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A recent study by a team of experts identifies biases in biodiversity and conservation research in Nepal. Another survey reveals that researchers emphasize the need for more research facilities and supportive policies in Nepal.

In Nepal, researchers face numerous challenges, yet significant progress remains possible. A recent study, "Carrying out Research in Nepal: Perceptions of Scholars About Research Environment and Challenges," sheds light on the various hurdles scholars encounter in the country. The study surveyed 472 researchers from 47 countries, uncovering a notable disparity in perceptions between local and international scholars. While international researchers view Nepal’s research environment with cautious optimism, those based in Nepal believe it needs significant improvement.

Local researchers in Nepal cite insufficient funding, lack of supportive government policies, and inadequate research infrastructure as primary obstacles. These factors contribute to a lower number of publications and limited opportunities for leading research projects. In contrast, international researchers, who often bring their own funding, experience fewer of these barriers. This dichotomy highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within Nepal to better support its researchers.

One of the most pressing issues is funding. Nepalese scholars frequently rely on international grants or self-fund their research, which limits the scope and scale of their work. Additionally, the absence of robust government policies and institutional support exacerbates these challenges, creating an environment where innovation and significant scientific contributions are stifled. The study, led by Prakash Kumar Paudel, an expert at Himavat, was published in Scientometrics, a prestigious journal by Springer.

Similarly, another review by Dr. Paudel, published in the prestigious journal “Biodiversity and Conservation,” is titled "Half Century in Biodiversity and Conservation Research in Nepal: A Review." While Nepal has been a focal point for biodiversity conservation and has made commendable progress, the study finds that research publications on biodiversity and conservation are growing but are highly biased in favor of a few taxonomic groups, mainly gymnosperms and mammals, with a preponderance of certain species (e.g., tiger, snow leopard, one-horned rhinoceros), while other classes of both the plant and animal kingdoms were less studied. The insights from these studies underscore the dual challenges and opportunities within Nepal's research landscape.