Behavioural Science and Health Research Group launches at JU

The Behavioural Science and Health Research Group (BSHRG) has launched at Jahangirnagar University (JU) to pursue advanced research in behavioural science and public health. The group was inaugurated with a cake-cutting ceremony at the university’s Department of Public Health and Informatics last Tuesday.

Assistant Professor Dr Sahadat Hossain of the department will lead the group. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Public Health and Informatics before earning a PhD in Behavioural Science and Health from University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. He has research experience at UCL as a Commonwealth Scholar.

Alongside conducting high-quality research, one of the group’s key goals is to develop skilled researchers through direct student participation, training and mentorship. It also aims to contribute to behavioural science and public health research in the country.

The department’s chairman, Professor Dr Md Sakhawat Hossain, formally inaugurated the group as chief guest. Faculty members and researchers from the department attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Professor Dr Md Sakhawat Hossain said: “I am extremely pleased that the Behavioural Science and Health Research Group has begun its journey at the Department of Public Health and Informatics. Creating knowledge and pursuing research are among the fundamental foundations of higher education and teaching.”

He added: “I hope this research group will build strong networks and mutual collaboration among researchers at home and abroad. This will create opportunities for new and innovative research into human behaviour and health. Such research will play an important role in preventing various physical and mental illnesses among people in the country and improving public health overall.” He wished the group success and pledged full support on behalf of the department.

The group will study behavioural, social, environmental and structural factors that influence health at different stages of life. Its research will also cover behavioural science, epidemiology, mental health, addiction and tobacco control, communicable and non-communicable diseases, implementation science, and health policy evaluation. Alongside using multidimensional and mixed research methods, the group will work on health interventions informed by behavioural science.

The group’s director, Dr Sahadat Hossain, said: “Our main goal is to gain recognition as a leading centre of excellence for behavioural science and public health research nationally and internationally. At the same time, we aim to strengthen the research skills of young researchers and students through mentorship, training and collaborative research. Another of our goals is to play a role at the policymaking level in establishing health equity.”