Science is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It drives economic growth, informs policy decisions and ensures a sustainable future. Countries that invest in science thrive, while those that neglect it stagnate. Nepal has long underinvested in research and innovation, and the closure of GPAST would reinforce this oversight, leading to long-term negative consequences for the country's scientific and economic future
The decision by the Gandaki Provincial Government to dissolve the Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology (GPAST) is not just a bureaucratic misstep but a politically shortsighted and reckless action that endangers Nepal's future in science, innovation and sustainable development. According to a news report by Onlinekhabar (https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2025/02/1633195/gandaki-science-academy-lake-authority-and-dairy-board-to-be-abolished), GPAST is among several institutions slated for abolition. However, the government has yet to communicate this decision to GPAST. If enacted, this move will halt scientific progress in Gandaki Province and signal a troubling lack of commitment to research, education and innovation.
Having served as a research associate at GPAST for nearly a year, I witnessed its transformative impact. Before joining GPAST, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, focusing on chemical ecology and sustainable agriculture. GPAST provided a unique platform for scientists like myself to contribute to meaningful research and innovation within Nepal, enabling me to work in my own country and make a significant impact.
Established as Nepal's first provincial science promotion institution, GPAST was created to decentralise research and broaden scientific progress beyond Kathmandu. In just four years, it has become a cornerstone of scientific advancement in Gandaki Province, enhancing research, supporting students and young scientists, establishing state-of-the-art laboratories, and facilitating critical scientific dialogues. These achievements are extensive and far-reaching.
GPAST has significantly advanced the province's scientific capacity by providing internships to 16 students, collaborating with 10 researchers, and building a dedicated team of scientists and adjunct professionals.
It has also empowered more than 90 high school science teachers through workshops on scientific writing, classroom experiments and robotics, enhancing science education and inspiring students to pursue scientific careers.
The establishment of the Research Core Facility has supported nearly 20 research projects, aided three PhD students and provided hands-on training to more than 250 students, fostering a culture of research and innovation.
GPAST has funded 29 postgraduate and 10 undergraduate projects, completed 10 collaborative research initiatives, developed 10 prototypes and supported five projects with materials, translating research into practical solutions.
GPAST's scientific outreach has been equally impressive. The academy has directly engaged more than 2,000 students, researchers and scientists, creating a dynamic and vibrant scientific community in Gandaki Province. Through formal collaborations with local universities and research institutions and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), GPAST has significantly strengthened the region's research ecosystem.
One of its crowning achievements was hosting Nepal's first scientific dialogue with Nobel Laureate Richard J. Roberts, which positioned Gandaki Province on the global scientific stage.
Globally, there is a growing trend towards decentralised scientific research, with even developed nations establishing regional hubs to promote equitable access to knowledge and innovation. The closure of GPAST would go against this global movement, pushing Nepal further from achieving scientific self-reliance.
The government's claim of insufficient resources is misguided, especially when its five-year plan emphasises the promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
Instead of dismantling this critical institution, the focus should be improving efficiency, increasing funding and setting long-term, sustainable goals. Scientific institutions are not expenses; they are investments in the future.
The consequences of this decision are profound, not just for research output but for the employees, students and collaborators who depend on GPAST. Skilled employees like scientists and research associates would no longer have a platform recognising their contributions and allowing their work to make a meaningful impact.
Likewise, students and interns who rely on GPAST for research opportunities, mentorship and practical training would be deprived of a critical platform for their academic and professional development. Researchers awarded funds for research projects would see their work disrupted or left unfinished.
At the same time, external collaborators who rely on GPAST's facilities and resources would face challenges in pursuing ongoing projects. GPAST's research core facilities, which have supported nearly 20 research projects and the training of hundreds of students, would be shut down, leaving behind valuable infrastructure that could otherwise continue to nurture the next generation of scientists.
Furthermore, dissolving GPAST would severely damage Gandaki Province's reputation as a hub for scientific advancement and reduce Nepal's standing in the global scientific community.
Science is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It drives economic growth, informs policy decisions and ensures a sustainable future. Countries that invest in science thrive, while those that neglect it stagnate.
Nepal has long underinvested in research and innovation, and the closure of GPAST would reinforce this oversight, leading to long-term negative consequences for the country's scientific and economic future.
There is still time to reverse this decision. The government must engage with scientists, educators and policymakers to ensure that GPAST remains operational. The focus should be on enhancing its efficiency and impact, not dismantling it.
If Nepal is to progress and compete globally, it must invest in science, not abandon it. The closure of GPAST would be devastating for Gandaki Province, Nepal and the global scientific community. This decision must not be allowed to stand.
Dr Pokharel is a researcher
