A day-long training titled “Its Gold and Not Garbage: Data Collection in Social Sciences” was held on 29 April 2026 at Room 3208, Annex 3, Level 2 of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). The session was conducted by Dr. Sabuktagin Rahman, Senior Associate Professor from the Department of Public Health at AIUB. This training was organized under the project “Integrative Approaches at the Crossroads to Health, Poverty, and Sustainable Development,” a project under the Higher Education Acceleration & Transformation (HEAT) Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh.

The program was part of the project’s capacity-building component and brought together a diverse group of participants, including undergraduate thesis students, postgraduate students, young faculty members, and research assistants. The training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of quantitative data collection methods in social science research.

Throughout the session, participants were introduced to the full process of quantitative data collection process. Emphasis was placed on ensuring data quality, maintaining ethical standards, and minimizing bias during fieldwork. Dr. Rahman highlighted the importance of viewing data as a valuable asset—“gold”—rather than something disposable, stressing that careful collection and management directly influence the reliability of research outcomes.

A mock session was also conducted as part of the training, allowing participants to engage in hands-on practice of survey administration. This practical exercise enabled attendees to simulate real-life data collection scenarios, improve their interviewing techniques, and better understand how to interact with respondents in the field. The mock session reinforced key concepts discussed during the training and helped participants gain confidence in applying quantitative data collection methods effectively.

Interactive discussions and practical examples further enriched the learning experience. Overall, the session equipped attendees with essential skills and insights to conduct rigorous quantitative research, contributing to stronger academic work and evidence-based decision-making in the social sciences.

The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor , Prof. Dr. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). All the dignitaries highlighted the institutional importance of the initiative and encouraged participants to learn through the training. Along with them Prof. Dr. ABM Rahmatullah, Sub- Project Manager (SPM) of this project gave a brief description of the project and its capacity building deliverable. Additionally, Dr. Faria Sultana, Associate Sub- Project Manager (ASPM) and Dr. Ashrafuzzaman Khan, project member were also present.