Nepalese Society of Spectroscopy and Microscopy was established and registered as a social organization in 2018 A.D and reregistered as a non-profitable distribution company in 2024 with Registration No. 354770/81/82 and its affiliation number with the Social Welfare Council is 57437/81/82. Its main objective is to promote the users of sophisticated Spectroscopy and Microscopy devices.
The Role of Microscopy and Spectroscopy in Advancing Science and Technology in Nepal
The invention of the microscope in 1590 by Zacharias Janssen and Hans Lippershey revolutionized the way we visualize biological forms and structures, enabling humankind to explore the intricate details of life. Over time, the pursuit of greater depth and clarity in scientific observation led to the development of electron microscopy (EM), which offers magnifications exceeding 10,000x and superior resolving power compared to conventional light microscopes. Unlike light microscopes, electron microscopes are highly sophisticated instruments requiring specially designed installations, highly stable power supplies, and trained personnel for operation.
Two primary types of electron microscopes are widely used: the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), developed in 1931 by Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska, which uses a focused electron beam to “see through” specimens, and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), first commercialized in 1965, which scans a beam of electrons across a sample to produce detailed surface images. The complexity of these instruments demands extensive training, as well as meticulous sample preparation, to operate them effectively and produce accurate results.
The challenges of electron microscopy include the sensitivity of the instruments to vibrations, external magnetic fields, and environmental factors. Additionally, samples must be prepared in a vacuum environment through lengthy and intricate processing techniques, often resulting in artifacts such as membrane discontinuities, organelle distortion, or empty spaces in the cytoplasm. With experience, skilled microscopists can distinguish artifacts from genuine structures by preparing and comparing similar specimens.
Similarly, spectroscopy has emerged as an equally transformative tool in scientific exploration. Spectroscopy techniques, including UV-Vis, IR, Raman, and X-ray spectroscopy, allow for precise analysis of the composition, structure, and properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. These devices have become indispensable in materials science, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and nanotechnology, offering insights that microscopy alone cannot provide. For example, Raman spectroscopy is widely used for non-destructive material characterization, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy enables elemental analysis with remarkable accuracy. Together, microscopy and spectroscopy complement one another, offering researchers a holistic approach to understanding matter.
Despite their global significance, Nepal faces challenges in leveraging these technologies to their fullest potential. While some institutions possess advanced microscopy and spectroscopy instruments, there remains a significant gap in trained personnel, maintenance infrastructure, and collaborative efforts. Moreover, the cost and complexity of these devices often limit their widespread adoption. Addressing these gaps requires targeted initiatives to build technical expertise, enhance resource accessibility, and foster interdisciplinary research collaborations.
The Nepalese Society of Spectroscopy and Microscopy (NSSM) is committed to bridging this gap by promoting the use of microscopy and spectroscopy in Nepal’s academic and research institutions. National-level training programs and workshops focusing on practical skills—such as sample preparation, instrument operation, and data interpretation—are crucial to realizing the full potential of these technologies. In addition, strengthening collaborations between universities, research centers, and industries can drive innovation and help address Nepal’s unique scientific and medical challenges.
Microscopy and spectroscopy have become indispensable tools for diagnostics, materials research, and advancing basic sciences. By investing in training, refining technical expertise, and creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research, Nepal can harness these transformative technologies to drive scientific and technological progress. The NSSM envisions a future where microscopy and spectroscopy are at the forefront of innovation, contributing to the nation’s growth in healthcare, materials science, nanotechnology, and beyond.
The NSSM calls for a collective effort to bring microscopy and spectroscopy to the forefront of Nepal’s research landscape. Through positive initiatives, skill development, and resource optimization, we can unlock new opportunities for scientific exploration and elevate Nepal’s contribution to global advancements in science and technology.
Deependra Parajuli, PhD
(President, NSSM)