Technological prowess plays an important role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable development. Today, the strength of a nation is measured not only by the volume of its military forces but also through its métier in technological innovation. So developed countries strengthen their existing science and technology bodies by providing them with logistical and academic support. Moreover, contemporary research and development centres are being established throughout the world. The oldest and independent scientific academy in the UK—the Royal Society—has proven its mettle in promoting excellence in science for the benefit of humanity since 1660. It is a prestigious feat for a researcher to become a fellow of the Royal Society. The USA-based National Academy of Science (NAS) is equally active in promoting science and technology through various innovative approaches. In addition, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been doing groundbreaking research in aeronautics and space exploration since 1958.

NAST in Nepal

In Nepal, the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) was established in 1982 to promote scientific research and development. Over the years, it has significantly contributed to developing science and technology in the country. However, due to ongoing political instability and bad governance, the institution appears to have deflected from its mission. Science and technology seem to be the least prioritised field at the moment. This is supported by the fact that the independent portfolio of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) was discontinued in 2018 and was merged into the then Ministry of Education. The science and technology sector is a secondary concern even within the combined ministry.

Reports reveal that about 70 percent of the workforce at NAST has been curtailed over the last four decades. At the time of its establishment, NAST had 231 employees, which has since been reduced to only 67 permanent employees. Moreover, the government allocates only a meagre annual budget to NAST, which is mostly used to pay the salaries and provide facilities to the employees. Hence, productive and eloquent research and innovations have not been executed for many years. Searching on various reputed research portals, no substantial NAST-affiliated research articles were identified in 2022 and 2023. The Covid-19 pandemic has opened doors for high-impact research in this field. Scores of Covid-19 related research papers attributed to reputed institutes are found on various portals, accounting for only one such NAST-affiliated research on PubMed. These examples show that NAST lags behind in the global scientific arena in executing formidable research.

Political influence

To add to the misery, NAST seems severely influenced by the ongoing political turmoil. The leading national institution for science and technology should have been an independent, self-regulatory and apolitical entity. However, politically appointed office bearers stack its organisational structure. The Chancellor and Co-Chancellor of NAST are the sitting prime minister and education minister, respectively. Even the academic assembly consists of the majority of political appointees, such as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the National Planning Commission and VCs of national universities. Furthermore, the VC of NAST is also a political appointee, and with every government change, a sympathiser of the ruling coalition makes his/her way into the post of the executive head of NAST.

It has been more than four months since the tenure of the incumbent VC was over, and a new VC has yet to be appointed. The selection committee has not even done the preliminary homework to nominate the new VC. Likewise, the secretary of NAST is facing grave controversies related to his academic credentials and research. With these organisational bottlenecks, it is obvious that the academy would not have functioned optimally.

Rejuvenating NAST

Despite all the shortcomings, NAST is dedicated to promoting science and technology in Nepal. It is contributing to various scientific aspects, including the launching of a Nepali satellite into space to research on electric vehicles, biofuel and bio-fertilisers. Obviously, the academy still has a lot more to execute. In order to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency, a few things need to be implemented.

First is its alienation from political influence. This is the most difficult, but if implemented, the most effective measure to resuscitate the academy partially converted into a political entity for decades. There are some instances where an active political cadre instead of a career researcher had been appointed as VC. This practice should be ended. NAST should be transformed into a self-regulatory body free of political influence. The provision of the prime minister and the education minister being the chancellor and co-chancellor, respectively, should be obliterated.

Second, NAST should have a clear mission and objectives aligned with the country's needs. The organisation should focus more on the areas of strategic importance to Nepal, such as agriculture, health, energy, and the environment. It should also focus on developing the skills and knowledge of its staff so that they can contribute to scientific research and development. This involves training programmes and opportunities for staff to attend national and international workshops, conferences, and other scientific events.

NAST should collaborate with other organisations—within Nepal and internationally—to enhance its research and development activities. This would involve collaborations with universities, research institutes, and other organisations to share expertise and resources. The experience and suggestions of Nepali citizens working in leading research institutes abroad will also be beneficial as many international research institutes are interested in cooperation with Nepali counterparts. NAST should utilise these opportunities.

Furthermore, research funding mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that NAST has sufficient internal resources to accomplish its mission and objectives. This would involve developing partnerships with the private sector, seeking funding from international organisations, and working with the government to secure funding for research and development. The provision of tenure tracking should be strictly implemented in promoting the academic and research staff, research-funding accusation being the main criteria.

In conclusion, restructuring of NAST is necessary to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation in promoting scientific research and development in Nepal. The academy should be distanced from political influence, and competent researchers with a sound track record should be appointed to lead the institution. These efforts will help to ensure that NAST is better equipped to contribute towards the development of science and technology in Nepal, thereby supporting the country’s economic and social development.