Our Team

The CRI-Nepal blends expertise in public communication and research with quality and proven skills to develop and execute robust communication plans/strategies for projects as well as corporate bodies, and conduct comprehensive research in development issues.

Prof. Dr. Bhoj Raj Aryal- Advisor

Prof. Dr. Bhoj Raj Aryal attained his doctoral degree from Nagpur University, Maharashtra, India. Presently serving as a distinguished professor at Tribhuvan University, Nepal, Aryal holds the distinction of being the first individual to complete a PhD in the Nepalese advertising sector. He has received a commendation from the Advertising Agency Association of Nepal (AAAN) for his sustained contributions to research within this domain. Aryal has spearheaded eight significant research initiatives, including a comprehensive study on Nepal’s advertising market, where he served as the team leader. A seasoned professional researcher, Aryal has served as a senior judge for several years at the Krity Award. In addition to numerous research reports, he has published seven scholarly articles in reputable journals.

Sudhamshu Dahal (PhD)- Chairman and Research Lead

Associated Professor at Kathmandu University and guest professor for Tribhuvan University and other universities abroad, Dr. Dahal has specialized in media research and holds in-depth knowledge of digital media issues. Dr. has contributed various policy and legal documents for Nepal government regarding mass media and digital media. Former journalist and communication professional Dr. Dahal, also worked with United Nations, the EU, and a few other international agencies as a consultant for over 20 years.

Mr. Prabhakar Ghimire, Director- Infrastructure Communication Strategy, New Initiative, Research& Training

Mr. Ghimire is a public communicator and freelance journalist after more than 15 years of active journalism working for Nepal’s leading media. Former Communication and Media Specialist at the Office of the Investment Board (OIBN) Mr. Ghimire was conferred with the Environmental Journalist Award, Best Working Journalist Award, and Excellence in Journalism Award. Mr. Ghimire also won Asia Journalism Fellowship and was selected for the Diploma in Development Journalism Fellowship at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. Mr. Ghimire, MPhil in journalism, also participated in journalism training in London and Italy as well as other several training opportunities within the country.

Mr. Bhim Gautam, Executive Director - Public Communication Strategy, Roll Out, Research & Training


A senior journalist with more than 20 years of experience in economic journalism, Mr. Gautam is the Immediate Past President of the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON), a representative organization of Nepal’s economic journalists and also the editor of Nepal Purbadhar a news portal. Mr. Gautam was also involved in several studies commissioned by various government and private sector organizations including the Advertisement Board Nepal, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and The Asia Foundation. Mr. Gautam is an MPhil in Mass Communication and Journalism and a guest lecturer of journalism in various colleges. Currently, Mr. Gautam is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN).

Mr. Jiban Basnet, Research Fellow- Infrastructure and Publicity

Mr. Basnet is a senior journalist specializing in development journalism for the last 15 years. Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mr. Basnet is also the president of the Society of Infrastructure Journalists Nepal. Mr. Basnet has a Masters degree in Sociology with a diploma in Development Communication from the India Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, and got reporting fellowships. Mr. Basnet was also involved in various studies including post-earthquake reconstruction activities.

Ms. Dhana Dhakal, Research Fellow -Energy and Publicity

Ms. Dhakal has been involved in active journalism for the last 15 years working for various print and broadcast media as a program coordinator, news presenter, reporter, and sub-editor. During the period, Ms. Dhakal specialized in infrastructure reporting focusing on the energy sector. An MA in Rural Development, Mr. Dhakal participated in various capacity enhancement professional training and seminars in Nepal and India.

Research Fellows

Kaushila Kunwar

Kaushila Kunwar holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Currently employed at Karobar National Daily, she boasts over 10 years of expertise in economic journalism. In addition to her professional pursuits in journalism, Kunwar has a keen research interest.