On April 16, 2025, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Faculty of Engineering, AIUB in collaboration with the IEEE AIUB Student Branch organized a seminar titled "Smart Grid Initiatives: Multidisciplinary Research Approach and Funding Opportunities with a Special Focus on Europe.” The seminar aimed to provide valuable insights into the evolving smart grid landscape, multidisciplinary research approaches and funding opportunities especially focusing on Europe.

The seminar commenced with Prof. Dr. A.B.M Siddique Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh; Advisor, IEEE AIUB Student Branch highlighting the importance of developing smart and sustainable energy systems. Furthermore, he emphasized his vast experiences in the power sector and inspired students to pursue research in alternative energy sources and electronics. He also highlighted future initiatives at AIUB, such as establishing a campus-based power plant and discussed the role of data communication and climate change impacts in the energy sector.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Shafi K Khadem, Principal Researcher and Innovation Leader, Smart Grid and Distributed System, International Energy Research Center (IERC), Tyndall National Institute, Ireland, provided in depth insights into the multidisciplinary scope in smart grid research and the integration of renewable energy into smart grids. He introduced Smart Nano Grid Platforms (SNNP) and addressed technical challenges such as thermal losses, grid fluctuation and outlined strategies like TYNDALL’s integrated converter technologies.  He emphasized the role of sensors, ICT and big data in future energy management and encouraged collaboration and innovation to address research challenges. In addition, he elaborated research proposal writing, PhD opportunities and funding strategies under initiatives like the EU Horizon 2020 program.  The session concluded with a Q&A, where participants engaged in discussions on challenges and opportunities in smart grids and sustainable energy, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the topic.

The event was concluded by Dr. Md. Hasan Imam, Associate Professor, American International University-Bangladesh. He acknowledged the speaker’s contributions in smart grid system and inspired students to engage in impactful research contributing to smart energy development.

The event was attended by 40+ participants, along with faculties  from different engineering departments of AIUB. It started at 4:00 PM and ended at 6:30 PM (BST), concluding with a group photo session, marking a successful and insightful discussion on the future of smart grids, research collaborations and global funding opportunities.