The landscape of research publication in Nepal is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by both increasing output and evolving areas of interest. While historically facing challenges such as limited funding, infrastructural constraints, and access to high-quality academic resources, the research culture in Nepal is gradually maturing.
Increasing Publication Output:
Several sources indicate a positive trend in the number of research publications originating from Nepal.
- Growth Over Time: Studies analyzing publication trends show a steady annual increase in research output. For instance, one analysis of the Nepal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research noted a doubling of output between 2019 and 2020. Similarly, research on projects funded by the University Grants Commission-Nepal (UGC-N) between 2008 and 2018 also revealed an increasing trend in research article publications.
- Institutional Push: Mandatory criteria set by universities and academic institutions for promotions and postgraduate thesis submissions have contributed to this exponential growth in scientific publications in recent times.
- Rise of National Journals: The number of national journals published in Nepal has increased manifold, providing more avenues for local researchers to disseminate their work. Over 100 journals are reportedly being published from Nepal, with a significant number focusing on medical sciences.
Evolving Research Interests:
The topics and disciplines attracting research attention in Nepal are diverse and reflect both local needs and global trends. Some prominent areas of interest include:
- Health Sciences: This remains a dominant field, with numerous medical journals and research focused on public health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, and traditional medicine. The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) has identified key priority areas within health research to guide and focus efforts.
- Social Sciences and Humanities: There is a growing interest in areas like sociology, management, education, language studies, cultural practices, and increasingly, the impact of social issues like misinformation and transnational education.
- Environmental Science and Climate Change: With Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change and its rich biodiversity, research on sustainable infrastructure, conservation, and the impact of environmental changes is gaining traction. Studies on land use change, particularly in the context of urbanization, are also emerging.
- Economics and Management: Research in areas such as financial literacy, the impact of dividend policy on stock prices, and organizational performance is evident.
- Science and Technology: While perhaps less dominant than other fields, research in computer science, material science, and the application of technologies like Artificial Intelligence in healthcare is also present.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the positive trends, the research landscape in Nepal still faces challenges:
- Research Environment: A significant portion of Nepal-based researchers perceive the research environment as unfavorable due to limited funding, a weak research culture, and limited institutional support.
- Access to Resources: Many universities lack subscriptions to leading international academic journals, hindering researchers’ ability to publish in high-impact venues.
- Research Quality and Ethics: Concerns exist regarding the quality of some publications and a potential rise in publication misconduct, particularly in local journals.
- Limited Citations: Many published articles receive limited citations, suggesting a need for increased global engagement and awareness of Nepali research.
However, there are also significant opportunities:
- Increased Awareness and Funding: Growing recognition of the importance of research is leading to more funding opportunities, although government investment still needs to increase.
- International Collaboration: Increased engagement with international researchers and access to resources through initiatives like Research4Life can significantly boost research quality and visibility.
- Capacity Building: Efforts to provide training in research methodologies, academic writing, and the use of research resources are crucial for improving the quality of research output.
- Focus on National Priorities: Aligning research with national development goals and addressing local challenges can ensure the relevance and impact of research conducted in Nepal.
In conclusion, research publication in Nepal is on an upward trajectory, with a broadening range of research interests. Addressing the existing challenges through increased investment, improved infrastructure, a stronger research culture, and enhanced international collaboration will be vital to further strengthen Nepal’s contribution to the global knowledge landscape.
