Nobel laureate Martin Lee Chalfie yesterday underscored the need for sufficient funding and the provision of opportunities for students to carry out research work. “We need huge funds for carrying out research work because you will not always reach a conclusion within a short time. You may fail repeatedly. We all fail. So, funding is very important. Besides, facilities and opportunities have to be given for carrying out research work”, he said.
Chalfie was speaking at a press conference at North South University (NSU) in Dhaka. On the topic of quality education, he said: “I have travelled around the world. I heard this question before. For many years, the US caused a brain drain. The rest of the world started coming to the US because there were facilities and opportunities for them after education. The situation has changed now.” “I don’t know whether the education system needs to change. I believe in giving opportunities to as many people as possible. This will ultimately help them,” he added.
“Reading is very important. Most students know what to do. But it is our job is to give them facilities. Students bring excitement with them. We have to give them opportunities. They will fail, but we need to give them chances,” he noted. Asked about climate change, Chalfie said: “Rising sea level is endangering Bangladesh. It is a very well-known fact. It is real. I was dismayed that President Trump wanted to withdraw from the Paris Accord. I think that was not the correct thing to do.”
In response to a query on creativity, Chalfie said: “Creativity is enormously important in every walk of life. You do what is new and noble. You go your own way”.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
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