing you continued success, Dr. Pervez! You’ve made us all proud. 👏

Proud to be a member of the Planetary Health Alliance https://planetaryhealthalliance.org/

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We are thrilled to share that Asma Safia Disha, co-founder of the Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative (ESRI), has received two prestigious PhD offers! 🎓✨

1️⃣ PhD in Earth Sciences – University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading institutions.
2️⃣ Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Fellowship in Environmental Engineering, a highly competitive and prestigious European research program.

During her tenure at ESRI, she made remarkable contributions, co-authoring 14 research articles in peer-reviewed Journals and presenting five conference abstracts at globally renowned platforms like AGU and ISEE. 🌍📑

Before this, Asma Safia Disha completed her MS in Environmental Science from Khulna University, followed by an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program. She then joined North South University as a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science and Management, where she continued to inspire and contribute to the field.

Her journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion for environmental research and sustainability. We at ESRI are incredibly proud and excited to see her take this next big step in her academic career! 🚀👏

Congratulations, Disha! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in Environmental and Public Health Systematic reviews have become a widely recognized and essential method in research, particularly in environmental and public health fields. As the demand for rigorous, evidence-based insights grows, systematic reviews are increasingly relied upon to synthesize complex data and guide policy decision