Australia
Melbourne-based scientist Dr. Raju Adhikari has been honored with the inaugural Non-Resident Nepali Science and Technology Award. The prestigious accolade was presented by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda during a ceremony organized by the Nepal Science and Technology Institute (NAST) on December 6, 2023.
Accepting the award on behalf of Dr. Adhikari was Rajendra Kumar Raut, Chief Executive Officer of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). The award ceremony marked a significant moment as it acknowledged the achievements of a non-resident Nepali who has made substantial contributions on the global stage.
Dr. Adhikari, currently serving as a scientist at the CSIRO and RMIT University, boasts an impressive record with 26 registered patents and close to 100 research articles published in esteemed professional journals. His groundbreaking work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly plastic materials, applicable in diverse sectors such as health, agriculture, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), electrically conducting materials, and food applications.
Recognized for his multifaceted contributions, Dr. Adhikari’s awards extend beyond his individual achievements. He has actively participated in organizations like the Nepal Science Foundation Trust, Skill Knowledge and Innovation Committee (SKI), NRNA, and other diaspora entities, fostering advancements in science and technology in Nepal.
In addition to his current roles, Dr. Adhikari previously served as the inaugural head of the Central Research Laboratory at the Royal Nepal Institute of Science and Technology (RONAST) from 1987 to 1991. His leadership continued with the recent presidency of the Third World Knowledge Conference, an event organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association in Kathmandu.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Adhikari stated, “I am happy to receive the first science and technology award established by the NAST. We were united by taking an institutional initiative to ensure that scientists in migration should also contribute to the field of science and technology in Nepal.”
Confident that the award will serve as an inspiration for young scientists and researchers in migration, Dr. Adhikari believes it will encourage further engagement and collaboration, solidifying the bond between the Nepali diaspora and the advancement of science and technology in Nepal.
