University strengthens UK and Nepal partnerships through high level visit and launch of major research collaborations

The delegation held a series of meetings with leaders from universities and colleges across Nepal to explore opportunities in Transnational Education (TNE) and research collaborations. An engagement event brought together recruitment partners, alumni and parents of current students, reflecting the University’s growing student community in Nepal and strong partnerships with local colleges and universities. 

The University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Paul Bissell and Dean of Global Impact, Professor Padam Simkhada enjoyed detailed research and policy discussions organised by Green Tara Nepal, an NGO committed to delivering healthcare to hard‑to‑reach populations. The team visited a number of Medical Colleges where opportunities for postgraduate research supervision were agreed and possible MSc courses were discussed.  

Two significant research collaborations were formally opened during the visit. The first is a British Academy-funded Evidence Synthesis Centre (“NICE Nepal”) - A partnership between UK universities, Kathmandu University and the Nepal Health Research Council. The Centre will train 29 Policy Fellows in systematic and narrative review methods, policy brief writing and will bridge the gap between research evidence and policymakers in Nepal through the development of high‑quality policy briefs. Secondly, the Nepal Longitudinal Study is a unique research project collecting demographic and clinical data from 10,000 individuals in Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu. This dataset will provide novel insights into the changing nature of population health in Nepal. Both initiatives will contribute high‑quality outputs to REF2029 (Research Excellence Framework) and form part of future Impact Case Studies. 

The visit concluded with a high‑level meeting hosted by the Nepal Health Research Council, attended by Vice‑Chancellors from five Nepali universities, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population and UK academic partners. Professor Simmons delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the University’s commitment to long‑term collaboration and shared global impact. 

The visit received extensive national media attention in Nepal, including two interviews with the Vice‑Chancellor, a national television appearance by Professor Simkhada and an upcoming feature with Professor Paul Bissell in the Kathmandu Times. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said: “Our visit to Nepal reaffirmed the deep commitment shared by our partners to advancing education, research and public health. The collaborations we have strengthened represent powerful examples of how universities can work across borders to address global challenges. We look forward to working with our Nepali colleagues in building knowledge, improving health outcomes and creating opportunities that will benefit communities for generations to come.” 

Caption: Visit to Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences.