Bristol Alum Recognised in Bangladesh StudyUK Alumni Awards

Dr Syed Farrid Uddin Farhad, who earned his PhD in 2016 through a collaborative programme between the University of Bristol’s School of Physics and School of Chemistry, has been named a finalist in the Science and Sustainability category of the 2026 Bangladesh StudyUK Alumni Awards.

Now serving as Principal Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dr Farhad has played a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy research in Bangladesh. His work includes pioneering lead-free perovskite solar cells and developing cutting-edge facilities for solar materials and hydrogen production, supporting the country’s clean energy goals.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Farhad said:
“My UK education profoundly shaped my research philosophy. It taught me that innovation must serve both people and the planet. At Bristol, I learned to view science as a bridge between fundamental discovery and societal transformation.”

Internationally recognised for his contributions, Dr Farhad has been listed among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier and has received multiple fellowships and awards from UNESCO/TWAS and the Royal Society of Chemistry. 

He credits his time at Bristol for giving him a global mindset and the confidence to turn science into societal impact:
“Studying in the UK didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me a sense of purpose and the conviction that research can truly change lives.”