The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) hosted a seminar on pollen science and interdisciplinary learning on Monday, bringing together faculty members and students to explore how pollen analysis can help researchers understand historical environments and climate patterns.
Titled “Tiny Clues, Timeless Tales”, the seminar was jointly organized by the ULAB Forum for Science (UFS), the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS) and the Department of General Education (GED).
The event began with a welcome speech by Professor Dr Shahnaj Husne Jahan, head of the GED department and director of CAS.
She said the seminar aimed to showcase ULAB’s interdisciplinary approach to research, teaching and learning, under which students engage in research projects beyond their major subjects. She then introduced the keynote speaker, Fahmida Nilufar Monisha, an undergraduate student in ULAB’s Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ).
In her presentation, Monisha explained the basic concepts of pollen and pollination across different plants, trees and crops. She discussed pollen structure, analytical methods and practical applications from scientific, archaeological and geographical perspectives.
She also explained how pollen data collected from different locations can help researchers identify environmental factors and weather conditions across historical periods.
The seminar was attended by ULAB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shamsad Mortuza, UFS director and eminent scientist Professor Dr Muhammad Ibrahim, and faculty members and students from various departments.
The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session and a segment titled “Question Bazaar”, conducted by Professor Dr Ibrahim. Both sessions encouraged interactive scientific discussions and inquiry-based learning among participants.
The seminar highlighted the role of interdisciplinary student research and interactive learning in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
The study of past vegetation, historical climate patterns and ecosystems through pollen science also relates to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by raising awareness of long-term environmental changes.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Dr Ibrahim.
