Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan (QS World University Rankings 2026: #85 globally). After completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, he pursued his Master’s in Thailand and earned his Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.) from Nagoya University in Japan (QS World University Rankings 2026: #164 globally, 6th in Japan). He then completed three postdoctoral positions at JAIST and Nagoya University. After his postdoctoral research, he began his faculty career as an Assistant Professor at Nagoya University, Japan. Currently, he is conducting research and teaching as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, one of the top 2 universities in Japan. With over 15 years of experience in research on nanomaterials, graphene-based sensors, biofuel cells, and protein-based bioelectronics, he is well-recognized internationally. His journey includes over 40 international journal articles, more than 40 international conference presentations, a Japanese patent, and leadership in multiple international research projects—an inspirational story for young researchers.
Rising from an ordinary town in Bangladesh to establish a place in the international research community is not easy. Yet, Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam, from Bheramara, Kushtia, chose that challenging path. Today, he is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo in Japan. His story is not just about personal achievement; it is a tale of dreams, hard work, the quest for knowledge, and deep dedication to research.
Q&A Session:
Question: Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Answer:
I am Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam. I began my journey as a researcher from a humble background in Bheramara, Kushtia, fueled by dreams. From childhood, science was the source of my curiosity. After earning a bachelor’s in chemistry, I realized that to accomplish something significant, I needed to engage in world-class research. With that goal, I went to Thailand for my Master’s, and then to Nagoya University in Japan for my Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.). Currently, I work as an Assistant Professor, doing research and teaching at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan. Every step in my life was a new challenge, but through hard work and perseverance, I advanced.
Studying abroad means not only a new lab but also a new culture, a new language, and a new world of competition. I accepted these challenges as opportunities to learn. In my words, “The pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey. The more I learn, the more I realize there is still more to learn.”
Question: What is your main research area?
Answer:
From Nanotechnology to Human Welfare
Dr. Zahidul Islam’s main research areas are nanomaterials, graphene-based gas sensors, energy storage technology, and protein-based biomaterials.
The main goal of his work is to develop advanced materials that provide real benefits for the environment, energy, and medical technology—helping to make everyday life safer and better.
For example:
- Advanced gas sensors can rapidly detect harmful gases
- Gas sensor technology can analyze VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or other biomarker gases in human breath to detect lung cancer, asthma, kidney disease, or diabetes at early stages—very quickly and non-invasively
- Energy storage technology helps boost the use of renewable energy
- Biomaterials can create new possibilities in future medical technologies
He believes that the true value of research is realized when it improves people’s lives.
Question: How does your research benefit people?
Answer:
My research develops technology to help improve the quality of life. For example, advanced gas sensors can detect environmental pollution, energy storage technology will help increase the use of renewable energy, and research on biomaterials opens new possibilities for future medical technology.
The technologies I develop in my research aim to make daily life safer and better. For example, high-sensitivity gas sensors can detect harmful gases and help keep industries and the environment safe. Improved energy storage technology will increase the use of renewable energy, which is vital for protecting the environment. In addition, my work on biomaterials can create new prospects in medicine. Especially, being able to diagnose disease simply by analyzing breath—without the need for blood or urine samples—is my greatest discovery so far.
Question: Can you share a special experience from your research life?
Answer:
The most memorable experience of my research life was achieving a successful result in a key experiment after many failures. It taught me that patience is the greatest strength in research. Another special experience was presenting my research at an international conference, where scientists from various countries engaged in discussions and gave feedback. These experiences increased my confidence and built connections within the international research community. They taught me that without patience, careful observation, and integrity, research remains incomplete.
Question: What message do you have for young Bangladeshi students interested in science?
Answer:
I would tell young people to dream big, work hard, and never consider themselves limited. Make learning a lifelong habit. Research is not just about experiments—it’s a mindset for identifying problems, finding solutions, and turning ideas into reality. In science, curiosity is your greatest strength. Learn to ask questions, don’t fear failure, and strive to learn something new every day. Build your language skills and develop a global mindset. Remember, success doesn’t come overnight—patience and consistent effort will move you forward.
Contact Information
Email:
[email protected],
[email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/md-zahidul-islam-869b3644/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qbDiNpMAAAAJ&hl=en
ResearchGate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Md_Islam199
Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam, Assistant Professor in Japan: A Story of Dreams, Hard Work, the Pursuit of Knowledge, and Research Excellence
Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan (QS World University Rankings 2026: #85 globally). After completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, he pursued his Master’s degree in Thailand and later earned his Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.) from Nagoya University, Japan (QS World University Rankings 2026: #164 globally, ranked 6th in Japan).
Following his doctoral studies, he completed three postdoctoral research appointments at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and Nagoya University. After serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher, he began his faculty career as an Assistant Professor at Nagoya University. He is now continuing his academic and research journey at one of Japan’s top two universities, the Institute of Science Tokyo, where he is actively engaged in both research and teaching.
With over 15 years of research experience, Dr. Islam has established himself internationally in the fields of nanomaterials, graphene-based sensors, biofuel cells, and protein-based bioelectronics. His scholarly contributions include more than 40 international journal publications, over 40 international conference presentations, one Japanese patent, and leadership roles in multiple internationally funded research projects. His academic journey stands as a source of inspiration for young researchers.
Rising from a modest town in Bheramara, Kushtia, Bangladesh, building a position in the global research arena was not an easy path. Yet Dr. Islam chose that challenging road with determination. Today, as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, his story is not merely one of personal success; it is a story of dreams, perseverance, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and unwavering dedication to scientific research.
Interview Session
Question: Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Answer:
I am Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam, originally from Bheramara, Kushtia, Bangladesh. Coming from a modest background, I began my journey with a dream and a deep curiosity for science from an early age. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, I realized that to achieve something meaningful, I needed to engage with world-class research. With that goal, I moved to Thailand to pursue my Master’s degree, and later earned my Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.) from Nagoya University, Japan.
Currently, I am serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, where I am actively involved in both research and teaching. Every stage of my life brought new challenges, but through perseverance, discipline, and continuous learning, I moved forward step by step.
Studying abroad is not just about working in advanced laboratories—it also means adapting to new cultures, new languages, and intense global competition. I embraced these challenges as opportunities to grow. As I often say, “The pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey—the more we learn, the more we realize how much more there is to learn.”
Question: What is your main research area?
Answer:
My research bridges nanotechnology and human welfare. My primary areas of research include nanomaterials, graphene-based gas sensors, energy storage technologies, and protein-based biomaterials.
The core objective of my work is to develop advanced functional materials that can bring practical benefits in environmental safety, sustainable energy, and medical technology—ultimately improving daily human life.
For example:
- Advanced gas sensors can rapidly detect harmful gases in the environment.
- Gas sensor technology can analyze VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or other biomarker gases in human breath to enable early and non-invasive detection of diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, kidney disorders, and diabetes.
- Energy storage technologies contribute to the expansion of renewable energy usage.
- Biomaterials research opens new possibilities for next-generation medical technologies.
I strongly believe that the true value of research lies in its ability to improve human life.
Question: How does your research benefit people?
Answer:
My research focuses on developing technologies that enhance quality of life and safety.
For instance, high-sensitivity gas sensors can detect toxic gases and help maintain industrial and environmental safety. Improved energy storage technologies will accelerate the use of renewable energy, which is crucial for environmental sustainability. Additionally, biomaterials research may revolutionize future medical technologies.
One of the most meaningful directions of my work is developing diagnostic technologies that can detect diseases simply through breath analysis—without requiring blood or urine samples. This non-invasive approach has the potential to transform early disease diagnosis. Personally, I consider this one of the most impactful innovations in my research journey so far.
Question: Could you share a special experience from your research journey?
Answer:
One of the most memorable experiences in my research life was achieving success in a critical experiment after numerous failures. That moment taught me that patience is the greatest strength in scientific research.
Another significant experience was presenting my research at international conferences, where scientists from different countries shared their insights and feedback. Those interactions strengthened my confidence and connected me to the global scientific community.
Research requires patience, careful observation, integrity, and intellectual honesty. Without these, scientific work remains incomplete.
Question: What message would you give to young Bangladeshi students who aspire to work in science?
Answer:
I would tell young students: dream big, work hard, and never limit yourself. Make the pursuit of knowledge a lifelong habit.
Research is not just about conducting experiments—it is a way of thinking. It is about identifying problems, designing solutions, and transforming ideas into reality. Science rewards curiosity. Learn to ask questions. Do not fear failure. Try to learn something new every day.
Develop strong language skills and build an international mindset. Remember, success does not come overnight—patience and consistent effort will take you forward.
Contact Information
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/md-zahidul-islam-869b3644/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qbDiNpMAAAAJ&hl=en
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Md_Islam199
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