The Chitwan Valley Family Study (CVFS) Celebrated 30th Anniversary in Nepal

This program is designed to bridge the gap between research and policy by showcasing key insights gained from the Chitwan Valley Family Study (CVFS), a 30-year longitudinal panel study. Through a focus on sustained, community-based research, the program illustrates how rigorous scientific inquiry can inform and shape effective public policy to better address societal needs.

The program was launched in three distinct phases from November 7 to 13, 2025. The first two offered unique opportunities for policymakers, researchers, and community stakeholders to engage with study findings, discuss implications, and explore strategies for translating research into action. The final event was launched to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the CVFS and, above all, to the dedicated staff whose unwavering commitment has been central to the study’s enduring success.

Program phases & venues

1. Symposium — Kathmandu
   A Symposium on Connecting Research and Policy: Key Lessons from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, a 30-year long panel study at Hotel Shankar, Lajimpat, Kathmandu.
2. Symposium — Bharatpur
   A Symposium on Connecting Research and Policy: Key Lessons from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, a 30-year long panel study at CMT Hotel in Bharatpur, Chitwan.
3. Celebration — Sauraha
   CVFS Accomplishment Celebration and Appreciation at Landmark Hotel, Sauraha, Chitwan.

The primary goal of the first two events – symposium in Kathmandu and Bharatpur was to illustrate how large-scale, longitudinal data collection and analyses, like the CVFS, can bridge the gap between academic research and policy development. These events specifically aim to:

• Share examples of CVFS findings and explore ways to translate into public policy;
• Explore strategies for building strong collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders;
• Inspire researchers, students, and policymakers to leverage research findings to address real-world challenges and promote evidence-based policymaking.

To foster intellectual debate on maximizing the policy impact of research projects and learn best practices for translating research findings into effective policy formulation to improve the lives of people, the region and throughout the world.