Kathmandu, March 28:

With an aim to maintain internationally accepted standards of research activities and disseminate the latest information on astronomy and astrophysics among teachers and researchers, a 10-day conference ‘International School on Astronomy and Astrophysics (ISAA)-2008’ begun here from today.

Dr Jagadish Chandra Pokharel, vice-chairman of National Planning Commission, said: “Our development plans are incomplete without incorporating a clear vision on development of science and technology.” Around 32 participants from Nepal, Iraq and Iran are participating in the conference.