BP Desk
The University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, has conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) upon Professor Dr. Shahriar Hossain, one of Bangladesh’s most distinguished environmental scientists and policy advocates, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to environmental protection, scientific research, public policy, and global sustainability.
Professor Dr. Hossain has formally received the honorary degree during the University’s graduation ceremony held on 30 July 2026 at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
The prestigious honour is one of the University’s highest distinctions and recognizes individuals whose work has made an outstanding contribution to society and has had a significant international impact.
Coinciding with the announcement of the honorary doctorate, the University of Portsmouth has published a distinguished alumni feature celebrating Professor Dr. Hossain’s remarkable journey as a global environmental leader, highlighting his decades of work in environmental science, environmental justice, public health, and sustainable development.
Professor Dr. Shahriar Hossain is internationally recognized as an environmental scientist, journalist, social researcher, and policy advocate whose work has bridged scientific research, environmental governance, and public policy across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The University highlighted Professor Dr. Hossain’s pioneering leadership in Bangladesh’s historic campaign to ban thin plastic shopping bags, one of the world’s first national initiatives to regulate single-use plastics.
His science-based advocacy helped shape landmark environmental legislation in Bangladesh and inspired similar policy discussions around the world, establishing him as one of the earliest global champions against plastic pollution.
For more than three decades, Professor Dr. Hossain has championed evidence-based environmental policymaking through scientific research, public awareness, grassroots mobilization, and international diplomacy.
His work has addressed some of the world’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges, including plastic pollution, hazardous chemicals, mercury, lead exposure, waste management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the growing threats posed by microplastics and toxic substances.
As the Founder and Secretary General of the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), he has led numerous national and international initiatives that have strengthened environmental governance, promoted zero-waste communities, and advanced chemical safety and circular economy solutions.
His scientific expertise continues to contribute to major international negotiations, including the Global Plastics Treaty, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and other multilateral environmental agreements.
The University also recognized his international honours, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Environmental Leadership Award and his selection as an Ashoka Fellow, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to environmental leadership and social innovation.
Commenting on the honour, Professor Dr. Shahriar Hossain said: “Receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of the University of Portsmouth is a deeply humbling recognition. I accept this honour on behalf of the countless colleagues, researchers, journalists, civil society organizations, policymakers, students, and grassroots communities in Bangladesh and around the world who have stood together in the pursuit of environmental justice”.
He said this recognition reaffirms that science, integrity, perseverance, and public engagement can transform national policies and inspire global change.
The University described Professor Dr. Hossain as an environmental leader whose lifelong dedication to science, education, and public service has created lasting impacts on environmental policy and sustainable development.
