Kathmandu: Five Nepali researchers have been named in the Asian Scientist 100 List 2025, an annual recognition of leading scientists across Asia. Since 2016, Asian Scientist magazine has published the list, which is now in its eighth edition.
Dr. Tista Prasai Joshi of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) was recognized for her pioneering work in tackling arsenic contamination and ensuring access to safe drinking water. She is the winner of the 2024 TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award and has spent over a decade developing low-cost methods to detect and remove arsenic from groundwater, raising awareness and providing practical solutions to communities in Nepal’s southern plains. At NAST, she leads a research team focused on water quality monitoring and advocates for stronger policies and technological innovation.
Frienson Pradhan of Kathmandu University was recognized for his innovative concept titled “Breaking the Wall of Pestilence – From Invasive Weed to Eco-Friendly Mosquito Control” and is the winner of the Falling Walls Lab Kathmandu 2024.
Similarly, Raju Acharya of Friends of Nature Nepal, winner of the 2024 Whitley Award, has worked extensively to conserve owl habitats and protect them from hunting and illegal trade.
Shailendra Giri of Rapti Engineering College, who received the ICT Excellence Award 2024, has contributed to expanding communications and information technology in Nepal, helping bridge the digital divide.
Likewise, Independent conservation biologist Rinzin Phunjok Lama, winner of the Rolex Award (2022) and the Nature Award (2023), has mobilized communities in Humla, Mustang, Manang, Bajura, and Bajhang to protect endangered snow leopards and strengthen conservation practices.
The inclusion of multiple Nepali scientists in the list, which has historically highlighted researchers from countries such as China, India, Japan, and Singapore, highlights Nepal’s growing contributions to scientific, environmental, and technological challenges at a regional and global level.
