The Nepal Stroke Project (NSP), in partnership with the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) and Nepal Stroke Association (NSA), successfully concluded its 11-session Online Research Series 2026, bringing together experts from Nepal and Germany to strengthen research capacity among healthcare professionals across the country.
Conducted between 22 May and 31 July 2026, the series covered every stage of the research journey from understanding the fundamentals of research to literature review, proposal writing, ethical review, methodology, statistical analysis, qualitative research, manuscript preparation, journal selection, research funding, and finally, presentation and dissemination. Each session was designed to provide practical knowledge that participants could immediately apply in their own research projects.
We were truly privileged to host an exceptional panel of national and international faculty. From Germany, we were honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Christoph Gumbinger, Professor of Neurology at Heidelberg University Hospital and a leading stroke neurologist; Dr. Christine Tunkl, a senior Neurologist ,researcher and Founder Lead of the Nepal Stroke Project at Heidelberg University Hospital; and Dr. Nima Haji Begli, neurologist, researcher and present lead of the Nepal Stroke Project and Heidelberg University Hospital, all of whom have been instrumental in strengthening stroke care and research collaboration between Germany and Nepal.
From Nepal, the series featured renowned experts including Dr. Raju Poudel, Consultant Neurologist and Immediate Past President of the Nepal Stroke Association; Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Founder President of the Nepal Stroke Association and Senior Neurologist Dr.Avinash Chandra; Prof. Dr. Madhusudan Subedi, Professor of Public Health and qualitative research expert from Patan Academy of Health Sciences; Mrs. Namita Ghimire, Executive Director of the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC); Mr. Shakti Shrestha, an experienced biostatistician; and Dr. Khechar N. Paudel, consultant neurologist and stroke physician. Together, they shared invaluable practical experiences and inspired participants to pursue meaningful health research.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the series was the enthusiastic participation. Each session welcomed 55–60 participants, primarily nurses and junior doctors from across Nepal. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and active engagement transformed every lecture into an interactive learning experience. It was encouraging to witness so many young healthcare professionals eager to strengthen their research skills and contribute to evidence-based stroke care.
The feedback received at the conclusion of the programme was overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed how much they had benefited from the sessions and repeatedly requested that the Nepal Stroke Project organize similar research series in the future. Their enthusiasm reaffirmed the growing need for structured research training and mentorship within Nepal’s healthcare community.
Research is an ever-evolving field, and learning never truly ends. Although the series has concluded, it marks the beginning of many new research journeys. Every topic opened a door to deeper understanding and reminded us that generating evidence is essential for improving patient care and strengthening health systems.
The Nepal Stroke Project extends its heartfelt gratitude to NHRC, NSA, all our distinguished speakers, moderators, organizing team, and every participant who dedicated their time and energy to making this initiative a remarkable success. We look forward to continuing this journey of learning, collaboration, and research excellence in the years to come.
