Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Bangladesh, and the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), Dresden, Germany, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 6 July 2026, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership in research, education, capacity development, and knowledge exchange.

The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony attended by senior representatives of both institutions. On behalf of AUST, the MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Sharmin Reza Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) and Treasurer. On behalf of UNU-FLORES, the agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Edeltraud Guenther, Director of UNU-FLORES.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Golam Rahman, Chairman, Board of Trustees, AUST; Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Hoque, Vice-Chancellor, AUST; Prof. Dr. Abdul Matin, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Dr. Farida Nilufar, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Planning; Prof. Dr. S.M. Shafiul Alam, Dean, Faculty of Business and Social Science; Engr. Mohammad Faizur Rahman, Head, Department of Textile Engineering; Prof. Dr. Lal Mohan Baral; and Dr. Kamol Gomes, Senior Adjunct Researcher, UNU-FLORES. The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Mohammad Tajul Islam, Professor of the Department of Textile Engineering and the designated Contact Person for AUST for the MoU.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in areas including joint research, academic exchange, capacity development, conferences and workshops, doctoral supervision, and collaborative resource mobilisation. The partnership will particularly promote interdisciplinary research in sustainability, circular textiles, engineering, architecture, business, and other related disciplines.

The collaboration originated from a visit by an AUST delegation to UNU-FLORES in Dresden in September 2025, during which both institutions explored opportunities for long-term cooperation. Following several months of constructive discussions and mutual consultations, the MoU has now been formally concluded.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of both institutions expressed their commitment to developing impactful collaborations that contribute to sustainable development, innovation, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students of AUST through international research collaborations, academic exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities with UNU-FLORES and its global network.