Two Nepali researchers have brought international recognition to the nation by winning prestigious awards at the 2024 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Prize Ceremony, underscoring their groundbreaking contributions to science and sustainability.

Tista Prasai Joshi, senior scientific officer at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), was honoured with the TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award, which includes a prize of US$4,000.

She was recognised “for her pioneering work in improving drinking water quality, particularly in addressing arsenic contamination of groundwater in Nepal.”

Prasai’s research focuses on identifying high-risk microbial and emerging pollutants in water and using natural and synthetic adsorbents to remove these pollutants. She has significantly contributed to water purification and sanitation in Nepal and has actively advocated for improved water quality among policymakers and the general public.

“Receiving the award has great value in my scientific career,” she said. “I strongly believe that this award would not only strengthen my research capacity but also inspire so many young researchers to achieve more in the advancement of sciences.”

Assistant Professor Bipeen Dahal from the Central Department of Chemistry at Tribhuvan University won the TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award, sponsored by The Searle Company Ltd, with a prize of US$5,000.

He was recognised for his “contributions to the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, including carbon quantum dots and their composites, for applications in energy conversion and storage, as well as addressing environmental issues.”

Dahal specialises in carbon-based nanocomposite materials for energy storage and separation science. His research aims to address environmental challenges and advance green energy technologies.

“It was an honour to receive this award,” Dahal said. “The knowledge and working experience in electrocatalysis and green energy storage further strengthened my research career in this field.”

These achievements by Nepali scientists highlight the country’s growing presence in global scientific research and its contributions to addressing pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

The TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) Awards are prestigious international accolades recognising excellence in scientific research and innovation in developing countries. Established in 1983 by TWAS, the awards aim to encourage and honour scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology, especially in areas relevant to the development of their countries.