Himalayan Health, Research, and Education Foundation (HHREF) is dedicated to promoting research, innovation and endeavours in health, education and the environment. The Foundation begins its work by awarding public health workers, educators and activists who are change agents in societies with innovative ideas, research or endeavours. The Foundation awards innovators or educators who have contributed to improving public health, education and the environment in rural or remote areas of Nepal. The awards recognize the contribution of individuals or institutions in public health and education through their innovations and commitments to achieve goals of ‘health for all, ‘education for all’ and ‘resilient environment’.
The Foundation is a profit, non-distributing company based in Kathmandu and Dang.
Our Vision
Innovation and research are paramount to achieving health for all, education for all and a resilient environment in Nepal.
Our Mission
Promote and support innovation, research and endeavours that improve public health, education and a resilient environment in Nepal, especially in rural Nepal.
Our values
Accountability – We take ownership of our actions, ensuring integrity and transparency with the highest ethical standards.
Innovation – We constantly attempt to define the standard of excellence in everything we promote. Therefore, we are open to new ideas that differ from conventional practices and drive innovation.
Inclusion – We treat all people with respect, dignity and justice. We advance ethnic and gender equality and address inequities. Excellence – We aspire to the highest level of performance and create a space and process to learn from successes and failures.
Stewardship – the profit we generate is never distributed to individuals. Every return is reinvested to strengthen health, education and environmental systems of underserved communities.
We promote research and innovation in public health, education and the environment through the followings:
A. Award individuals and/or institutions
Every year, the Himalayan Health, Research, and Education Foundation (HHREF) awards three individuals or institutions who have contributed to public health and education with their innovative initiatives or ideas.
Learn more about HHREF Awards
B. Updates & Insights: Public Health, Education & Environment
- News, updates and opportunities
- Webinars and workshops on recent advances in public health and education
- Panel discussions with experts on current topics.
- Think tank to inform policy decisions
C. Research & Innovation in Health, Education & Environment
We champion new knowledge, evidence and ideas that create real-world impact. HHREF supports research, drives innovation, and accelerates development initiatives that strengthen public health, education and environmental resilience in Nepal — especially in underserved and rural communities. We offer paid research and testing of your innovation.
D. Paid internship, training and apprenticeship – Experiential Learning in Nepal
HHREF offers paid internships, training and apprenticeship opportunities within the Foundation and its affiliated institutions. These experiences immerse young professionals directly in communities — and also facilitate tourism and adventure across Nepal’s mountains, cultural landscapes and wildlife regions. The profit generated from these programs is reinvested to strengthen health, education and environmental systems in underprivileged areas of Nepal — not for individual gain.