In a significant initiative aimed at fostering research and understanding in the field of glaciology, Tribhuvan University, Central department of Hydrology and Meteorology  (CDHM) has launched the second Winter School 2023 on the "Application of Field and Remote Sensing Techniques for Snow and Glacier." The event is hosted at the Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE). The program was organized in partnership with Institute of Research for  Development (IRD France) PSF CAPABLE-NEPAL project, Kathmandu Center for Reseach and Education CAS-TU (KCRE), Alliance  of International Science Organizations (ANSO), UNESCO-IGCP672 projectand International Center for Integrated Mountain Developmment(ICIMOD).

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal, Head ofCHDM, Tribhuvan University. The chief guest for the occasion was Prof. Dr. Shiva Lal Bhushal, Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University. The event was graced by esteemed guests including Prof. Dr. Binil Aryal, Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University; Mr. Binod Joshi, Executive Director, Centre for International Relations, TU..

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Shiva Lal Bhushalacknolwedged the international collboration between different acadamicandresearch  patners to enhance quality education of Tribhuvan University. The Winter School aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of field and remote sensing techniques for studying snow and glaciers. The key resource persons were Dr. Adina Racoviteanu and Dr. Patrick Wagnon, research scientists at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD France). Lead trainer Dr. Adina Racovitenau, brings a wealth of experience in capacity building in glaciology using GIS and remote sensing.

The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Binod Dawadi, Associate Professor of the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, and Deputy Director of Kathmandu Center for Reseach and Education (KCRE). Dr. Dawadi highlighted the importance of such initiatives in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collaboration among researchers and institutions. During the inagural ceremony Dr. Patrick Wagnon encouraged studentsno to hesitate to ask curious questions. Representative form International Center for Integrated Mountian Development (ICIMOD), Dr. Miriam Jackson informed about  the various research project under the leadership of ICIMOD. She also asked the interested students to applclimate-related project with ICIMOD.

The program's highlights were presented by Dr. Dibas Shrestha, Assistant Professor of the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, who is also a leading member of the Winter School. Dr. Shrestha shed light on the focus of the classes, emphasizing the groundbreaking changes occurring in glaciers and the broader implications for climate change.

A total of 30 students and researchers from Nepal, India, China, Pakistan are participating in the Winter School; among them,9 particiepntshave recently returned from a three week long glacier field expedition to Changri-Nup glacier in the Everest region of Nepal led by Dr Patrick Wagnon and Dr Dibas Shrestha. The hands-on classes are designed to provide in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge about remote sensing and field techniques to monitor glaciers and their profound connection to climatic changes.

The Winter School signifies a significant step towards advancing research and education in institutions in High Mountain Asia in the critical field of glaciology, bringing together experts, researchers, and enthusiastic students to collectively contribute to the understanding of our changing glaciers and their impact on local communities.