Gil Latz (left) and Damodar Poudel (right) host Nepali scientist Mahabir Pun.

On July 18, the Office of International Affairs and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge hosted Nepali scientist, teacher, social entrepreneur and activist Mahabir Pun. 

Dr. Pun visited Columbus to learn more about Ohio State’s nascent Innovation District. While on campus, he was able to meet with Dawn Larzelere, associate vice president for business development and innovation district (ERIK) and Gil Latz, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs. 

Pun is in Ohio to serve as an innovation judge for the Second Annual NEOvations Bench to Bedside competition hosted by Northeast Ohio Medical University. A "baby warmer" product designed at the Nepal Innovation Center, a nonprofit organization established in 2012 by Pun, is selected to be in the competition.

In 2007, Pun was awarded the Magsaysay Award, considered by some to be the Nobel Prize of Asia, in recognition of "his innovative application of wireless computer technology in Nepal, bringing progress to remote mountain areas by connecting his village to the global village." Pun is one of five Nepalis to receive the Magsaysay Award, and the only one to receive the Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership.