KATHMANDU: Journalist Laxman Dangol, who has been working in the field of science related journalism for a decade, has been conferred with Science and Technology Journalism Award for 2074 BS.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, presented the award to journalist Dangol amid a programme organised at the premises of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), in Khumaltar, Lalitpur. The award carries a purse of Rs 50,000.

NAST stated that the award has been presented to journalist Dangol for his contribution in dissemination of science and technology related news in simple and intelligible language through the medium of press and radio.

Dangol, who has remained the managing director and editor of RevoScience Media Pvt Ltd, is also the secretary of Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ). Prior to this, Dangol had also worked as a science correspondent for BBC Nepali service for a period of three years.

On the occasion, NAST also awarded other scientists, researchers, academicians and experts working in the field of science and technology in the country. Among the award recipients were Mahesh Kumar Adhikari for his active contribution in the field of Botany, Somnath Sapkota of Department of Mines and Geology, and Hem Raj Panta of Institute of Engineering.

Likewise, Dr Ram Kumar Adhikari of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Prof Mukesh Kumar Chalise of the Central Department of Zoology, Prof Amar Prasad Yadav of the Central Department of Geology, Prof Rajani Malla of the Central Department of Biotechnology also received the awards, among others.

On the occasion, Minister Pokhrel stated that development in the sector of science and technology was mandatory for national prosperity, adding that NAST and other such institutions must focus on practical research.

Similarly, Vice Chancellor of NAST, Prof Jibaraj Pokharel, offered his congratulations to the award recipients and requested them to continuously be involved in scientific research and studies.