Kathmandu, November 23:

The 26th academic assembly of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), held under the chairmanship of Academy’s chancellor PM Girija Prasad Koirala, today approved the names of persons and organisations to be awarded for their contribution to the field of science and technology on December 6 to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Academy.

The PM asked scientists to focus their work on nation’s development.

Mahantha Thakur, Minister for Environment Science and Technology, said his ministry is ready for the promotion of science. Hom Nath Bhattarai, vice-chancellor of the Academy, said NAST will diversify its activities.

The NAST will award Prof Dr Dharma Saran Manandhar with ‘Bigyan Tatha Prabidhi Pragya Puraskar’.

Local Initiative for Biodiversity, Research and Development, Pokhara, will be given the ‘Bigyan Tatha Prabidhi Pravardan Puraskar’. Dr Suresh Kumar Dhungel of Pokhara University will be given the ‘Mohan Dhwaj Prabidhi Pragya Puraskar’.

The ‘Bigyan Tahtha Prabidhi Yuba Puraskar’ will be given to Dr Pramod Prasad Poudel, Dr Diwakar Sharma, Dr Bijaya Jaisi, Dr Niranjan Parajuli and Dr Bal Krishna Joshi. Dr Surya Kanta Kalauni, Dr Chinta Mani Pokharel, Dr Narayan P Adhikari and Dr Rosemarry Shrestha each will be given Academy of Science for the Development of World (TWAS) Award given by the TWAS, Italy.