WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic milestone for international scientific innovation, NASA researcher Dr. Ranjay Man Shrestha, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, has been recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Golden Goose Award. The prestigious honor marks what is believed to be the first time a scientist of Nepali descent has received this national distinction. The award ceremony was held on September 28, 2026, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Established in 2012, the Golden Goose Award honors federally funded research projects that produce unexpected, transformative benefits for society. The award celebrates unconventional or fundamental scientific research that ultimately leads to major real-world solutions. Previous recipients include Nobel laureates and researchers responsible for landmark breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and Earth observation.
Dr. Shrestha was recognized for his key contributions to NASA’s Black Marble research project. By utilizing advanced nighttime satellite imagery, the Black Marble team developed systems to map global energy patterns and environmental changes. The technology provides crucial real-time intelligence during crises—allowing emergency response teams to rapidly pinpoint power outages, evaluate disaster impacts, and direct recovery operations worldwide.
Beyond its technological achievements, Dr. Shrestha’s award highlights the growing impact of Nepali-origin scientists in global space and Earth science research. His career path from Kathmandu to NASA serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring researchers across Nepal and the international scientific diaspora.
