About_Hope_Project

About the Research Centre

This virtual research centre at BRAC University is envisioned as a hub of knowledge and resources on educational research related to children affected by crisis and conflict, with a focus on psychosocial development, mental health, and well-being. While its primary focus is on Bangladesh, the centre will also curate relevant international materials.

Collaboration

This is a collaborative project involving Swansea University and two institutes within BRAC University—BIGD and the BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED). Both BIGD and BRAC IED are working collaboratively on the centre’s design and content development.

We intend to examine the key features of long-standing, successful research websites—along with those of relevant organizations—and to engage with our intended audience from the outset. This will help ensure that the centre functions effectively, includes the right information and features, and remains sustainable beyond the funding period.

Aim

The centre aims to create a cohesive virtual space where policymakers, civil society organizations, practitioners, and academics with shared interests in educational research, psychosocial development, and mental health—particularly for children affected by crises and conflicts—can connect meaningfully. Through this platform, the centre will disseminate research findings and policy insights, provide access to seminar and workshop recordings, promote relevant events, and offer resources to enrich professional practice. As it grows, the centre also aims to serve as a platform for peer consultation and potentially to host conferences, seminars, and workshops, fostering a strong community of practice dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.

Vision

The centre will enhance BRAC University’s visibility, strengthen the existing institutional partnership between BIGD and BRAC IED, and also draw attention to this important field. It is envisioned as a forum and information hub that supports engagement, reflection, and evidence-based practice.

Intended Audience

  • Researchers and academics
  • Policymakers
  • Relevant organizations and professional bodies
  • Charities
  • Practitioners’ intended content

Scope of Work

  • Platforming seminars and events
  • Supporting the development of research interest groups
  • Uploading seminars or presentations of interest (and eventually, potentially hosting them)
  • Providing links to relevant articles, reports, policy documents, organizations, etc.
  • Spotlighting current news, events, research highlights, and project progress
  • Encouraging further study in this field, as well as training and continuous professional development to increase the professional workforce and the overall knowledge base.

Project Personnel 

Program Team

  1. Fahmida Akter Kotha
    Architect, Deputy Manager,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  2. Tabassum-ul-Zannat
    Architect, Deputy Manager,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  3. Marin Sultana
    Deputy Manager, Sr. Psychologist,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  4. Hamida Akhter Zahan
    Sr. Field Manager,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  5. S M Sohel Rana
    Sr. Curriculum Developer,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  6. Nazia Nusrat
    Sr. Curriculum developer,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  7. Towhidul Alam
    Architect, Deputy Coordinator ,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  8. Mahmud Zawad Hossain
    Architect, Deputy Coordinator,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  9. Farzana Rahman
    Architect,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  10. Adnim Arifin
    Curriculum Developer,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University

Research Team 

  1. Sakila Yesmin
    Senior Lecturer, BRAC IED, BRAC University
  2. Shamma Tasnim
    Senior Staff Researcher, BRAC IED, BRAC University
  3. Subrina Sultana
    Senior Staff Researcher, BRAC IED, BRAC University

Advocacy Team

Sayed Mahmud
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, Advocacy,
BRAC IED, BRAC University

Communications Team 

  1. Fahad Al Mahmood
    Senior Officer, Marketing and Communications,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  2. Samsun Nahar Shopna
    Senior Officer, Marketing and Communications,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  3. Ayman Maeesha Ali
    Officer, Marketing and Communications,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University

Academics Team 

  1. Ferdousi Khanom
    Senior Lecturer and ECD Academic Coordinator,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
  2. Zarrin Tasnim
    Lecturer,
    BRAC IED, BRAC University
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