Dr Md. Ferdous Rahman has joined the research team of Professor Allen G. Ross (currently Dean of the College of Medicine, Ajman University, UAE) and Distinguished Professor Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky at the Rural Health and Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, as a PhD researcher. He brings a distinctive combination of clinical training, public health leadership, and implementation science expertise. Dr Rahman achieved his MBBS from the University of Dhaka and later completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at North South University, Bangladesh, where he received a competitive merit-based scholarship in recognition of his contributions to medical research and scientific advocacy.
With over seven years of experience working at the intersection of health systems, infectious diseases, and marginalized populations, Dr Rahman has led and co-designed major research programs at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). His work has primarily focused on HIV, hepatitis, and mental health among people who inject drugs (PWID), contributing to peer-reviewed publications and collaborative initiatives in digital health, epidemic preparedness, and climate-responsive healthcare.
He has received advanced training in biostatistics, family medicine, and applied research methods from institutions including icddr,b, the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins University. His scientific accomplishments have been recognized with several awards, including the Best Presenter Award from the South Asian Regional Pain Society and a travel fellowship from the NIHR Global Health Research Centre. Beyond his academic work, Dr Rahman is also a published fiction writer, having been named one of The Daily Prothom Alo’s top 100 fiction writers, a testament to his storytelling ability and public engagement.
Dr Rahman is currently undertaking doctoral research under the joint supervision of Professor Allen G. Ross, Professor Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky, Dr Sharful Islam Khan, and Dr M. Mamun Huda. His project focuses on the social and molecular network dynamics of blood-borne infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). By integrating diagnostic testing, social network analysis, and epidemiological modeling, his research seeks to identify high-risk clusters and inform targeted, data-driven public health interventions. This work not only enhances our understanding of infectious disease epidemiology but also embodies the values of equity, innovation, and community engagement central to our mission. As the global health community continues to pursue data-driven, community-centered strategies to address entrenched health inequities, his work offers a compelling example of how interdisciplinary research can drive meaningful systemic change.
We are happy to welcome Dr Rahman to the team. His translational focus and interdisciplinary approach align closely with the mission of our lab and the evolving priorities of global health research.