Manisha Dwa

Manisha Dwa is a trailblazing Nepalese woman in physics and astronomy education. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in physics from the Central Department of Physics (CDP), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal. She is currently working on Blazars under the supervision of Dr. Niraj Dhital, an associate professor at CDP, TU. She completed her Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in physics at Prithvi Narayan Campus and graduated from Gandaki Boarding School, Pokhara. She has held several prestigious positions, including Deputy Manager at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) Node Nepal, IAU National Outreach Coordinator (NOC), IAU National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC), and Secretary of the IAU National Committee for Astronomy (NCA) in Nepal — a role she assumed following Nepal's IAU membership and NASO's recognition as a National Member. She is the founder of the Women in Science Award (WISA) and co-founder of the National Astronomy Olympiad (NAO) in Nepal. She is also the focal contact for Universe Awareness (UNAWE) and the National Contact for World Space Week, Nepal. Her impact extends far beyond Nepal's borders. She has actively participated in prestigious international conferences, workshops, and training programs organized by the IAU, International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and the United Nations. Her works and insights on astronomy education, gender equity in science, and space technology for socio-economic development have garnered global recognition. In acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 Academy Science and Technology Promotion Award, the NAST Science and Technology Promotion Award, the Emerging Space Leader Award by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the 2022 Indrakala Scholarship Award, the 2024 Dagar Smriti Award, the "Hidden No More" International Visitors Leadership Program by the U.S. Department of State, and being named among Onlinekhabar's 50 Most Influential Women of Nepal in 2025, further cementing her status as a role model and a driving force in advancing scientific literacy and promoting women in STEM fields. Her remarkable journey and pioneering efforts have paved the way for future generations of women to soar to new heights in their pursuit of excellence in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science.