Executive Members
President
Dr. Ajaya Jang Kunwar
Associate Professor of Anatomy, Janaki Medical College, Janakpur Dham, Nepal
Chairman and Clinical Embryologist, Slavica IVF and Research Center Pvt. Ltd., Sinamangal, Kathmandu
Research Head, Kathmandu Center for Genomics & Research Laboratory
Dr. Ajaya Jang Kunwar stands as an immense figure in academia, neuroscience research, and clinical embryology, boasting over two decades of enriching experience. At Slavica IVF and Research Center Pvt. Ltd., he pioneers breakthroughs in clinical embryology, revolutionizing practices in embryo culture, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and embryo biopsy. Dr. Kunwar’s passion for advancing biomedical science extends to his role as Professor of Anatomy at Janaki Medical College, where he imparts invaluable knowledge to budding medical minds.
His illustrious journey includes prestigious positions at institutions like Manmohan Technical University and the Medical University of Americas, coupled with transformative post-doctoral research stints at the University of Göttingen and the Ohio State University, delving into the intricate realms of neuroscience, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and neuronal development.
Dr. Kunwar’s scholarly endeavors have graced esteemed journals, earning him accolades, grants, and fellowships from eminent bodies such as The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). Beyond academia, he serves as the esteemed President of the Neuroscience Society of Nepal, advocating for scientific advancement and knowledge exchange.
An ardent football enthusiast, Dr. Kunwar’s multifaceted persona reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence, leaving an indelible mark on medical education, research, and community service both in Nepal and beyond.
Dr. Barun Mahat, MBBS, MD, serves as an Associate Professor at the Medical University of the Americas in Nevis, West Indies, while also holding a position in the Department of Clinical Physiology at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences in Kathmandu, Nepal. Since 2020, he has been appointed as the Adjunct Correlation Seminar Coordinator at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences and has been actively involved as a Member Facilitator of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) since 2013.
Dr. Mahat has a rich background in academia and has participated in various professional training and special research workshops. Notably, he has served as an External Examiner for 1st- year MBBS, BNS, and BSC Annual Examinations at National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal, and as an Expert at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University (IOM, TU) Poly-Technical. Additionally, he is a distinguished figure in the field, having co-founded the Neuroscience Society of Nepal (NSN) and serving as a Founder Member of the Physiology Society of Nepal (PSN).
His contributions extend to scholarly publications, wherein he has authored numerous articles. Dr. Barun Mahat’s dedication and expertise underscore his significant impact in both academia and professional spheres within the medical community.
Vice-President
Dr. Barun Mahat
Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
General Secretary
Mukesh Kumar Jha
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Kathmandu University, School of Medical Sciences Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Mukesh Kumar Jha, currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, has completed his M.Sc. in Human Physiology from BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. He has been involved in the field of Neuroscience since his postgraduate days when he completed his research on visual evoked potential. His research interests involve electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, nerve conduction velocity and other areas of neurophysiology. He has been actively involved in teaching learning activities for medical, dental, nursing and other paramedic courses since 2011. He also worked as a visiting faculty member, teaching Cognitive Science to B.Tech. AI students at Kathmandu University School of Engineering.
He has been instrumental in setting up numerous national and international neuroscience and physiology conferences and workshops in Nepal. He currently holds the positions of General Secretary for both the Neuroscience Society of Nepal (NSN) and the Association of Basic and Applied Sciences- Nepal (ABAMS-Nepal) and travel funding from internationally renowned scientific societies has allowed him to attend numerous international congresses, conferences, and IBRO workshops in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Pakistan, and Thailand.
His work has been published in more than fifteen peer-reviewed journals, such as IBRO Neuroscience Reports, Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases, etc.
He is a great value to neuroscience research as well as Nepal’s scientific community as a whole because of his dedication to establish the neuroscience network in Nepal, his tireless efforts, and the leadership qualities he has demonstrated on various scientific and social platforms.
Sandeep Thapa is an accomplished researcher with a strong background in biochemistry and genetics. Holding a Master’s degree from Bangalore University, he has been actively involved in diverse research projects. With numerous publications in reputable journals and a track record of presenting research findings at international conferences, Sandeep has established himself as a respected figure in the field. His contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and grants, including prestigious travel awards to attend international conferences. Alongside his research endeavours, he serves as a Research Officer at the Kathmandu Center for Genomics and Research Laboratory (KCGRL). Alongside his research endeavours, Sandeep has been actively involved in teaching faculty. His dedication to scientific inquiry, coupled with his leadership and organizational skills, make him a valuable asset in both academic and professional settings.
In addition to his research and laboratory responsibilities, Sandeep is actively engaged in scientific community activities, including organizing scientific events and workshops. He holds membership in various national and international scientific organizations and actively contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge in areas such as microbiology, genetics, and neuroscience. Sandeep’s commitment to excellence, coupled with his diverse skill set and strong professional network, positions him as a prominent figure in the scientific community, dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the field of life sciences.
Joint Secretary / Treasurer
Sandeep Thapa
Research Officer, Kathmandu Center for Genomics and Research Laboratory (KCGRL), Gwarko, Lalitpur, Nepal
Member
Dr. Nilam Thakur
Medical Geneticist, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Dr. Nilam Thakur is a prominent figure in the field of clinical genetics, with a multifaceted career spanning clinical practice, research, and academic pursuits. Currently serving as a consultant clinical geneticist at the Medical Genetics Unit of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr. Nilam’s expertise is instrumental in providing comprehensive genetic healthcare services.
Her educational journey led her to obtain a postgraduate degree in clinical genetics from the Human Genetics Unit at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, building upon her foundational MBBS degree from Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. Dr. Nilam’s dedication to advancing her knowledge is evident through her participation in numerous workshops and conferences worldwide, including those focused on integrating genetics into medical education and research ethics.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Nilam serves as the Laboratory Head at the Kathmandu Center for Genomics (KCGRL), Global Hospital, where she oversees various projects and mentors students in molecular techniques. Her contributions extend beyond the laboratory, as she actively engages in extracurricular activities and has represented Nepal internationally, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to social causes.
Dr. Nilam’s research endeavors encompass a diverse range of topics within genetics. She has delved into developmental genetics, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development and congenital malformations.
Dr. Nilams’s dedication to scholarly work is evident through her publications, which explore critical aspects of genetic disorders and molecular diagnostics. Her research endeavors aim to improve the understanding and management of genetic conditions prevalent in Nepal.
Dr. Sunil Dhungel is a Professor of Neuroscience Physiology at The Medical University of the Americas, Nevis, West Indies. Dr. Dhungel is adjunct faculty of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India and was recently working at NAIHS, Kathmandu Nepal. He was a Chairman of IRC (Institutional Review Committee) of NAIHS. Dr Dhungel possesses more than two decades teaching experiences in Nepal, China, Japan, India and West indies and one and half decade of research experience. He is the founder president of Neuroscience Society of Nepal and Council member of IBRO (International Brain Research organization) and FAONS.
Dr. Dhungel completed his Postgraduate degree in Human Physiology from B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal in 2002. His doctorate degree from Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan. His PhD research was focused on brain circuitry which determines olfactory preference under the influence of sex steroids. Dr. Dhungel presented several guest lectures at various IBRO schools and research work at various international conferences of Physiology, Neuroscience and Neuroendocrinology held in Japan, China, USA, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, France, India and Pakistan. He has been honored by several national and international awards. He has published more than 25 peer- reviewed papers in leading scientific journals including, Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research, Annals of Neuroscience, Hormone and behavior, Experimental Physiology etc. He is also credited with more than 70 presentations in different international forum in Japan, USA, China, Italy, France, and Germany.
Dr. Dhungel serves as an editor, advisor for several national and international journals, and reviewer of neuroscience curricula as well. His current research focuses on better understanding the roles of steroid hormones and oxytocin in neurodegenerative diseases and high-altitude physiology.
Executive Member (Immediate Past President)
Dr. Sunil Dhungel
Professor of Neuroscience, Medical University of Americas, St.Kitts and Nevis
