We are pleased to present this special issue of the Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology (KUSET), Volume 19, Number 1, March 2025, featuring select peer-reviewed papers from the National Conference on Data and Computing (NCDC 2024). 

The NCDC 2024 conference, held on October 4–5, 2024, was organized by the Department of Mathematics, School of Science, Kathmandu University. The event served as a platform for researchers, academicians, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, discuss innovations, and explore emerging trends in data and computing. It attracted a significant number of submissions, with more than fifty full papers contributed by scholars from various institutions in Nepal and abroad.

The rapid evolution of computational intelligence and data science has opened new frontiers in solving complex real-world problems across diverse domains. This special issue brings together cutting-edge research that leverages advanced algorithms, machine learning, and optimization techniques to address challenges in infrastructure optimization, urban mobility, healthcare prediction, and epidemiological modeling. The selected contributions demonstrate innovative methodologies with significant practical implications, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their contributions, ensuring the high quality and relevance of this special issue. We also acknowledge the support of Kathmandu University, the School of Science, and the Department of Mathematics in fostering academic research and discourse in data and computing. We hope these works inspire further research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, optimization, and real-world problem-solving.

Editor-in-Chief
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology (KUSET)