Exploration of Resources for Research and Education and Sensitization about NREN in Nepal

Project Title: Exploration of Resources for Research and Education and Sensitization about NREN in Nepal

Project Duration: October 2022 to August 2023
Supported by: Asi@Connect Project (Asi@Connect-22-083)

This project was implemented based on findings from the earlier “Feasibility Study of TEIN Expansion in All Seven Provinces of Nepal”. The feasibility study had revealed a significant gap in awareness among universities regarding global research and education networks (RENs), which limited their capacity to participate in international collaborations. To bridge this gap, this project focused on sensitization, exploration of e-science resources, and capacity building.

Executive Summary: The project adopted a multi-pronged approach, including desk research, international exposure visits, development of sensitization materials, and consultation meetings across Nepal’s universities. The core objective was to explore the availability of scientific resources (such as HPC, remote labs, and collaboration platforms) and raise awareness about the benefits of REN connectivity.

Key Results:

  • Enhanced visibility of NREN in Nepal’s R&E sector through outreach and collaboration.
  • 361 individuals from 58 institutions sensitized, including 294 men and 67 women.
  • NREN signed MoUs for network connectivity with 4 new central universities and 1 provincial university.
  • Identified major research areas in Nepal that can benefit from high-speed R&E networks.
  • Facilitated access to supercomputing resources at NSCC, Singapore, for Tribhuvan University researchers.
  • Developed a comprehensive services profile of 42 National RENs and identified collaboration opportunities.

Key Outputs:

  • Report on services and applications of 42 global NRENs
  • Documentation of scientific collaboration models
  • Inventory of research labs, HPC, and virtual facilities across 20 countries
  • Identification of 5 key research domains: physical, biological, earth, health, and computer sciences
  • Sensitization materials tailored to Nepal’s R&E context
  • MoUs signed with 5 universities for network connection
  • International exposure visits to China, Singapore, and Japan

Activities:

  1. Desk research on global RENs and mapping of services and collaborations
  2. Identification of relevant research domains within Nepal
  3. Capacity building and international exposure visits for NREN team
  4. Development of customized sensitization materials
  5. Conducting sensitization workshops and strategic consultations at 9 universities
  6. Hosted NREN and HPC-focused sessions during APAN55 in Kathmandu

Impact:

  • The project has significantly increased institutional readiness for REN membership.
  • Contributed to future project development, including the follow-up “Building the Digital Edge” initiative.
  • Estimated indirect beneficiaries exceed 29,000 faculty members and students.

Visibility:

  • Project details were shared via NREN’s website and social media.
  • A project case study was presented at APAN58 in Sri Lanka.
  • Local press releases covered sensitization and consultation events, improving public and institutional awareness.

This project has been pivotal in expanding NREN’s footprint across Nepal and aligning its national R&E institutions with global science and education networks.

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