Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology - GPAST

We welcome Ms. Prajna Paudel from the Institute of Forestry (IOF) – Pokhara Campus, who joined us today to guide our laboratory interns in using the water analysis kit. A former thesis grantee of GPAST, Prajna received financial support for her bachelor's research and has since worked extensively in water quality analysis.
With her hands-on experience in assessing the water quality of the Phewa watershed, she brought valuable insights to our lab. As part of this initiative, we plan to analyze drinking water samples from various regional sources.

Bringing Cutting-Edge Sequencing to Nepal!

Our scientist, Shiva Devkota witnessed Oxford Nanopore sequencing in Nepal during a workshop with NTNC and Oregon State University. With experience using advanced DNA sequencers at WSL & ETH-Zurich, Switzerland, during his PhD journey, he sees this portable device as a game-changer for Nepal’s underfunded research landscape.

GPAST is committed to making it happen! During next fiscal year, we plan to bring this technology to our lab to empower Nepalese scientists with world-class genomic tools. We will collaborate closely with researchers across Nepal and beyond to make this a reality.

Science takes time to grow, and GPAST remains committed to advancing research and extension.

We are pleased to welcome environmental scientist and certified environmental practitioner (CEnvP) Tim Muller to the GPAST laboratory. With specialized expertise in contaminated land assessment, water quality analysis, GIS applications, and environmental data science, Tim is currently conducting research on surface and groundwater systems in Pokhara, examining seasonal variations through collaborative projects with universities in the UK, New Zealand, and Nepal. At GPAST, Tim will use our laboratory facilities to advance his water analysis research. We are excited to host this collaboration and support meaningful environmental science initiatives that align with our mission to promote innovative research in science and technology.

Laboratory interns are learning to prepare samples and operate High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipment in the GPAST core lab facility. HPLC is a vital analytical technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying components in a mixture. It has broad applications in pharmaceuticals, medicinal plant research, food analysis, and environmental monitoring.

The GPAST lab provides aspiring scientists hands-on training, helping them refine technical skills and master diverse laboratory techniques. The images feature PhD scholars Dipak Paudel and Til Kumari Chhetri, lab technician Sunita Devkota, and interns Gauri Shah and Prativa Thapa Magar conducting analytical procedures like Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and shrimp toxicity assessments. Laboratories play a vital role in scientific advancement by enhancing research, innovation, and experiential learning, equipping researchers with the expertise needed to address real-world challenges.

RTSTI-2025 Day 3: A Perfect Wrap-Up!

Dr. Prayan Pokharel from GPAST skillfully hosted and moderated the "Food and Agriculture"leading discussions from start to finish. Miss Binita Timilsina-Scientific Writing Intern at GPAST, delivered a fascinating oral talk on vultures, earning widespread appreciation.
Dr. Babita Paudel provided valuable insights into fellowship & scholarship opportunities, with a special focus on the Humboldt Research Fellowship and DAAD Scholarship for students at various academic levels. Beyond this, the event also featured engaging sessions on Health & Medical Sciences, Climate Change, Ecology, and Environment, alongside thought-provoking keynote presentations on various scientific advancements

The event concluded on a high note with a certificate distribution ceremony, heartfelt closing remarks, a vibrant cultural program, and a delightful closing dinner.

Our scientist Shiva Devkota's work and dedication have been prominently featured on the front page of Samadhan news, highlighting his pioneering contribution to mushroom tourism as part of nature based tourism. (Access the full feature here: https://shorturl.at/S256a

Dr. Devkota is the first to introduce this concept in Nepal, and GPAST is proud to support ongoing research into exploring mushroom diversity in the Panchase Protected Forest, bringing a checklist of available species, and developing Panchase as a potential mushroom tourism destination, inviting mushroom enthusiasts for 4-5 day stays.

Science takes time to grow, and GPAST remains committed to advancing research and extension.

Day 2 of Recent Trends in Science, Technology and Innovation - RTSTI (RTSTI) Conference-2025: A Deep Dive into Innovation & Discovery! 🌍

Today’s sessions are buzzing with groundbreaking discussions across a diverse range of fields, from Health & Medical Sciences, Climate Change, Hydrology, and Environmental Impact, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Energy Systems Engineering to Artificial Intelligence, Cyber security, and Digital Technology.

The conference halls-Machhapuchhre, Sagarmatha, and Himchuli-are alive with insightful presentations, while interactive poster sessions offer attendees the chance to engage directly with researchers and explore cutting-edge ideas

Happening Now! The 4th Conference on Recent Trends in Science, Technology, and Innovation (RTSTI-2025) is officially underway!

GPAST is proud to be a co-organizer, contributing to meaningful discussions on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) shaping Nepal’s future. Experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world are sharing their knowledge across various themes.
-2025

Meet Our GPAST Thesis Grantees for This Fiscal Year!

Since 2078/079, GPAST has supported 58 thesis projects, playing an active role in shaping the scientific careers of young researchers. This year, through a highly competitive selection process, 24 research projects have received GPAST funding and are now actively executing their research. We eagerly anticipate their scientific contributions and future impact.

Science thrives through collaboration, institutional funding, and the motivation of policymakers. Let’s work together to make this binding force last longer!! GPAST remains committed to advancing science and technology, recognizing that investing in young minds is essential for driving innovation and progress.

GPAST's laboratory (Core Research Facility) serves as an R&D hub for Gandaki Province, equipped with advanced technologies like UPLC, Cryogenic Lyophilizer, Growth Chamber, Microscopic facilities, and many more (http://gpast.gandaki.gov.np/laboratories) We are pleased to host and support PhD students, faculty members, graduates, and researchers by providing access to modern equipment and collaborative opportunities.

Science thrives through collaboration, institutional funding, and the motivation of policymakers. Let’s work together to make this binding force last longer!!