NiCHOD 2023 competition completed in Chitwan
By Amrusha Poudel
20/09/2023
The National Young Academy of Nepal (NaYAN) recently organized the second episode of the NICHOD competition on September 17th at the Agriculture and Forestry University in Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. NICHOD is a nationwide video contest designed for research students in Nepal, challenging them to present their research in a concise three-minute video to a non-academic audience.
The event's theme emphasized the role of research in addressing critical societal issues and driving positive change, underlining the importance of research for social impact. Inspired by the "three-minute thesis" format originating from the University of Queensland, NICHOD has been a flagship program of NaYAN since 2022, with annual occurrences.
The event was a collaborative effort involving several institutions, including the Pokhara University Research Center (PURC), Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology (GPAST), and the Directorate of Research and Extension of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).
In this episode, 47 researchers submitted video presentations to showcase their work. A rigorous screening process led to the selection of the top ten finalists. These finalists had the unique opportunity to present their work in person at a grand finale held at the Agriculture and Forestry University in Bharatpur, Chitwan. This event was thoughtfully timed to coincide with National Science Day of Nepal (Bigwan Diwas – 2080) on September 17, 2023. The event attracted about 100 students and faculty members via Zoom meetings, with approximately 60 participants attending the in-person event in Chitwan.
During the grand finale, students presented their three-minute research videos in person and were evaluated by a panel of three independent judges:
The judging panel consisted of:
Dr. Sunila Rai, Professor of Aquaculture and Fisheries in the Aquatic Resources Department at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).
Prof. Dr. Surya Kant Ghimire, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).
Dr. Nabin Malakar, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Environment and Physics at Worcester State University in the USA and a Fulbright Specialist at Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS).
The judges unanimously announced the winners of the competition:
Mr. Asmit Neupane from the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, was declared the undergraduate category winner.
Ms. Ganga Gharty Chhetri (Ph.D. student) from Tri-chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, emerged as the graduate category winner.
Both winners received certificates and cash prizes. The undergraduate category winner received NRs. 30,000, while the graduate category winner received NRs. 50,000. The prize money was generously sponsored by Ankuram Academy and Boston International College. Besides the monetary rewards, certificates of participation were distributed to all participants, recognizing their valuable contributions to the event and their dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. This event not only motivates young researchers in Nepal but also emphasizes the significance of research with a focus on societal impact.
The impact of NICHOD extended beyond the event itself. Through active engagement on social media, NICHOD reached and engaged with a substantial audience through its Facebook and Twitter posts. This outreach highlighted the initiative's dedication to promoting research and science not only within the academic community but also to a wider audience.
Program details of the final event:
People involved:
Coordination committee
Dr. Sasmita Poudel (chair), National Young Academy of Nepal
Dr. Mohan Bahadur Chand. National Young Academy of Nepal
Dr. Kshitiz Raj Shrestha, National Young Academy of Nepal
Dr. Madhusudan Kayastha, Pokhara University
Dr. Deepanjan Shrestha, Pokhara University
Dr. Santosh Koirala, Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology
Dr. Himal Luitel, Agriculture and Forestry University
Ms. Amrusha Poudel (intern), National Young Academy of Nepal
Mr. Saksham Thapa (intern), National Young Academy of Nepal
Advisory committee
Dr. Basant Giri, Co-chair, National Young Academy of Nepal (NaYAN)
Dr. Namraj Dhami, Executive Director, Pokhara University Research Center (PURC)
Dr. Dhakaram Bhandari, Executive Director, Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology (GPAST)
Dr. Rishi Ram Kattel, Director, Directorate of Research and Extension (DOREX), Agriculture and Forestry University
Some photographs of the grand finale
Mr. Asmit Neupane receiving his check and certificate.
Ms. Ms. Ganga Gharty Chhetri receiving her check and certificate.
Mr. Nabin Adhikari receiving his certificate.
Dean Dr. Arjun Kumar Shrestha delivering his keynote talk.
Participants of the event.
Mr. Anand Chand delivering his talk.
Certificate distribution.
Certificate distribution.