08/09/2026
From Field to Findings: A Collaborative Wetland Research Session at Borni Baor.
An enriching day of field-based learning, research, knowledge exchange, and academic collaboration unfolded through a joint initiative of the Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management (ESD), Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) and the Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies (DMES), BRAC University.
The program began with the warm arrival of the faculty members and students from the DMES Department, BRAC University, at GSTU. To encourage collaborative learning and peer-to-peer interaction, the participating students were divided into 11 research groups, with each group comprising two students from BRAC University and one student from GSTU. Each group was assigned a specific aspect of the wetland to investigate during the field visit.
The research topics included fish and fisheries, vegetables, flora, fauna, plants, occupations, agriculture, disasters, problems and challenges of Borni Baor, socio-economic aspects, and weather.
With these research objectives in mind, students and faculty from both departments jointly visited Borni Baor for a hands-on field study. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the wetland ecosystem directly, interact with the surrounding environment, collect field-level information, and understand the different ecological, social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the area.
After returning to the university, everyone gathered together for lunch, creating an informal space for students and faculty members from both departments to interact, share experiences, and strengthen the bond of collaboration.
The academic activities continued with a visit by the DMES students to the Wetland and Delta Research Lab at GSTU. The visit introduced them to the laboratory facilities and research activities related to wetlands, environmental studies, and deltaic systems, further broadening the scope of academic and research exchange between the two departments.
The day concluded with âWetland Research Sharing Session.â During the session, the 11 groups shared their respective field findings and observations based on the topics assigned to them, reflecting on what they had observed and learned during their visit to Borni Baor.
Following the studentsâ sharing session, the respected faculty members from both departments shared their valuable remarks, reflections, and guidance. Their insightful discussions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, field-based learning, and joint research in developing a deeper understanding of the ecological, environmental, social, and disaster-related dimensions of wetland ecosystems.
As a symbol of mutual respect and academic camaraderie, the two departments exchanged Tokens of Appreciation. DMES, BRAC University presented a token to ESD, GSTU, while ESD reciprocated by presenting one to their visiting colleagues. The exchange beautifully reflected the spirit of friendship, collaboration, and shared learning that defined the day.
