Science in Nepal Needs Neighborly Aid

Abstract

Compared with its neighbors, Nepal remains sluggish in economic development as well as investments in research and development [([ 1 ][1]) and “Report notes China's influence in emerging Asian science zone,” News & Analysis, J. Mervis, 20 January, p. [274][2])]. While China and India have made substantial progress in science and technology, Nepal, sandwiched between the two countries, lags in basic science and technology infrastructure, high-quality education, retention of talented researchers, and qualified manpower. China and India support Nepal's development primarily by providing physical infrastructure. However, military assistance has overshadowed other aid. China has promised to provide military aid of US$7.7 million and to establish a military academy in Nepal. Likewise, India has resumed military assistance and promised to provide more military supplies in the future ([ 2 ][3]). In contrast, support is dismal for Nepal's higher education, science and technology, and research and development. Furthermore, scientific cooperation between Nepal and its large neighbors is negligible ([ 3 ][4]). ![Figure][5] Kathmandu University. Investments in Nepal's research and development are lagging. CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Instability, corruption, and lack of technological development, as well as frequent disasters, have undermined economic development in Nepal. Because of the lack of research and development investments, about 40% of Nepalese who have master's and Ph.D. degrees are teaching instead of conducting their own research ([ 4 ][6]). Thousands of talented Nepalese emigrated during the conflict and are now reluctant to return home because of limited opportunities. After a decade-long conflict, Nepal is undergoing peace and a state-restructuring process. Rather than competing to provide military assistance to a country heading toward peace, China and India should foster innovation and economic prosperity by supporting Nepalese science and technology and research and development. An impoverished and uneducated Nepal is a greater threat to its neighbors than a Nepal that is enriched and educated. 1. [↵][7] The World Fact Book ([www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook][8]). 2. [↵][9] 1. K. R. Koirala , Republica, “India, China rivalry over security aid worries lawmakers,” 1 February 2012, p. 3 ( ). 3. [↵][10] UNESCO Science Report Part II (2010); [unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001899/189958e.pdf][11]. 4. [↵][12] 1. D. Bajracharya 2. et al ., Science, Research and Technology in Nepal (UNESCO Working paper no. 10, 2006); [unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001461/146117e.pdf][13]. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.335.6066.274 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #ref-3 [5]: pending:yes [6]: #ref-4 [7]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [8]: http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook [9]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [10]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text [11]: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001899/189958e.pdf [12]: #xref-ref-4-1 View reference 4 in text [13]: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001461/146117e.pdf