Dr. Irfanullah is a visiting research fellow of the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) of the ULAB. Over the past 25 years, he has evolved from being an algal taxonomist to an aquatic ecologist, from a conservationist to a development facilitator. At the current stage of his evolution, he finds his niche in nature-people-knowledge nexus. Over these years, he has developed interest in and understanding of nature-based solutions, environmental governance, climate change adaptation, technology for poverty alleviation, scholarly communication, and research impact — all focusing on human well-being.
Dr. Irfanullah has worked for and has been associated with different national and international environmental, development, learned, and research organisations. He is also associated with many peer-reviewed journals, learned societies, funding agencies, and knowledge and professional networks. He helps his organisations with strategic direction and expert opinion; influencing policy and practice; planning, managing and ensuring quality of programmes; and fundraising and financial management.
Dr. Irfanullah brings in expertise in creating, capturing and communicating knowledge; testing and promoting new ideas; and facilitating collaboration and network. He and his co-workers have so far published 49 journal articles; have authored, edited and contributed to more than 55 books and other publications; and have written about 215 articles and thought pieces on diverse topics — from freshwater ecosystems to climate change adaptation to poverty-technology link to wildlife conservation to research system. As a research enthusiast, he often works with researchers, journal editors, and pertinent national and international agencies for improving research system.
PhD in Biological Sciences (Aquatic Ecology); 2004; the University of Liverpool, UK.
MSc in Botany (with thesis in Hydrobiology); 1995 (result in 1999); University of Dhaka; 1st class (1st position).
BSc in Botany (with Honours); 1994 (result in 1997); University of Dhaka; 1st class (1st position).
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Past Positions:
- Programme Coordinator, IUCN Bangladesh (14 Dec 2014−29 Nov 2018)
- Head, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Programme, Practical Action Bangladesh (Apr 2013−Dec 2014)
- Team Leader, Reducing Vulnerability and Natural Resource Management Programme, Practical Action Bangladesh (Oct 2009−Mar 2013
- Acting Programme Coordinator, IUCN Bangladesh (25 Aug−30 Sep 2009)
- Senior Programme Officer, IUCN Bangladesh (Jan 2006−Sep 2009)
- Head-in-charge, Species Conservation & Protected Areas (SCPA) Unit, IUCN Bangladesh (Aug 2005−Sep 2009)
- Programme Officer, IUCN Bangladesh (Jul−Dec 2005)
- Technical Editor, IUCN Bangladesh (Jan−Jun 2005)
- PhD Researcher, the University of Liverpool (Sep 2001−Oct 2004)
- Assistant Programme Officer, IUCN Bangladesh (May 2000−Sep 2001)
AWARDS, GRANTS AND OTHER RECOGNITIONS:
- Participant, ‘International Visitor Leadership Program’ (IVLP) of the Department of State, US Government, 27 Sep−17 Oct 2014.
- Recipient, Commonwealth Scholarship to do PhD in the UK, Sep 2001–Oct 2004.
- Recipient, INASP Small Grants to participate in an International Summer School (Oxford), 6−18 Jul 2014.
- Recipient, Netherlands Fellowship to participate in a short course (Bangkok), 24 Oct–11 Nov 2008.
- Recipient, book prizes and scholarships of the University of Dhaka for outstanding results in the BSc (Honours) (1997) and MSc (1999) examinations.