Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
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| Headquarters | Khumaltar, Lalitpur |
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Official language
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Nepali and English |
| Owner |
 Government of Nepal
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| Slogan | Science and technology for national development |
| Website | http://www.nast.org.np |
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), previously RONAST, is an autonomous apex body established in 1982 to promote science and technology in Nepal.
The Molecular Biotechnology Unit (previously called the Biotechnology Unit) started research at DNA level in 2002 with molecular diagnosis of Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Prior to this, it was engaged in research activities such as the production of disease-free planting materials of citrus through shoot tip grafting in vitro tissue culture technique, Bacillus thuringiensis based biological pesticide, Citrus Tristeza Virus diagnosis using ELISA technique and plant propagation using plant growth regulators.
Activities of the unit are:
The Environment and climate study research unit conducts research on environmental issues. Besides research, water quality analysis service is provided to consumers. The major programs of the unit are:
The objective is to investigate methods of pollution control, conduct climatological and meteorological studies and provide an analytical service for the quality analysis of water.
Program and achievements;
The Physical Science Unit consists of the following fields of research:
Nepal has 6500 species of flowering plants. The botanical exploration is not yet completed and therefore, some plant species are unexplored. Realizing the need for a publication of the flora of Nepal, the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology initiated the project in collaboration with national and international institutions.
Ten volumes of the Nepal Flora have been scheduled to publish by 2020 in digital and printed book version. Volume 3 including plants from Magnoliaceae to Rosaceae was published in 2011 as a first publication from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK which includes 21 families with 123 genera, 600 species, 19 sub-species, 31 varieties and 4 forma.
Some activities are:
Major activities:
NAST is focusing on processing technology for biodiesel production from jatropha oil and waste cooking oil using homely grown or to be grown or available feedstock or catalyst to develop the novel technology. The primary concerns are in jatropha oil, waste cooking oil, microalgae.
Biomass Laboratory: NAST works on utilization of biomass wastes; agro, forest or households, or municipal, to make energy commodities or manures as following:
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