The institute for developing Science and Health initiatives (ideSHi) was launched in 2014 with the goal of creating awareness, strengthening capacity, and driving innovation to make Bangladesh a global leader in biomedical sciences and translational research.

The initiative to establish ideSHi was made possible through the Christophe Rodolphe Grand Prize awarded to Dr. Firdausi Qadri in June 2012. A seven-member executive board, comprising experts and entrepreneurs, was formed to plan and formally register ideSHi in Bangladesh as a non-profit foundation. The institute is now located on the 11th & 5th floor of Blue Moon Gram Tower, 167/24 Kalshi Road, ECB Chattar, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka-1206.

Since February 2014, the ideSHi facility has been fully operational and is now bustling with activities. It has become a hub for scientists, research fellows, and undergraduate and PhD students. Collaborating scientists from the USA, France, Australia, and China are actively working with ideSHi. The institute also conducts training courses for medical personnel, clinicians, and biomedical researchers, focusing on critical areas of biomedical sciences and biotechnology where significant gaps exist in Bangladesh and other developing countries.

Although ideSHi primarily focuses on advancing research and diagnostics in inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), including early detection and management, it also addresses a broad range of other genetic disorders. These include hereditary neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, congenital hypothyroidism, and Thalassemia. Concurrently, ideSHi is actively involved in tackling infectious diseases through research and diagnostics related to respiratory infections, Hepatitis E, typhoid fever, ETEC diarrhea, and other diarrheal diseases. The institute also explores the molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in acute respiratory and enteric infections.

ideSHi played a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 research and continues to contribute to the nationwide surveillance of emerging COVID-19 strains while offering reliable diagnostic testing.

Expanding beyond biomedical research, ideSHi now works in the field of oncology, engaging in cancer-related research and diagnostics. It is also increasingly active in public health advocacy, including awareness and community engagement programs such as HPV vaccination awareness campaigns aimed at preventing cervical cancer and promoting youth health education.

Since its inception, ideSHi has established state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and built a strong network of local and international partners to fulfill its mission. The institute has successfully attracted internationally trained researchers to return to Bangladesh and join ideSHi, contributing to the development of local scientific, training, and research capacity. ideSHi’s seven-member Executive Board includes national leaders in health, education, and technology. Additionally, it has formed a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of local and international experts in public health, biomedical research, and biotechnology. ideSHi is registered as a non-profit foundation with the Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms and the NGO Affairs Bureau.

Furthermore, ideSHi is committed to implementing humanitarian and research programs that offer practical solutions to public health challenges in Bangladesh. It is focused on strengthening local scientific capacity, encouraging innovation, and organizing scientific training programs, seminars, symposia, and conferences to address health issues at local, regional, and global levels. ideSHi is also dedicated to providing world-class education to graduate and postgraduate students, thereby enhancing the technical capabilities of scientists in Bangladesh.

Our Mission

ideSHi has its own Institutional Review Board (IRB) (# IRB00013389) authorized by Office for Human Research and Protection (OHRP) of National Institute of Health (NIH), USA with its Federal Wide Assurance Number # FWA00032057. This registration is listed on the website at http://ohrp.cit.nih.gov/search/search.aspx. It is a 12-membered committee that reviews and meets at a regular interval or upon requirement for approving ethical permission to submitted proposals.