Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Reproductive Health
The six-day event, held from 1st to 6th August 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal, successfully brought together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from neuroscience, reproductive health, genetics, and related disciplines to share knowledge and foster collaboration. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Pradip Gyawali, Vice-Chancellor of Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences, as the Chief Guest, and was led by Sandeep Thapa as the Chief Organiser. The opening day featured thematic keynotes addressing topics such as the mechanistic basis of neurodevelopment, integration of genomic medicine in infertility, and the psychological impacts of reproductive challenges. Participants from India, Nepal, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia enriched the discussions with diverse perspectives and expertise, setting a strong foundation for interdisciplinary dialogue and global networking.
The subsequent sessions delved into advances in neuroscience and reproductive health, with expert talks on genetic challenges in neurodegenerative disorders, CRISPR/Cas9 applications, immuno-epigenetics, and physiotherapy for cerebral palsy. Participants also engaged in a cultural exchange and networking tour, fostering collaboration beyond the lecture halls. Specialized training sessions in bioinformatics, neuroepigenetics, and oral presentations further enriched the participants’ skillsets. Discussions extended into complex disease mechanisms, including Parkinson’s disease, migraines, mitochondrial quality control, neuroimaging, and links between reproductive health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The closing day addressed critical issues such as cognitive decline in menopause, challenges in neuroscience research in low-resource settings, and grant writing for advancing scientific work in Nepal. This comprehensive program not only deepened scientific understanding but also created a platform for sustainable collaboration between local and international experts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) for their invaluable support in making this event possible, and to all our supporting and local partners for their unwavering contribution to its success.