Dr Matiur Rahman

Joint Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Matiur Rahman is an independent science filmmaker, director, and founder of the pro-science, non-profit outreach operations called ‘Search for Truth and Return to Science’ (START). As a researcher, following a Ph.D. in Science Films from AcSIR-CSIR-NIScPR, his scholarly interest is to explore the role of films in science communication, computational film analysis, Cinemetrics, and documentary film studies. He has published eight peer-reviewed research articles, authored two books, and a book chapter.

Dr. Rahman acquired his degree of M.Sc. in Zoology in 1980, followed by M.A. in Mass Communication with a focus on the theory and practice of filmmaking from A. J. K. Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi in 1984. Later, he received an advanced training in educational television management from The European Institute for the Media, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, under the British Council Technical Cooperation Training Programme in 1987. Short Educational Television Training Placements with Heriot-Watt University, UK; BBC, Manchester; University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Edinburgh and Open University, Milton Keynes, U.K., further honed his skills in science film production. Dr. Rahman has also served as the director of the Audio-Visual Research Centre, University of Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), during 1998-1999. He has also been on the governing board of Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, for a short period.

Dr. Rahman has journeyed the space of science film production from script-to-screen for over four decades by engaging in research, scripting, and directing science films for various national and international organisations. So far, he has written and directed over six hundred broadcast television programmes. His work has been duly recognised and he has received six Indian national awards, two international awards, three special jury awards, one special prize and one award for best editing. Dr. Rahman has also initiated series-mode productions to promote scientific temper by launching independent production efforts on the themes of grassroots technological innovations, bright minds of science in India, and India’s First in Science and Technology.