Vol. 20 No. 1 (2026): Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology

We are pleased to present this special issue of the Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology (KUSET), Volume 20, Number 1, April 2026, featuring selected peer-reviewed papers from the International Conference on Non-linear Analysis and Optimization (ICAN-OPT_NEPAL 2025).

The ICAN-OPT_NEPAL 2025 conference, held on May 8–10, 2025, at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, was organized by the Department of Mathematics, School of Science, in collaboration with Tribhuvan University, Nepal Sanskrit University, and the Nepal Mathematical Society. The conference brought together mathematicians, researchers, and practitioners from Nepal and abroad, providing a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas and recent advances in non-linear analysis, optimization, and their interdisciplinary applications.

The event covered a wide spectrum of topics, including non-linear analysis, fixed point theory, operator theory, optimization techniques, differential equations, mathematical modeling, and emerging areas such as data science and machine learning. The integration of theoretical foundations with practical applications was a central theme, highlighting the role of advanced mathematical tools in addressing complex problems across engineering, economics, biology, and computational sciences.

This special issue brings together high-quality contributions that reflect the depth and diversity of research presented at the conference. The selected papers showcase novel theoretical developments as well as applied methodologies with significant implications for real-world problem solving, particularly in areas requiring rigorous analytical and optimization frameworks.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their dedication in maintaining the scholarly standards of this issue. We also acknowledge the continued support of Kathmandu University, the School of Science, and the Department of Mathematics in promoting research excellence and fostering international academic collaboration. We hope this collection will stimulate further research at the intersection of mathematical theory, optimization, and emerging computational applications.