Professor Wendy Wright takes a selfie with an orphaned one-horned rhinoceros at Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

BALLARAT, Australia | July 12

The long-standing partnership between Nepal's National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and Federation University Australia has entered an important new chapter, with Australian conservation scientist Professor Wendy Wright appointed to the NTNC Governing Board of Trustees.

Professor Wright becomes one of only two international members on the board, recognising more than a decade of collaboration between the Australian university and Nepal's leading conservation organisation.

The appointment reflects the strong and growing relationship between Australia and Nepal in the fields of environmental conservation, scientific research and higher education.

Over the past ten years, Federation University and NTNC have worked together on a wide range of projects, including research into human-wildlife conflict, biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management and environmental resilience.

Since first travelling to Nepal in 2015, Professor Wright has collaborated closely with Nepali researchers, conservation experts and local communities. Their work has focused on addressing challenges faced by people living alongside wildlife, including tigers, elephants and other endangered species.

Speaking after her appointment, Professor Wright said Nepal presents some of the world's most significant conservation challenges and praised local communities for their commitment to protecting the country's natural heritage.

The partnership has also delivered major scientific achievements. Federation University PhD researcher Santosh Bhattarai discovered five previously unknown gecko species in Nepal, while research led by Professor Wright and Associate Professor Fiona Hogan identified a new genetic lineage of pangolins.

Beyond research, the collaboration has strengthened educational ties between the two countries. Since 2019, nearly 100 Federation University students have travelled to Nepal on immersive study tours, gaining practical experience in wildlife conservation, habitat monitoring and community-based environmental management while living with local families.

The exchange has also created opportunities for Nepali students and researchers to pursue higher-degree research in Australia and contribute to international conservation projects.

Federation University recently received global recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, placing 61st in the world for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting its commitment to international collaboration.

Professor Wright's five-year appointment is expected to further strengthen Australia–Nepal cooperation in conservation, scientific research and environmental sustainability, while supporting NTNC's mission to protect Nepal's unique biodiversity for future generations.