Bangladeshi microbiologist Senjuti Saha makes it to the list of the top 10 scientists in the world, as published by the renowned scientific journal The Lancet.
One of the associates of Senjuti, Madhukar Pai, who happens to be the Chair of Epidemiology and Global Health at McGill University, was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo,
"Senjuti is an extraordinary role model for women scientists in the global health sector. She is also vocal about inequality and injustice."
Senjuti Saha is the director of the non-profit organisation Child Health Research Organization (CHRO), which focuses on different health hazards in children and ways to mitigate them.
As per The Lancet, Senjuti and CHRF are trying to find out the genome sequencing of some of the viruses responsible for the common health hazards that can be seen in Bangladeshi children, such as dengue and chikungunya.
About getting on The Lancet's list, Senjuti Saha said to Prothom Alo, "When Lancet contacted me, I was surprised that Lancet knew so much about our work. I feel proud that a journal like Lancet has written a profile on a Bangladeshi scientist. It will brighten the image of our country to the world."
Senjuti Saha was also the first Bangladeshi scientist to decode the genetic sequence of the coronavirus after the first person affected by it was found in Bangladesh back in March 2020. Senjuti stated the act to be an example of how adequate efficiency in a particular field can translate to many positive changes.
Senjuti also wants science to be a tool used for society's greater good. In her own words, society needs to be scientifically inclined to utilise science for the greater good. And that's why it is necessary to make children passionate about science education and science as a whole.
Senjuti is not only a scientist, but she also tries to create awareness and passion about science among kids, an act that has made her move around Bangladesh.
Female scientists are no longer rare in the context of the world, and even in the context of Bangladesh, the passion for science is disseminated among children irrespective of gender, although the number still is not adequate.
Senjuti Saha made a mark regarding female participation in the scientific sector of Bangladesh which will inspire many more to achieve such milestones.
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