The Directorate of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) successfully concluded a two-day internal strategic workshop on April 30–May 1, 2026, bringing together RDI members and senior administrators to deliberate on critical agenda items shaping the future of research and innovation at KU.
The workshop was convened to address three core thematic areas: the formulation and refinement of RDI Policies and Guidelines, the organisation of a Capacity Building Workshop for Research, and the development of a Competitive Exhibition Platform for Innovation.
Day One: Inauguration, Open Discussion, and Group Deliberations
The first day commenced with a formal inauguration led by Assoc. Prof. Dr Brijesh Adhikary, Acting Director of RDI, set the tone for the workshop by underscoring the importance of structured institutional frameworks in advancing KU's research mission. The initial discussion and issue framing session was facilitated by Prof. Dr Rajendra Joshi, who introduced each of the three agenda items and contextualised their relevance within KU's evolving research landscape.
Following the plenary introduction, participants were divided into three smaller working groups tasked with conducting focused, in-depth deliberations on the identified themes. The group discussions were overseen by the chiefs of Human Resources, Finance, and Management Services, with Dr Adhikary providing directional guidance across all groups. This format ensured cross-functional perspectives were brought to bear on each agenda item, enriching the quality of the discussions.
The day concluded with a second plenary session in which each group presented its findings and recommendations to the full assembly. Through collaborative synthesis, seven distinct pathways of action emerged from the discussions — each representing a concrete direction for institutional advancement. These seven points were formally identified and set aside for structured follow-up.
Day Two: Review, Refinement, and the Path Forward
The second day opened with a review of the seven proposed pathways. Each point was examined for its feasibility, institutional alignment, and potential impact, with participants deliberating on the processes required to bring them to fruition. The review session was marked by constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to translating the workshop's outcomes into actionable institutional initiatives.
The two-day workshop reflects RDI's broader commitment to fostering a research-conducive environment at Kathmandu University, one that is underpinned by policy frameworks, enhanced researcher capacity, and dynamic platforms for showcasing innovation. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform RDI's strategic planning and programming in the months ahead, contributing meaningfully to KU's vision as a leading research institution in the region.
