Nishtha Shrestha

A recent scientific gathering organised by Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) delved into this statement through presenting various research documents. It is a positive sign that the research culture is gaining momentum in Nepal. The diversity in topics and research designs showed the different achievements and challenges of the various fields. Every research demands time, expertise and resources to reach its intended target. Therefore, it would be a waste of valuable information if we do not find ways to implement the findings of such a labour-intensive work.
Today many higher institutions encourage their students to conduct research. The number of publications one possesses has become criteria for better jobs as well as a respect in the field of academia. These rewards are motivating but it also can lead to individuals compromising on the quality if left unchecked. While the number of journal articles one has is definitely an accomplishment, it is also worth evaluating if the research is making a difference in the society. If a researcher can bring about a change in policy or attitude of people, then the effort made is certainly worth the hassle.
An individual is only a part of the problem and researchers help to discover the other larger issues that impact the behaviours seen in the sample. If these research recommendations are ignored, then research will be limited to studying the same problems in the coming days. Collaboration between researchers and policymakers will help implement the current findings and spot the areas that need further work. When both parties work in isolation, the outputs may fail to meet the expectations of the affected individuals. This sync among researchers, policymakers and the participants is needed in a country like Nepal where we struggle with limited resources and expertise.
It is the duty of researchers to share their findings. This will then be translated into an opportunity for policymakers to direct funds in areas that need support from the public and private organisations. The input from the field will then help to find the loopholes in the research. Sometimes the research analysis shows effectiveness but these numbers fail to consider the social factors such as stigma, poverty and other inequalities that act as barriers for the success of the intervention. Hence, a link between the theoretical and practical aspects of research needs to be maintained for an effective result.
There are probably many valuable theses that lie dormant till date. If there is a system to encourage researchers to share their findings not only through journals but also in mediums that are easily understandable by the local communities, we can expect a desired change in the society. When the social structures evolve with the research, development becomes an easier task to accomplish.
The rise in the number of conferences and webinars is encouraging but these lessons need to reach the community. The interest in research is promising and when the goal is to make a difference. This initiative definitely needs to be a priority in Nepal.