Nepali Scientist Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari awarded in the US

KATHMANDU: Nepali scientist Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari has been honored in the United States after the “Electro-Lith” technology he developed won the prestigious international “Research and Development (R&D) 100 Award” for 2026.

Dr. Adhikari works at the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory in the US. The Electro-Lith technology developed by his team was recognized as one of the 100 top technical innovations selected globally this year.

This award is often known in the field of science and technology as the “Oscars of Innovation.” Every year, this honor is presented to 100 influential technologies selected from thousands developed by various research institutions, universities, and industries worldwide.

With the growing demand for batteries—ranging from electric vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops to large energy storage systems—lithium-ion batteries are expected to help scale up production faster, at a lower cost, and more efficiently. Because this research simplifies traditional manufacturing processes, the technology will save time and energy in battery production while reducing manufacturing costs.

Dr. Adhikari, who earned a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Surrey in the UK and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Wake Forest University in the US, brings over a decade of research experience covering energy, batteries, electrocatalysis, advanced materials, and novel manufacturing technologies.

The winners of the 2026 “R&D 100 Award” will be formally honored during a special ceremony in Arizona, US, in November. The event, featuring scientists, engineers, researchers, technology developers, and industry representatives from around the globe, will celebrate the achievements of this year’s top 100 technologies.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Adhikari noted that it demonstrates how one can enter the international research sphere after studying in Nepal. “There is no shortage of talent among students in Nepal,” he said. “What is required is opportunity, hard work, and continuous learning. If one works honestly in their chosen field, world-class research can be conducted even from Nepal.” Emphasizing the need to prioritize science and technology in Nepal, he expressed that the younger generation in particular should be encouraged to pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).