Doing Science on the Roof of the World – Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
We were delighted to take part in the session “Doing Science on the Roof of the World”, held on Saturday 18 April 2026 at 6:00pm as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.
The event brought together researchers and practitioners from Nepal and the UK to explore a critical global challenge: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in remote Himalayan ecosystems. 
In collaboration with colleagues from Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), the Roslin Institute, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and the Global Agriculture and Food Systems initiative at the University of Edinburgh, we discussed how AMR was emerging in high-altitude regions such as Mount Everest National Park.
Yaks are central to local livelihoods across the Himalayas—supporting transport, agriculture, milk production, and wool. However, crossbreeding with cattle, where antibiotic use is more common, raises important concerns about the potential spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with implications for animal health, food safety, and global health.
The discussion featured Prajwal Rajbhandari, Suvechhya Bastola, Alba Abad, Rojlina Manandhar, Jessica Mitchell, and Neil Mabbott, who shared insights on:
- How AMR could impact yak milk safety
- The realities of conducting field research in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park
- Why antimicrobial resistance in remote ecosystems matters for global health
The session highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of environment, animal health, and human wellbeing.
It was a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, share ongoing research, and engage audiences in thinking about how science in remote regions connects to global health challenges.
We would like to thank the Edinburgh Science Festival for having us and for hosting such an engaging and impactful event.