Our Teams

Dr.Yakindra Timilsena/Founder/Chairperson
PhD in Food Science
Dr. Yakindra Timilsena is a renowned food scientist, researcher, and community leader, dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems, nutrition, and community well-being. With over 25 years of experience in food technology, product innovation, and food sustainability, he specializes in functional food formulations, plant-based nutrition, and microencapsulation technologies. Currently a Research Fellow at La Trobe University, Dr. Timilsena’s work focuses on enhancing food security, improving health outcomes, and promoting environmentally sustainable food solutions.
He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from RMIT University and has worked with leading institutions, including CSIRO, Deakin University, Nu-Mega Ingredients, and the Department of Food Technology & Quality Control in Nepal. As a certified ISO 22000 Lead Auditor and HACCP Practitioner, he is a recognized expert in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. He is also the Secretary of the Australian Food Engineering Association, contributing to advancements in food processing and technology in Australia. Leadership in Community and Multicultural Advocacy Beyond academia, Dr. Timilsena is a passionate advocate for community engagement and social impact. As the Founder and Chairperson of Nourish Nation Foundation, he has been instrumental in delivering initiatives that promote healthy eating, food literacy, and sustainability among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Through multicultural food festivals, nutrition education programs, and community garden projects, he empowers communities to make informed and sustainable food choices.
He is also a prominent leader within the Nepalese and broader multicultural communities in Australia, holding key leadership roles: President, Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) – Advocating for multiculturalism, community integration, and support for Nepalese Australians.
President, Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) – Promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness, and food security initiatives.
Regional Advisory Council Member, Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) – Advising on multicultural policy and community development in Victoria.
Director, Smart Health Global Australia – Supporting digital health innovations, telehealth accessibility, and healthcare services for underserved communities.
A Visionary for Food Science and Community Well-Being Dr. Timilsena’s leadership extends across scientific research, food innovation, public health, and community development. With a deep commitment to bridging academic research with real-world impact, he continues to drive progress in food science, sustainability, and multicultural community engagement. His work with Nourish Nation Foundation, Smart Health Global Australia, and other organizations reflects his unwavering dedication to creating healthier, more inclusive, and food-secure communities in Australia and beyond.

Dr. Bed P. Khatiwada/ Co-Founder
PhD Horticulture Science, Fresh Produce Quality Assessment
A blend of experiences from production horticulture, quality research and horticulture market, I am an enthusiastic fresh produce quality and postharvest horticulturist with knowledge, skills and firsthand experience of working on fresh produce quality management systems. Industry experience of more than 10 years in Brisbane Markets in quality control, quality assurance and postharvest management specialist roles gave me opportunity to learn from and contribute to fresh produce quality assessment, postharvest management and understanding the market expectations both for domestic and international markets. Hands-on experience to understand and apply FSANZ regulations, various quality management systems (SQF, Freshcare), HARPS and retailers produce standards /specifications for food safety and quality requirements from market and customers are some of my assets. With publication record ranging from policy to practices in postharvest and quality management featured from general newspaper, magazines and peer reviewed journals and book chapters from esteemed publishers, I have been disseminating the knowledge gained through my research and experience to wider audience. Applying postharvest quality and value chain knowledge from field, research and industry for the benefit of business and contributing to brand value is my career goal.

Dr. Raju Adhikari, CEO
Dr. Raju Adhikari has 29 years of R&D experience at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). He has over 100 research publications in peer-reviewed journals and owns 28 patents (H index 39, citation > 9300). He is one of the co-inventors of Elast-Eon and NovoSorb and Synthetic Heart Valve biomedical platform technologies and an inventor of sprayable biodegradable polymer technology (TranspiratiOnal). He is an Adjunct Assoc Professor, at STEM Hub, RMIT University, and is the director of the start-up company CRAM-Responsive Materials Pty Ltd. Victoria.
Dr. Adhikari is the founding president of the Nepali Association of Victoria (NAV) and Federation of Nepalese Association of Australia (FeNCAA), Help Nepal Network Australia (HeNN), President of the South of Asian Community Link Group (SACLG); He is also the Founding Chair of the Nepal Science Foundation, and Skill Knowledge and Innovation (SKI) Committee, SK&TT Dept NRNA, Director of Global Research, Emotional Well-Being Institute, Geneva. Dr. Adhikari serves on the Board of Eastern Volunteers, and Regional Advisory Council of the VMC, Victoria, and Advisory of the New and Emerging Communities Policy Advisory Committee, EECV.

Ms. agrata nepal/member
I enjoy planning vibrant, nutrient-rich meals that are both a treat for the palate and the body. Every trip to the grocery store is an exciting journey for me because I get to choose from a variety of whole meals and fresh, organic veggies. I support kitchen experiments and would like to take a proactive role in the world of food.

Dr. Dipika Das – PhD in Social Science (Gender)
Dipika Das is a social scientist with over a decade of experience in genderresearch, focusing on health, agriculture, climate change, and sustainabledevelopment. She has led impactful projects addressing barriers faced by marginalised and indigenous groups, particularly women. Following her PhD from the University of Southern Queensland, she continues to work as an academic researcher to develop gender inclusive solutions. Her expertise includes qualitative research and data analysis, policy analysis, community engagement, and capacity building for meaningful change.

Dr. Purushottam Dhakal
Dr. Purushottam Dhakal holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurial Behaviour from the
University of Southern Queensland and a Master’s in Statistics from Tribhuvan
University, Nepal. He is currently working at the University of Southern Queensland.
With over two decades of experience in research, education, and statistical
consulting, he has worked across academic, government, and international sectors.
Dr. Dhakal specialises in quantitative research design, advanced statistical analysis,
and mentoring early-career researchers. He has contributed to over 15 peer-
reviewed publications in fields such as entrepreneurial leadership, rural
development, health system evaluation, and epidemiology. Expert in SPSS, R,
Python, and Smart PLS, he is dedicated to advancing research and fostering
collaborations in health, education, and rural development.

CEO /Chairperson/Founder
Dr. Yakindra Timilsena, PhD in Food Science

Co-Founder
Dr. Bed Khatiwada, PhD in Horticulture Science, Fresh Produce
Quality Assessment

Secretary
Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai

Treasurer
Mr. Nawaraj Kalauni

CEO
Dr. Raju Adhikari

Ms. Kopila Joshi

Ms. Agrata Nepal

Dr. Buddhi R. Chaudhary

Ms. Anjana Sharma

Mr. Sujan Neupane

Dr. Yuba Raj Subedi

Dr. Sita Tiwari Pokhrel

Ms.Menaka Joshi

Dr. Dipika Das

Dr. Purushottam Dhakal

Mr. Prakash Lamsal

Mr. Dinesh Bajgain

Dr. Radha Wagle
