Profile

Born in 1978 in Habiganj, Bangladesh, Professor Syed Sayeem Uddin Ahmed has risen from humble beginnings to become a leading figure in epidemiology. His journey from a small town to becoming a distinguished researcher and academician is marked by unwavering dedication, profound intellect, and a relentless commitment to public health. Professor Ahmed began his academic career in 2003 as a Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU). He became an Assistant Professor in 2008 at CVASU. By 2012, he joined Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) as an Associate Professor and continued to make significant strides in academia and research. He was promoted to Full Professor in 2015, and today, he holds the position of Selection Grade Professor at SAU. He also serves as the dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies. In 2013, he established the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health as its founding chairman, laying the groundwork for advanced research and education in this vital field. His vision extended well beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his various administrative roles, including Director of Outreach in 2014, Chairman of the Security Council in 2018, Director of Student Counselling and Advice in 2019, and Director of Research from 2021 to 2022. His leadership in these roles has been pivotal. Professor Ahmed's academic credentials are equally remarkable. He completed his secondary education, achieving First Division in his S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations in 1993 and 1995, respectively. His pursuit of higher education began at the University of Chittagong, where he earned his first degree in Veterinary Medicine with distinction in 2003. Driven by a passion for epidemiology, he continued his education abroad, earning an M.Sc. in Epidemiology from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands in 2007, followed by a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark in 2012. Further honing his expertise, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Denmark from 2014 to 2015. He was a Senior International Fellow in the Program on Emerging Infections at the Infectious Disease Division of icddr,b in 2015. Professor Ahmed's research contributions are both extensive and influential. He has completed 27 scientific projects and published 75 peer-reviewed research papers throughout his career. He has achieved an h-index of 20 and an i10-index of 31, reflecting his impact on epidemiology. His scholarly work includes authoring several book chapters and conference proceedings, with a research focus on infectious disease epidemiology and epidemiological modeling. His research has garnered funding from various organizations, including the Government of Bangladesh, DANIDA, FAO, US-CDC, and USAID. To date, he has secured approximately four million U.S. dollars in research funding as a principal and co-principal investigator. His achievements have been recognized internationally, including his listing in the A.D. Scientific Index for several consecutive years, including 2024. Professor Ahmed has made significant contributions as a mentor and educator, too. He has supervised 30 MS and five Ph.D. students. His expertise is sought after internationally, as evidenced by his teaching roles in several Ph.D. and MSc-level courses at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen and the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TAPHENET). Furthermore, he is a reviewer for several prestigious journals, including The Journal of Infectious Diseases and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Professor Ahmed is an active member of the American Society for Microbiology, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, and the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA). His global presence is underscored by his participation in conferences and scientific meetings across over 40 countries. He has represented Bangladesh at significant international forums, including WHO-SEARO, FAO, the National Academy of Sciences (USA), and the Indian National Academy of Sciences. His expertise and insights have made him a valued speaker and resource person at numerous scientific conferences and meetings. Professor Ahmed's career is a testament to his deep commitment to advancing the epidemiology and public health fields in Bangladesh.