Science is often underfunded, undervalued and disconnected from public communication and national policy in Nepal. We rarely talk about how we apply science in our daily lives, and the significance of scientific research in the development of the nation. However, when a crisis hits in the form of health or climate tragedies, we realise our unpreparedness. What’s disappointing is that we still fail to adequately prepare for similar tragedies that could occur in the future. Therefore, we must develop a culture of advocating for scientific research to bridge research with policy, education and society at large.

Scientific research is not optional; it is essential. It is the foundation for many problems Nepal currently faces. For instance, many health-related issues, such as hypertension and diabetes, are common problems affecting almost every household in Nepal. Thousands of people lose their lives to these conditions every year. They are not only shortening the lives of people but also burdening their family. Research can help us understand why these conditions are rising in Nepal and provide insights to develop affordable and effective treatment strategies and prevent future incidence.

Consider climate change. Nepal is on the frontline of its impacts. Floods and landslides are increasing, while air pollution in major cities frequently exceeds safe limits. These conditions affect our livelihood, economy, food and health systems. They demand scientific solutions. We cannot be fully prepared to face these challenges by relying on foreign studies, which may not fully reflect Nepal’s geography and social structure. We need nationally conducted evidence-based studies and policies to support scientific ideas and promote national research.

Nepali researchers typically receive national funding for research from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University and Pokhara University also offer various research grants. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are some of the international funding sources for research in Nepal. However, the available funding is concentrated on completing donor-driven short-term projects and may not support the research and development in the long run. Moreover, sustainability of research poses a problem when the projects end, and the available leftover funds are withdrawn. The policies for proper utilisation of resources exist, but are poorly implemented. This results in a bias during the allocation of funds.

The government budgets are heavily concentrated on health, education and infrastructure. But research and development (R&D) remain overshadowed, receiving minimal attention and resources. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Nepal spends 0.3 percent of its GDP on research and development, which is way below the global average. As a result, despite having funding sources, the universities and research institutions suffer from inadequate infrastructure, a lack of equipment and a shortage of researchers and resources.

The opportunities for researchers to communicate with policymakers and engage in wider public communication are also limited, which weakens the link between science and policy. Subsequently, skilled researchers and scientists often migrate to other countries for better funding opportunities and research environments. The resulting brain drain is reflected in Nepal’s low ranking of 109 among the 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024. These challenges highlight the need for sustained and strategic funding to strengthen research and development environment in Nepal.

Our universities and schools are full of talented students and researchers. However, without sufficient resources, funding, advocacy and support, their talent may not reach the public or policymakers. This lack of visibility makes research vulnerable to being neglected by concerned authorities. We must value scientific research by supporting scientists from a young age, funding research projects, encouraging innovation and ensuring that scientific research ideas and outcomes are regularly discussed with the public and policymakers in layman’s terms. Secondly, policymakers must understand that spending on research and development is not an expense. It is rather an investment for a better future and should be considered part of national development plans.

Scientific advocacy could also mean visiting schools and colleges to inspire young minds to organise science fairs, workshops and other events. A space where scientific topics become a part of the national conversation, not just limited to laboratories and classrooms, can be created. At the same time, it is crucial to build an environment where the next generation of scientists and researchers do not need to migrate to foreign countries in search of better scientific research opportunities. That way, talent and innovative minds can be retained. This could transform the research landscape and contribute to finding solutions to problems holding back scientific progress.

Nepal can significantly benefit from prioritising scientific research as a part of the national development plan and recognising the inevitability of continuous investment in scientific research. Science is not distant. It is in the medicines that save lives, the clean water that keeps us healthy and the policies that protect us from floods and pollution. And if Nepal is to meet the challenges of tomorrow, we must start advocating for and investing in scientific research today.