Kathmandu [Nepal], November 8 – Nepali scientist Tista Prasai Joshi has been elected a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for 2027 in recognition of her contributions to water purification and sanitation research.
Joshi, a Senior Scientific Officer at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in Khumaltar, Lalitpur has developed synthetic and natural adsorbents to remove pollutants including organic contaminants, arsenic and heavy metals, from water.
Her research group has developed adsorbents capable of removing both organic and inorganic arsenic. Joshi said the technology could be applied on a larger scale in Nepal where water quality particularly in urban areas is deteriorating.
She has also studied faecal contamination, antibiotic-resistant pathogens and emerging pollutants including microplastics in various water sources.
Her work has contributed to policy discussions on improving water quality and sanitation in Nepal. She has also received the TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award.
According to the academy’s November 6 announcement, 87 scientists worldwide were elected as fellows including 29 women and 77 researchers from the Global South. The new fellows will officially join on January 1, 2027.
