Center for Conservation Biology, Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) is pleased to support undergraduate research through the offering of ‘Undergraduate Research Grants’ to qualified students from Nepalese universities. This grant funds project budgets up to Nepalese Rupees 40,000 for general expenses, consumables, travels, stationery and other applicable costs as per actual basis.  Awarded students will also be expected to participate in the international conference on ‘Mountains in the Changing World’ to be held in 2021.

The broad areas of the research topics include, but not limited to, restoration of red panda habitats, food and energy budget, co-existence/conflict between red panda and people, and ecosystem functing around the red panda habitats.

Proposals should be submitted by the end of October 30, 2020.

Eligibility: Students must be eligible to conduct project work in their final year of undergraduate program (preferably from zoology and environmental science). Students in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students from Karnali Province.

Proposal Guidelines

Research Proposal: The project should reflect an original idea that will extend knowledge in your area of interest. The proposal should consist of following items listed below:

Cover Page and Recommendation Page: Include the project title, student’s name, and student’s signature. The faculty supervisor’s name and signature should be included, certifying that he/she has reviewed the proposal and that student is capable of performing the research, and that the faculty member agrees to mentor the student for the project.

Reference letter from their respective department should also be included. This letter should confirm that the student is eligible to conduct project work in his/her final year.

Proposal Part: The proposal should not be more than 4 pages including references.  

Introduction– A review of the literature that supports the need for your research. This section also includes research hypotheses and objectives. 
Research Design: – Proposals should include a detailed description of how the research project will be completed including (a) a sampling design; (b) the materials and methods to be used; (c) the data analysis to be conducted.
Anticipated Results– Provide a list of the expected results.
Project Budget– Include the cost of personnel, supplies, equipment and travel, and a brief justification for each item. Compensation for the student’s time is not allowed. Equipment purchased with the grant will belong to KIAS after the research is concluded.
Project Timeline– Outline the anticipated dates of completion of various stages of project.
References: Use APA referencing style.
Appendix– Student’s résumé.

Please send the proposal as a single PDF file at research@kias.org.np with subject line “Proposal for undergraduate research” no later than October 30, 2020.