Celebrating Innovation: NBA Announces 2025 Narendra Goel Research Grant Recipients
The Nepal Biotechnology Association (NBA) is thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2025 NBA-Narendra Goel Research Grants , a prestigious initiative empowering groundbreaking advancements in Nepal’s biotechnology sector. Each grant of Rs. 50,000 recognizes visionary researchers whose work promises to address critical challenges and elevate Nepal’s scientific contributions globally.
“The NBA proudly invests in these brilliant minds, whose pioneering research embodies Nepal’s potential to lead in scientific innovation.”
Meet the 2025 Grant Recipients
1. Mukunda Prasad Poudel: Revolutionizing AML Treatment in Nepal
- Affiliation: Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University
- Research Title: “Variation in CD Marker Expression among Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients from different Geographical Region of Nepal ”
- Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Krishna Das Manandhar (HoD, TU) & Mr. Madan Raj Pandey (KMC)
Why This Matters: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer, shows stark regional disparities in incidence and outcomes. Mukunda’s collaboration with Nepal’s National Pathology Lab and BP Koirala Cancer Hospital investigates how genetic, environmental, and geographical factors influence CD markers in AML patients. This work could pioneer Nepal-specific diagnostic protocols and personalized therapies, directly improving survival rates nationwide.
2. Lochan Pandeya: Sustainable Energy Solutions for Nepal’s Future
- Affiliation: Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University
- Research Title: “Optimization and Scale up of Biogas production by integrating Microbial Electrochemical Cells”
- Supervisor: Dr. Jarina Joshi (Assistant Professor, TU)
Why This Matters: With Nepal’s cold climates hindering traditional biogas systems, Lochan’s work on Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) could triple methane yields from cow dung while reducing CO₂ emissions. By scaling prototypes to 20L digesters, her research directly supports Nepal’s renewable energy goals, reduces waste pollution, and offers affordable clean energy to rural communities.
3. Narayan Rai: Hunting for Next-Gen Antibiotics in Nepal’s Peaks
- Affiliation: Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University
- Research Title: “Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Rare Actinomycetes from the high-altitude soil ”
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hari Datta Bhattarai (TU)
Why This Matters: Amid rising antibiotic resistance, Narayan’s exploration of rare actinomycetes in Nepal’s extreme-altitude soils could unearth novel compounds to combat superbugs. Using cutting-edge 16S rRNA sequencing and anti-quorum sensing tests, this study positions Nepal as a frontier in the global fight against untreatable infections.
A Vision for Nepal’s Scientific Renaissance
Funded by the generosity of Mr. Narendra Goel, these grants underscore NBA’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. From precision oncology to sustainable energy and antibiotic discovery, the 2025 cohort exemplifies how Nepali researchers are tackling global challenges with local solutions.
Join us in celebrating these scientific trailblazers! Follow their journeys on our website and social media as they redefine what’s possible for Nepal’s biotech future.
🎉 #NBAGrants2025 #BiotechForNepal #ScienceWithImpact 🎉
Nepal Biotechnology Association (NBA)
1 Comments
Congratulations!
May your researches be fulfilled with good results and for humanity. 😀