A Community Blog for Nepali Chemists
Considering graduate chemistry in Australia? Graduate chemistry pathways for Nepali students in Australia Our newest article maps the pathways for Nepali students, from applications to research prospects. Sharing chemistry knowledge, celebrating Nepalese chemists' achievements, and connecting researchers around the world.
Curious about how everyday starch transforms into biodegradable plastics? Our latest post explores the chemistry behind bioplastics and polylactic acid, from raw materials to molecular mechanisms—The Chemistry of Bioplastics: From Starch to Polylactic Acid. NepaChem was a community-driven blog that brought together Nepali chemists, students, and researchers. Founded and maintained by contributors including Basant Giri, the site published articles on analytical chemistry, toxicology, and organic chemistry — alongside news about Nepalese chemists earning recognition internationally.
Curious how your morning coffee works at the molecular level? This piece breaks down the solvent choices and acid-base tricks that make caffeine extraction possible — perfect for anyone teaching or revisiting organic chemistry fundamentals. Organic Chemistry Behind Caffeine Extraction Contributors like Anant Babu Marahatta, a Ph.D. student at Tohoku University in Japan, wrote accessible deep-dives into topics such as oxalic acid and sodium chloride toxicity. Dr. Harish Subedi shared a personal story about his daughter Riju memorizing the periodic table, capturing the site's warm, community-oriented spirit.
The blog also served as a practical hub: it posted academic job listings, shared a scanned copy of the Tribhuvan University M.Sc. Chemistry syllabus (1999 edition), and maintained a database of Nepalese chemists around the globe alongside links to US chemistry departments.
NepaChem began as a passion project born from a simple observation: Nepali chemists working in universities and laboratories around the world were achieving remarkable things, but their stories rarely made it back home. The blog set out to change that, creating a digital gathering place where researchers could share their work, students could discover role models, and the broader community could follow the latest developments in the chemical sciences. Over time, the platform grew into a trusted resource that connected chemists across borders, from Kathmandu to Tokyo to the United States, all united by a shared language of molecules and reactions.
The site's content covered a wide range of topics within the chemical sciences, including analytical chemistry, toxicology, and organic synthesis. Contributors wrote accessible articles that bridged the gap between cutting-edge research and everyday understanding, explaining complex processes in ways that students and curious readers could follow. Whether discussing new drug developments, environmental monitoring techniques, or fundamental reaction mechanisms, the writers prioritized clarity without sacrificing scientific rigor. This approach helped demystify chemistry for a broader audience while still offering meaningful depth for those pursuing careers in the field.
A recurring theme throughout the blog was celebrating the achievements of Nepalese chemists earning recognition on the international stage. From faculty appointments at prestigious universities to postdoctoral fellowships and published research in leading journals, these accomplishments demonstrated that talent knows no borders. The blog highlighted awards, grants, and honors received by Nepali scientists, offering congratulations and encouragement to those making their mark. For young Nepali students browsing the site, these stories served as powerful proof that a career in chemistry could lead anywhere in the world.
Beyond news and achievements, NepaChem fostered genuine community engagement through its comment sections and shared posts. Readers would discuss articles, ask follow-up questions, and offer their own perspectives on the topics covered. The blog also became a venue for sharing videos, including remarkable stories like that of a young child named Brielle who astonished viewers by reciting the entire periodic table from memory. Such posts captured the wonder of science and reminded readers that curiosity and passion for chemistry can spark at any age.
The blog also served an educational purpose, helping students navigate the world of chemistry from the fundamentals upward. Articles touched on the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical reactions, and the practical applications of chemistry in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials science. For students preparing for university or considering research careers, the site offered guidance and inspiration drawn from the real experiences of practicing chemists. The emphasis on memorizing elements, symbols, and atomic numbers reflected a shared academic heritage that many readers recognized from their own schooling.
NepaChem's legacy is one of connection and encouragement within the global Nepali chemistry community. Though the blog's active publishing days may have passed, its influence persists in the networks it helped build and the careers it inspired. The site demonstrated that a small, community-driven platform could have an outsized impact, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard and proving that chemistry is not just a laboratory science but also a deeply human endeavor. For those who followed along, the blog remains a reminder of what can be accomplished when scientists share their knowledge generously and celebrate one another's successes.