International Funded Research Projects

Collaborative Research for Global Sustainability

Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam has been actively engaged in internationally funded research that contributes to sustainable development, environmental protection, and geographic innovation. These projects, backed by globally renowned institutions, address critical challenges through interdisciplinary research and policy-oriented outcomes.

🧪 1. Electrocoagulation for Lead Removal from Battery Effluent

• Funding Organization: The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

• Duration: 2022 – 2024

• Role: Principal Investigator

• Overview:
  This project investigates an innovative and low-cost water treatment technique—electrocoagulation—to remove toxic lead from battery factory wastewater. The method is evaluated for efficiency, environmental safety, and adaptability for use in developing countries.

• Key Outcomes:

  • Significant reduction in lead concentration

  • Model prototype for small-scale industrial use

  • Presented at TWAS regional conferences

🌊 2. Climate Change Vulnerability in Coastal Bangladesh

• Funding Organization: International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada

• Duration: 2018 – 2020

• Role: Lead Researcher

• Overview:
  This research aimed to identify regions in southern coastal Bangladesh most vulnerable to sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and extreme weather events. The study used GIS modeling and community-level surveys.

• Key Outcomes:

  • Coastal vulnerability maps published in international journals

  • Policy briefs for local government planning

  • Integration with climate adaptation strategies

🌧️ 3. Integrated Risk Mapping for Urban Floods

• Funding Organization: Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Duration: 2016 – 2017

• Role: Co-Researcher

• Overview:
  Focused on Dhaka and Chittagong, this project developed flood risk maps using satellite imagery, rainfall data, and urban drainage models. It supported early warning systems and city planning efforts.

• Key Outcomes:

  • GIS-based flood hazard zones

  • Flood mitigation recommendations for infrastructure development

  • Collaborative workshops with city planners and disaster management teams

💧 4. Sustainable Water Governance in South Asia

• Funding Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & Global Water Partnership (GWP)

• Duration: 2014 – 2015

• Role: Author & Policy Analyst

• Overview:
  This policy-focused research reviewed water governance frameworks in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, identifying legal gaps, institutional bottlenecks, and the need for cross-border cooperation in river basin management.

• Key Outcomes:

  • Regional water governance report

  • Recommendations for transboundary water agreements

  • Input to SAARC-level water diplomacy