The IEEE Photonics Society CUET Chapter, in Bagledesh, recently held its highly anticipated “Basic PHOTONICS” workshop, a compelling educational event designed to introduce students and early-career researchers to the foundational principles and advanced applications of light-based technologies. With over 70 enthusiastic participants, the workshop served as both a primer and a launchpad for future photonics innovators.
Bridging Fundamentals and the Future
The primary objective of the workshop was to deepen participants’ understanding of photonics, while illustrating its real-world impact through globally relevant research topics. Led by Dr. Md. Istiaque Reja, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at CUET, the session combined academic insight with personal mentorship. Dr. Reja’s extensive research background, including six years in Europe and Australia, brought a unique global perspective that resonated deeply with attendees.
The workshop aimed to guide students in structuring academic research and publication efforts, highlight cutting-edge research themes in the field of photonics, explore impactful applications such as biomedical imaging and advanced optical communication, and offer strategies for successful thesis and dissertation development.
By the end of the event, these goals had not only been met, but they had also sparked new enthusiasm and direction among the student body. One of the most notable outcomes was the rise in interest among undergraduate students who, inspired by the session, expressed a desire to launch their own photonics-related research projects.
Mentorship in Focus
While technical content was central to the program, mentorship proved to be the heart of the workshop. The interactive format encouraged continuous dialogue, allowing students to ask questions and engage with complex topics in real time. A particularly memorable moment occurred during the Q&A session when a student asked how to begin contributing to research as an undergraduate. Dr. Reja’s response, “Meaningful research begins not with a title, but with curiosity and discipline”, sparked a wave of follow-up questions and set the tone for a deeply personal, motivational exchange.
A participant reflected, “This workshop changed the way I think about research. For the first time, I see a clear roadmap, from forming a question to publishing a paper. I feel inspired and confident.”
The CUET Chapter strategically extended invitations to students and faculty across departments and nearby institutions. This inclusive approach fostered a multidisciplinary learning environment and introduced photonics to newcomers in the field. As a result, new connections were made, and informal peer discussion groups emerged organically after the event, a testament to the sense of community the workshop cultivated.
As photonics continues to evolve and intersect with emerging fields, initiatives like the “Basic PHOTONICS” workshop are essential in preparing the next generation of researchers and innovators from the pre-university or undergraduate pipelines. The CUET Chapter’s commitment to mentorship, outreach, and academic excellence has not only advanced its local community, it has illuminated a pathway for others to follow.-
