Professor Md Tofazzal Islam
Professor at a Glance
Professor Md Tofazzal Islam is a globally recognized scientist driving the
application of frontier technologies including genomics, CRISPR-Cas
genome editing, and AI-driven computational biology to safeguard global food systems.
As the Founding Director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE) at Gazipur Agricultural University, he has built a world-class center of excellence backed by over $20 million in competitive funding from the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the USDA.
Scientific Leadership & Global Impact
🌾 Asian Wheat Blast
Played decisive scientific leadership during the 2016 Asian wheat
blast epidemic, utilizing field pathogenomics and championing an
open-science model to rapidly investigate the pathogen’s origin.
🧬 CRISPR-Cas Diagnostics
Developed the world’s first CRISPR-Cas-based point-of-care diagnostic
kit for the fungus, providing a transformative approach to outbreak
management in the field.
🌱 Climate-Smart Agriculture
Pioneered the application of plant probiotic bacteria as biofertilizers
and biopesticides to reduce synthetic chemical inputs and enhance
crop tolerance to climate stress.
🔬 Mining Bangladesh Biogold
Under the “Mining Bangladesh Biogold” initiative, his research team
has discovered more than 50 novel bioactive metabolites.
Landmark Scientific Discoveries
Professor Islam’s research has contributed to the genomic and microbiological
understanding of important agricultural and cultural resources of Bangladesh.
🌳 Year-round Jackfruit Genome
🧵 Dhakai Muslin Cotton Genome
🐟 Hilsa Gut Microbiome
🧬 CRISPR-Cas Technology
🤖 AI & Computational Biology
🌱 Plant Probiotics
Education & International Fellowships
Professor Islam earned his PhD from Hokkaido University
and has held an elite portfolio of internationally recognized fellowships
and research appointments.
🎓 Hokkaido University — PhD
🇺🇸 Fulbright — USA
🇩🇪 Alexander von Humboldt — Germany
🇬🇧 Commonwealth — UK
🇯🇵 JSPS — Japan
His international research experience includes tenures at
West Virginia University, University of Nottingham,
Kobe University, and the University of Göttingen.
Academic & Editorial Leadership
With an h-index of 64 and more than 16,500 citations, Professor Islam maintains a formidable global scientific presence.
He serves as the Chief Editor of CRISPR-Cas Methods
and as an editorial board member for leading international journals including Scientific Reports, Physiologia Plantarum, and Frontiers in Microbiology.
Fellow of Leading Scientific Academies
In recognition of his transformative contribution to agricultural science
and biotechnology, Professor Islam has been elected a Fellow of:
TWAS
American Phytopathological Society (APS)
Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS)
Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture (BAAG)
Major Awards & Honors
🏆 Islamic Development Bank Innovation Prize
Recognizing innovative scientific contributions with global development impact.
🏆 Commonwealth Innovation Award
Recognizing innovation and research excellence within the Commonwealth.
🏆 University Grants Commission Award
Recognition of outstanding academic and scientific achievement.
🏅 BAS Gold Medal
One of Bangladesh’s distinguished recognitions for scientific excellence.
🥇 Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists Gold Medal
Recognition of significant contributions to biotechnology.
Current Roles & Future Vision
Professor Islam currently serves as the
Dean of Graduate Studies at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU)
and the Associate Secretary of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS).
He remains a highly sought-after plenary speaker and a dedicated mentor to
more than 150 young scholars, actively contributing to the
development of the next generation of scientists and engineering the future
of sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture worldwide.