KATHMANDU: Nepali scientist Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari has been honored in the United States for winning the prestigious international Research and Development (R&D) 100 Award for the Electro-Lith technology developed by his team.
Dr. Adhikari works at the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory in the US. The Electro-Lith technology developed by his team has been selected among the 100 best technological innovations from around the world this year.
The R&D 100 Award is often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation” in science and technology. The award is presented annually to 100 influential technologies selected from thousands of innovations developed by research institutions, universities and industries worldwide.
With demand for batteries growing rapidly for electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops and large-scale energy storage systems, the Electro-Lith technology is expected to help accelerate the production of lithium-ion batteries at lower cost and with greater efficiency. The research could simplify conventional manufacturing processes, saving time and energy while reducing battery production costs.
Dr. Adhikari holds a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Surrey in the UK and a doctorate in chemistry from Wake Forest University in the US. During more than a decade of research, he has worked in various fields, including energy, batteries, electrocatalysis, advanced materials and emerging manufacturing technologies.
The winners of the 2026 R&D 100 Awards will be formally honored at a special ceremony in Arizona, USA, in November. Scientists, engineers, researchers, technology developers and industry representatives from around the world are expected to attend the event, which will celebrate the year’s 100 leading technological innovations.
Dr. Adhikari says his journey demonstrates that Nepali students can enter the international research arena by pursuing their studies in Nepal. “There is no shortage of talent among Nepali students. Opportunities, hard work and continuous learning are necessary. If you work honestly in your chosen field, you can also conduct world-class research from Nepal,” he said.
He emphasized the need to prioritize the advancement of science and technology in Nepal and said the younger generation should be encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
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