Research Community
A crucial focus of our work includes the strengthening of partnerships between Nepalese scholars and academic institutions with the SAI Kathmandu Office and thus, the broader German academic landscape. We further promote collaboration between German institutions situated in the Kathmandu Valley.
The SAI Kathmandu Office cooperates with the following institutions (listed in alphabetical order):
ANHS Kathmandu Office
The Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies (ANHS) is the oldest academic organization devoted to the study of the Himalaya in the United States. ANHS was founded in 1971 as the Nepal Studies Association with support from the Ford Foundation. In 1999, to reflect a widening member base and area of interest, the association broadened its mandate to cover the entire Himalaya-Karakoram-Hindukush region and adjacent mountain areas of High Asia, and adopted its current name. Read more
German Embassy
The Federal Republic of Germany has been maintaining an Embassy in Kathmandu since 1963, after diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Nepal had been formally established in 1958. The close and friendly partnership that evolved between our two countries has an even longer history going way back into the 19th century. Today, Germany is not only Nepal's third largest trading partner, it also ranks among the most important bilateral donors. Furthermore there is a multi-facetted network of contacts at personal and NGO levels firmly in place, complementing the excellent official relations. Read more
Goethe Zentrum Kathmandu
As the official German language institute and partner of the German Foreign Office it's our mission to provide all prospective students from all fields the opportunity to learn German. Having served thousands of students in Kathmandu since it's establishment, we provide quality instruction from experienced and certified teachers. Read more
Kathmandu University - Center for Art+Design
Center for Art and Design (KU Art+Design) – with a very short yet impressive history – is committed towards establishing a benchmark in fine art education in Nepal. Realizing this need for qualitative fine art education in Nepal, Kathmandu University established Art and Design program in 2003 under School of Arts. Read more
Kathmandu University - Center for Buddhist Studies
The courses offered at Rangjung Yeshe Institute include a wide variety of topics in Buddhist Philosophy and in Tibetan, Sanskrit and Nepali languages. Students who are seeking a thorough education in Buddhist Philosophy and Himalayan languages may enroll in formal degree programs at BA, MA and PhD levels or take advantage of specialized non-degree courses including our renowned summer intensive short courses and year-long translator training program. Read more
Martin Chautari
Martin Chautari (MC) is a research and policy institute based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Begun as an informal discussion group in Kathmandu in 1991, MC now focuses on research and policy on democracy, media and education, with cross-cutting themes of gender and social inclusion. Along with the continuing discussion series, publications, open library and a rigorous mentoring program of young researchers are in-built into MC’s work. These all form an intrinsic part of MC’s primary objective: strengthening the social contract between state and citizens by expanding and making inclusive the public sphere with informed dialogue, analytically rigorous research and viable policy choices. Read more
SIT Study Abroad - Nepal: Development and Social Change
This program examines the multidimensional ways in which development is reshaping a traditionally rural society into one that is rapidly becoming globally connected and modern. Through both classroom and field activities, students investigate the social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic forces that are reshaping rural and urban communities. Study how international development, political conflict, an emerging civil society, and global markets are all working to redefine Nepal in the twenty-first century. Read more
SIT Study Abroad - Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
Through the thematic lectures and fieldwork of this program, students explore issues of cultural change and preservation, religious revival, and [sub-]regional geopolitics. Students are challenged to consider the contemporary and historic connections between diverse Himalayan “landlinked” communities. Questions of self-identification and recognition, as well as of diaspora, exile, and migration, are important topics for analysis in this program. Read more
Social Science Baha
The Social Science Baha is an independent, non-profit organisation set up with the objective of promoting and enhancing the study of and research in the social sciences in Nepal. Established on 1 January 2002 with the primary focus of starting a social science library, the Social Science Baha was initially hosted at Himal Association, a non-profit organisation located at Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur. By the time of its formal registration as an independent entity on 15 January 2007, however, the Baha had diversified its activities and become involved in other areas as well, namely: i) conducting the four-month-long Immersion Course on Contemporary Social Issues; ii) hosting lectures, discussions, workshops, and conferences; iii) publishing books, occasional papers and journals; and iv) conducting research. Read more
Tribhuvan University - Center for Nepal and Himalayan Studies
CNAS is a statutory research center under Tribhuvan University for conducting independent research and deliberation on issues and studies in social sciences. The main substantive activity at CNAS is carried out by the research wing called faculty while the administrative and documentation center provide support services. CNAS is a multidisciplinary research center with a team of about 19 full-time researchers. Read more
Tribhuvan University - Central Department of Sociology / Anthropology
Founded in 1981, the Central Department of Sociology/Anthropology (CDSA) is one of the largest teaching departments at Tribhuvan University in terms of both student enrollments and faculty. Each academic year, more than 500 students enroll themselves for Master’s Degree Program in sociology and anthropology. Master's level courses are taught in 33 campuses and colleges (18 constituent campuses and 15 affiliated collegest). Read more
