SUST Student Chapter wins AIChE international award

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology's (SUST) AIChE Student Chapter, under the Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science (CEP), has been honoured with the Outstanding Student Chapter Award 2024–2025 by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

This marks the first time the SUST AIChE Student Chapter has achieved this distinction, which is awarded annually to a select number of chapters from among hundreds of universities across more than 100 countries.

AIChE, a leading international professional organisation of chemical engineers, brings together more than 60,000 students and professionals worldwide. Through research-driven initiatives, professional development, and collaboration, it provides a global platform for knowledge exchange. As part of this network, the SUST Chapter has actively promoted leadership, academic growth, and research engagement.

Over the past year, the Chapter has carried out a series of significant activities. Its flagship event, "CareerSpark-1.0", introduced a six-part series exploring research and industry, while several professional workshops equipped students with essential skills. The Chapter also co-hosted international meetups with counterparts in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, strengthening cross-border knowledge-sharing and global networking.

Locally, the Chapter continued its K-12 STEM Outreach Programme, inspiring school students to pursue science and engineering. A recent initiative at KIN School saw heightened interest among pupils in STEM subjects. Another milestone was the publication of its first newsletter, "StreamLine", which documented the Chapter's activities, research contributions, and member achievements.

Members of the Chapter also secured individual international recognition. Khairul Islam Tuhel (CEP 2021–22) represented Bangladesh as a Tier-1 AIChE Student Ambassador at the Annual Student Conference 2024 in San Diego. Meanwhile, Azhar Uddin Shehab and Sumaiya Tabassum Mowrin (CEP 2019–20) won third place in the AIChE Virtual Local Section Student Co-op/Internship Presentation Competition 2024. Further distinctions went to Taseen Chowdhury (CEP 2021–22) and Shakibur Rahman Shanto (CEP 2022–23), who were elected to the AIChE Executive Student Committee 2025–26. Chowdhury additionally received the AIChE First Year Student Recognition Award 2025.

The Outstanding Student Chapter Award recognises leadership, initiative, research engagement, professional development, and social outreach. SUST's Chapter will receive a commemorative plaque, while its Faculty Advisor, Professor Dr Engr Salma Akhter and Chapter President Ahmed Shakibul Islam will be awarded certificates. The Chapter will also be featured on AIChE's official platform and formally recognised at the Annual Student Conference 2025.

Professor Dr Md Salatul Islam Majumder, Head of the CEP Department, congratulated the students, saying their dedication and teamwork had earned international acclaim. Faculty Advisor Professor Dr Engr Salma Akhter praised the students' creativity and commitment, noting that their work strengthened SUST's global presence.

Echoing the sentiment, Professor Dr Md Tamez Uddin highlighted the Chapter's ability to compete globally in academics, research, and leadership. Chapter President Ahmed Shakibul Islam expressed pride in the achievement, pledging to continue driving innovation, collaboration, and outreach that will enhance SUST's global standing.

Nazifa Nawar Eshika is a campus ambassador for The Daily Star and a student of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).