London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Dr M Tasdik Hasan is a global mental health researcher and public health physician, currently pursuing a PhD at Monash University, Australia. He has recently won a British Council Study UK Alumni Award for his work on mental health in low-resource settings and his research focuses on co-designing digital tools to support the mental health of deaf communities in Bangladesh. He was recently recognised as one of eight global digital mental health innovators by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and contributed to Bangladesh’s National Mental Health Strategic Plan (2020–2030).

Please could you briefly describe your research/current work?

My work addresses mental health challenges in low-resource settings, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the support needs of marginalised populations. I apply global mental health frameworks and systems thinking to develop practical, inclusive solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, I am committed to mentorship and capacity building, supporting students and early-career professionals across diverse contexts. I also engage in policy advocacy, collaborating with media, ministries, and policymakers to advance mental health agendas through evidence-based science communication.

How has the Global Mental Health MSc shaped your career journey to date?

The MSc in Global Mental Health was far more than a degree—it was the turning point that set my life’s compass. It opened doors I never imagined, from securing employment in the UK and Africa, to being awarded a fully funded PhD in Australia. What I gained went beyond academic training—it was a redefinition of purpose, a sharpening of voice, and a deepened sense of global responsibility.

Thanks to the skills and perspective I developed during my time in the UK, I’ve had the privilege of presenting my work and facilitating sessions at major international conferences across the USA, Canada, Germany, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and beyond. These stages gave me a platform not just to share knowledge, but to amplify voices often unheard in mainstream global health discussions. My education taught me to embrace diversity, to challenge injustice, and to lead with empathy—especially in low-resource settings where mental health remains on the margins. It empowered me to question the status quo, even when my ideas felt unconventional or my accent unfamiliar. That courage became my compass, guiding me through complex projects like co-designing Bangladesh’s leading mental health TV show centring on inclusion, trauma, and human rights. This journey also forged a global circle of collaborators and changemakers—people who, like me, believe that mental health is a fundamental human right. The friendships I built through the MSc now span continents, and wherever I travel, I know I’m never alone in this mission.

Congratulations on winning the Study UK Alumni Award for Bangladesh. How did you feel when you heard the news?

It felt surreal—overwhelming and deeply heartwarming. Receiving the prestigious Study UK Alumni Award in the Science & Sustainability category was a profound honour, not just for me, but for everyone who has been part of my journey. What made it even more special was that my eight year old son, Nuraz, accepted the award on my behalf. During my time studying in the UK, he was just a one-year-old whom I often carried to university events as I balanced parenthood with academia. To see him now standing on that stage felt like a beautiful full circle.

This award symbolises the transformative power of education, the resilience it takes to pursue dreams, and the role of science in shaping a more inclusive world. I’m deeply grateful to LSHTM for fostering an environment that allowed me to thrive as a mental health scientist. My heartfelt thanks go to my global mentors, collaborators, mentees, and media partners, for championing mental health communication. This recognition is a shared achievement, and I’m excited to continue supporting fellow UK alumni in their own journeys ahead.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘community’. What do you see as the key mental health benefits of being an active participant in global networks such as our alumni community?

Being part of a global alumni network like LSHTM’s has been vital to my mental wellbeing and professional growth. It offers more than academic connection—it provides a sense of belonging, inspiration, and ongoing support, especially when working in challenging field settings.

Since returning from the UK, I’ve actively shared my experiences through lectures, media, webinars, and international conferences, reaching thousands of people. These engagements not only help raise mental health awareness but also reinforce the strength of our global academic community. The mentorship I’ve received—and now offer—has been transformative. Several of my students have gone on to win prestigious scholarships and pursue advanced studies in global mental health.

The alumni networks at LSHTM and King’s College London have also connected me to job opportunities, collaborative research, and technical support—resources that have helped me lead complex projects in refugee settings, co-design digital tools for the deaf community in Bangladesh, and launch national-level mental health initiatives. For me, these global networks represent more than professional ties; they are communities rooted in shared values of compassion, equity, and scientific progress. They help ensure none of us feel alone in the pursuit of mental health justice—and that, in itself, is powerful for wellbeing.