The first workshop, “Causal Inference,” was held from September 14 to 18, 2026, at MIT’s Kamaladi campus. Led by Prof. Dr. Irena Vodenska, Finance Programs Director at Boston University’s Metropolitan College, USA, the workshop focused on practical methods for establishing reliable cause-and-effect relationships in research.

Participants received theoretical and hands-on training in Bias, Matching, Difference-in-Differences, Instrumental Variables, Regression Discontinuity, Randomized Experiments, and Natural Experiments. The workshop was organized with the support of Fulbright, in collaboration with the Sakshyam Research Institute and Model Institute of Technology (MIT).

The second workshop, “Research in Capital Markets,” was conducted from September 21 to 25, 2026, at MIT. Organized by the Sakshyam Research Institute in collaboration with Model Institute of Technology (MIT) and with support from the United States Education Foundation (USEF), the workshop focused on contemporary research methods and practical applications in capital markets.

Key topics included Modern Portfolio Theory, Value at Risk (VaR) and Stress Testing, Tail Risk, Financial Networks and Systemic Risk, and News Analytics and Event-Driven Investing.

Both workshops brought together researchers, academics, students, and professionals from the banking and financial sectors. With approximately 80 participants, the programs provided an important platform for knowledge sharing, practical learning, and exchange of research practices among participants interested in advancing research in Nepal.

According to RK Dahal, Co-founder of Model Institute of Technology (MIT), such initiatives can contribute to building a stronger research-oriented academic environment and research ecosystem in Nepal. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international experts, research institutions, and academic partners in developing high-quality research capacity. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Irena Vodenska, United States Education Foundation (USEF), Sakshyam Research Institute, and all participants for their support, collaboration, and active engagement in the workshops. The two weeks long workshop concluded with a panel discussion and certificate distribution for the workshop participants at The Plaza, Pulchowk, Lalitpur on Friday, 25th of September, 2026.