Minister Pun seeks expert input for new research and innovation centers

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Mahabir Pun has invited expert scientists and researchers to provide suggestions for establishing and operating various research and innovation centers. Pun made the appeal through social media, seeking concrete input on the centers the ministry plans to set up.The planned centers will focus on industrial and agricultural, electrical and electronics, healthy food and beverages, drone and aeronautical, Ayurvedic, herbal and forest-based products, and biomedical engineering research and innovation. Interested Nepali scientists and researchers who wish to offer expert suggestions are encouraged to contact him by phone or WhatsApp at 9841592361, starting today.The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation formally began operations on Baisakh 30, 2083 (BS), following a Cabinet decision and subsequent publication in the Nepal Gazette. The ministry was established by separating from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Initially, Prime Minister Balendra Shah oversaw the ministry’s responsibilities. Mahabir Pun was appointed as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation on Jestha 26, 2083 (BS).President Ramchandra Paudel issued the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ordinance, 2083 (BS), and the Nepal Science, Technology, and Innovation Academy Ordinance, 2083 (BS), on Ashoj 30, 2083 (BS). The Ministry of Finance has already approved the Science, Technology, and Innovation Bill, 2083 (BS).It is not yet clear when these proposed research and innovation centers will be established and become operational. Further details regarding the budget and human resources required for their establishment and operation are also unavailable.