Rakibul Islam, PhD

I am a researcher with over a decade of experience in the Life Sciences. My academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Biomedical Science, a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine, and a post-doctoral fellowship in Innate Immunity. However, over the last five years I have been working/learning mostly Machine Learning and trying to apply this to help develop applications within the Life Science domain. 

My current position is Chief Scientific Officer at Rift Labs, a Norwegian company at the forefront of innovation. My goal is to add value through bioconvergence by integrating hardware and software technology with life sciences and artificial intelligence.

The four cities I consider mine

Our experiences of surroundings shape who we are, creating a tapestry of memories and lessons that define a big part of our identity. Here, I reflect on my journey through the cities that have influenced me profoundly.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

I grew up in Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, where I lived until I was 24. I feel as though I know this city street by street. Every corner holds a story, every neighbourhood a memory. Dhaka shaped my temperament, tastes, and cultural sense more than any other city I’ve called home.

Despite having lived in other places since then, Dhaka still feels like home. It’s the city that raised me, and its spirit remains an integral part of who I am.

Boston, the United States

I spent a year and a half in Boston, a city that brought both scientific and personal revelations. I was deeply immersed in cutting-edge research, tackling complex problems. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also expanded my intellectual horizons, pushing me to think more broadly and deeply.

Boston introduced me to people from all corners of the world—brilliant minds with diverse perspectives and experiences. These interactions enriched my worldview and reinforced the value of collaboration and curiosity in scientific and personal growth.

When I finally came back to Oslo, I carried with me the confidence and knowledge gained from my stay at Harvard. My time in Boston had been profoundly rewarding—a period of growth that reaffirmed my love for life.

Linköping, Sweden

Linköping, a serene city in Sweden, was my destination for my master's studies. The degree was less of a goal and more of a means to explore the world beyond Bangladesh. My time in Sweden gave me the opportunity to visit countries like Switzerland, Germany, and France, broadening my horizons.

However, living in Sweden was not without its challenges. In the early days, I faced an existential crisis. To provide some context, my family was in disarray. I had lost both my parents. Financially, we were struggling, and the state of our home was dire.

I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and responsibility. It was during this time that I discovered my ability to endure immense suffering and still push forward. This period tested my resilience and taught me to persist, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. I completed my Master’s degree and returned home.

Oslo, Norway

After stabilizing things in Bangladesh, I moved to Oslo to pursue a PhD in Regenerative Medicine. Life in Oslo was a stark contrast to my time in Linköping. It was much easier, more stable, and marked by new beginnings.

In Oslo, I started my family with my wife. Our two were born here. My younger brother also lived in Norway, but in a different city, for five years. While there were a few challenges, they were far more manageable compared to the chaos of my earlier years.

At some point, life in Oslo became too comfortable. That’s when my Ph.D. supervisor sent me to Harvard Medical School in the USA. My time of relative ease was over—it was time to face new challenges.