Insights and Recommendations for Academic Research: Seminar for CSEDU Students
02 January, 2025: The seminar titled “Starting a New Academic Research Project: A Set of Recommendations” was held on 2nd January 2025 at the Auditorium of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Dhaka. It was exclusively organized for 3rd-year undergraduate students of the department, who are preparing to embark on research projects in their 4th year. The keynote speaker was Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, Professor and Chairman of the Department of CSE, University of Dhaka.
The seminar began with Dr. Razzaque explaining the essence of a research project. He defined it as a systematic and organized investigation conducted to answer specific research questions or objectives. He emphasized that every research project requires setting clear objectives, conducting a thorough literature review, and designing a sound framework. The process also involves analyzing data, synthesizing findings, and reporting the results. Throughout his discussion, he highlighted the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and evaluation as core skills for successful research.
When discussing how to choose a research topic, Dr. Razzaque urged students to align their topics with their career aspirations and societal needs. He pointed out the significance of addressing emerging areas, such as 5th Industrial Revolution (5IR) technologies, to ensure relevance and impact. Feasibility was another key consideration, with students advised to select topics that match their interests and align with their supervisors’ expertise. He also encouraged choosing underexplored topics, thereby opening opportunities for meaningful contributions to the field.
Dr. Razzaque also underscored the importance of conducting a literature review as a foundation for any research project. A comprehensive review helps reject myths, identify state-of-the-art knowledge, and uncover gaps in existing research. He explained how a well-conducted literature review provides clarity on research trends, motivations, and directions. Additionally, he emphasized using credible sources, such as Q1 journals, high-impact factor conferences, and patents, to ensure quality and reliability in their research.
Formulating a research question was highlighted as a pivotal step in the research process. According to Dr. Razzaque, a good research question should be clear, specific, and aligned with the project’s objectives. He provided examples to illustrate how research questions can guide the entire investigation and ensure that efforts are focused on discovering meaningful insights. The process of addressing a research question involves setting specific objectives, identifying suitable methods, conducting research activities, and writing a comprehensive report.
The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students posed various questions about topic selection, resource identification, and practical challenges in conducting research. Dr. Razzaque provided thoughtful and encouraging answers, inspiring students to approach their research projects with confidence and curiosity.
Overall, the seminar was a resounding success. It offered valuable insights and practical advice to the attendees, equipping them with the knowledge and mindset needed to start their academic research journeys. The participants expressed their appreciation for the seminar, describing it as both informative, inspiring and helpful.