Search

A great deal of research has been conducted in the mountains; however, most of the scientific information remains scattered with minimal use in the policy and governance. We systematically reviewed and evaluated the published scientific literature on the Himalaya and identified 77,912 research outputs from 12,258 sources. Agriculture and Biological Sciences was dominant field of research followed by Earth Sciences, Medicine, Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences. Number of publications has increased annually in the Himalaya in all research disciplines, especially after 2000 with highest funding from India, China, and USA whereas highest scientific contribution from India, Nepal, USA, UK, and China. In terms of research quality, nearly 45 % of the research papers were published in SCI indexed journals. Cumulative impact factor of research articles has increased consistently whereas average impact factor was higher during 1970–1990. Prominent research themes in the Himalaya includes humans, clinical studies, animalia, genetics, risk assessment, healthcare, tectonics, climate change, earthquakes, rainfall, biodiversity, glaciers etc. Research publications in the Himalaya covers a wide range of aspects like field-based data driven studies, new discoveries and observations, application of new methods and techniques, application of theoretical knowledge, policy, governance etc. The Himalaya which is often termed as a data deficient region is a repository for large volume of scientific and socio-cultural information. This information if curated carefully under a uniform and multidisciplinary framework involving a trans-boundary network of Himalayan nations will provide a powerful tool for evidence-based policies and practice to address emerging environmental challenges in the region. • The Himalaya constitutes the highest and one of the largest mountain ecosystem on the earth. • Bioscience is the dominant field of research followed Geology, Medicine, and Environmental Science. • India, China, USA, and Nepal are the largest contributors in scientific output and funding. • Volume and quality of scientific publications has increased particularly after 2000 in all research themes. • If curated carefully, this information will provide a powerful tool for evidence-based policies and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]