Physics in the heart of Himalayas

Physics Research Initiative (PRI) Pokhara is a group of researchers formed by the academic faculties and young professional physicists. It was established on March, 2017 with an aim to inspire the young researchers and promote science literacy in the general public.

The three main areas of PRI are research, outreach, and awareness on science and technology. PRI is working closely with the Department of Physics at Prithvi Narayan Campus to conduct its various scientific programs viz,

Science Discussion Series:

It is a series featuring national as well as international researchers giving a short presentation about their respective research field followed by Q&A sessions. Since its inception, PRI has organized twenty-seven such Scientific Discussion Series. Detailed information can be found at https://pri.org.np/sds

Workshops:

So far, PRI has conducted three workshops.

First one was titled "PRI Workshop on Mathematica". It was held on 28th – 29th April 2017 at the Research Management Cell, PN Campus, Pokhara. Its participants were Bachelors and Masters level students as well as the faculties of Department of Physics, PN Campus, Pokhara. Its motto was to teach the participants the basics of Mathematica and apply it to the different physical problems to get their numerical solution.  

The next workshop was titled "PRI Workshop on Python, A Three-Day Immersion Course on Python Programming". It was held on 8-10th March, 2018 at New Road, Pokhara. Participants were students as well as faculties from Department of Mathematics and Physics, PN Campus. Out of three days, first two were focused on the basics of Python while the last day was about numerical solution of the physical problems like projectiles, Schrodinger equation, etc. using Python.

The last workshop was co-organized and sponsored by the Research Management Unit of Western Regional Campus (WRC), Institute of Engineering, Pokhara. It was held on 11-12th May, 2018 at Dhampus. All the participants were the faculties of different departments of WRC. The workshop aim was to impart basics of Python to the participants and make them able to numerically solve different engineering problems.

Apart from these, we at PRI have formed a “Feynman Study Circle” to engage undergraduate physics students in learning and discussing their course materials. We also have screened three movies preceded by the discussion about the science shown in the movie.

Why do we need funding?

It has already been two years since the founding of PRI. So far, we have been able to conduct and sustain above mentioned programs purely on volunteer basis. Now, we want to expand our horizon. We want to do more.

We have a long-term vision of establishing the Aspen like research center and make it an incubation platform for the cross disciplinary research and promote the holiday science here in Pokhara.  For the time being, we are planning to;

·         Establish an office.

·         Publish a regular peer reviewed journal of science.

·         Allocate funds for paid research.

Though our plans are big and to fulfil them might need a big lump of money but just like the saying goes "Little drops of water, make the mighty ocean", we request you all to join us in our endeavor. Donate us as much as you can.  Every single donated penny will help us achieve the goal of creating a fund of ten thousand dollars.
 

You can get further information about us by visiting our website https://pri.org.np