From Chandgaon to UIUC: Bangladesh’s Bahauddin among world’s top 40 young nuclear scientists

Bangladesh has secured a remarkable place on the global nuclear science map as Syed Bahauddin Alam, a brilliant young researcher from Chattogram, has been named among the world’s best nuclear scientists under 40. 

He is the first Bangladeshi to earn a place on the prestigious ‘Nuclear News 40 Under 40’ list published by the American Nuclear Society (ANS).

For a country still developing its own nuclear capabilities, Bahauddin’s achievement is being celebrated as a milestone moment – one that places Bangladesh alongside the world’s most advanced nuclear research communities.

A breakthrough recognition

Since 1954, the ANS has been a leading global advocate for the peaceful use of nuclear science. Its 40 Under 40 list recognises the most promising young minds pushing the boundaries of nuclear innovation.

This year, for the first time, a Bangladeshi name has appeared on that list.

At just 38, Syed Bahauddin Alam has earned his place for his groundbreaking contributions to next-generation nuclear engineering, particularly in:

Digital twin technology

Nuclear cybersecurity

Advanced AI-driven reactor models

These innovations promise to enhance the global nuclear industry’s ability to protect reactors, predict faults and optimise energy production.

A rising star in the US nuclear frontier

Now an assistant professor in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Bahauddin focuses on improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors using AI-powered diagnostics and simulation tools.

In its announcement, ANS described him as “a rising star in the nuclear field, whose research is key to future safe and sustainable energy solutions.”

He is also among fewer than 100 academics selected for UIUC’s prestigious ‘Selected Leaders’ programme, recognising outstanding leadership potential.

From Chattogram to global recognition

Born in a local family in Chandgaon of Chattogram, Bahauddin began his academic journey in Bangladesh before moving to the United States for higher studies. He completed his PhD at UIUC, one of the world’s leading engineering universities.

His rise – from the classrooms of Chattogram to one of the highest recognitions in nuclear science – has become a source of inspiration for young researchers both at home and abroad.

The UIUC NPRE department celebrated the achievement, posting: “We are proud that Syed Bahauddin Alam has been selected to this year’s Nuclear News ‘40 Under 40’ list.”

Another Bangladesh-connected scientist on the list

Also featured on the same list is Yasir Arafat, a scientist who grew up in Bangladesh as a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar. He is now the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Alo Atomics, a company developing next-generation nuclear technologies.

A new horizon for Bangladeshi talent

With Bahauddin now recognised among the world’s top young nuclear minds, experts say his achievement could inspire more Bangladeshi scientists to pursue careers in nuclear research – especially as the country advances its own projects, such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

For now, Bangladesh celebrates a scientist whose work may one day help shape the future of global clean energy, and whose journey demonstrates the remarkable heights Bangladeshi talent can reach.