Essex postgraduate's research in energy economics sees him shortlisted for top award

An Essex postgraduate whose research led to the reform of the electricity price in Bangladesh has been nominated for a Study UK Alumni Award.

Sakib Amin, who secured a MSc International Economics at Essex in 2008, has been shortlisted in the ‘Science and Sustainability Award - South Asia, Bangladesh’ category for his contribution to energy economics research.

Through his work, Sakib developed a novel dynamic modelling system for the Bangladesh economy.

This earned him acknowledgment from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), who used Sakib’s results as the basis to increase the retail price of electricity in Bangladesh. This has had a positive welfare impact on the nation from a macroeconomic perspective.

Sakib has continued to work on different energy economics issues that need to be addressed strategically to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in and around South Asian countries.

These research activities have been greatly acknowledged by scholarly academic bodies in national and international arenas and published in some top academic journals.

He said: “I feel blessed and grateful for being shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2022-23 and for being a part of the UK Alumni network.

“It is an honour to represent Bangladesh in the global arena of academia, and I hope to inspire other budding researchers to pursue teaching and research.”

Sakib was awarded the Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship for a postdoc in the UK on sustainable energy in Bangladesh in 2018.

Reflecting on his time at Essex, he said: “I not only enjoyed the fantastic accommodation and the social, cultural, and town life in Colchester, but I was also constantly humbled by the excellent behaviour of the seasoned faculty members and experienced administrative staff.

“The abundant academic resources and high-quality education at the university were integral to my career development.

“Moreover, I still cherish the quality time I spent with my international friends in Colchester.”

The Alumni awards celebrate the fantastic success of alumni and highlight the impact and value of higher education in the UK.

Winners and finalists have used their experience of studying in the UK to improve their subject fields, communities, professions and countries.