5: Research in Alternative Energy, Nanotechnology or Local Technology Innovations (with Nepal Academy of Science and Technology) OVERVIEW The role of Science and Technology is undeniably immense for national development. With increasing demand for better energy options, optimal utilization of natural and geological resources, and creative innovations in appropriate technologies, it is critical to bring together technical expertise and passion for national development. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is at the core of driving the science and technology priorities of the nation. A selected Daayitwa Fellow will work with NAST in one of the priority areas based on the expertise, experience and academic training in the topic area. The three priority areas include the following: (a) alternative energy (bio-energy, solar, micro/mini-hydropower, gasification, and thermal energy), (b) materials science and nanotechnology, and (c) innovation in local technology ACTION While the Terms of Reference (TOR) will be further refined with the NPC, the general areas of action are defined below. (1) Research and Analytics Support Conducting research: Successful fellow will develop specific-research questions, scope of analysis, rigorous methodology, and concrete research outputs in close collaboration with Dayitwa Team and the partner agency. The Fellow will provide critical input and learn by conducting concrete research activity in one of the following topic areas based on the individual’s specialization and training: A. Renewable Energy ● Bio-energy ( Read more ) o Biofuel : Processing technology aiming to establish of sustainable biodiesel production from jatropha oil and waste cooking oil using homely grown or to be grown or available feedstocks or catalyst to develop the novel technology. Focus on jatropha oil, waste cooking oil and microalgae o Biomass : Effective utilization of biomass wastes; agro, forest or households, or municipal, to make energy commodities or manures as following: bio-briquette technology for energy, Biochar technology for soil enrichment, clean-cooking solution ● Solar Energy ( Read more ) o Solar Radiation Monitoring & Analysis : A real time monitoring of the Solar Radiation in Kathmandu as well as in different parts of the country. o Energy Auditing & Conservation: Develop a culture to minimize the energy waste and maximize the use of available energy resources. Energy Auditing is the fundamental tool used for the purpose. By institutionalizing the energy conservation practices, proliferation of solar energy technology also becomes o o o ● Small o easier as cost of solar PV modules of moderate size can be within the reach of middle class people. Diversification of Solar Technology: Diversification in the areas of application of solar energy technologies in the country and respective capacity building to adopt the new technologies. It covers wide range of activities such as proliferation of knowledge on solar energy technologies, feasibility study of grid connected rooftop PV system along with mini / micro grids and efficient use of Sun Simulator and module tester. Gasification Thermal Energy Hydropower: Development of research and standardized testing in Small Hydro Power equipment within the country. The focus will be in the following areas: ▪ Site survey and problem identification of concern plant. ▪ Study in existing problems of Small Hydro in Nepal Construction of small workshop for testing hydro mechanical based equipment. ▪ Addition of basic test and measurement instruments to the hydro-lab facility at NAST. ▪ Demand-based research in Small Hydro Power sector. ▪ Continual capacity building of the hydropower equipment standardization at NAST Read more B. Nanotechnology: Synthesis and extraction, characterization and application of extracted materials : This activity is dedicated to synthesize the metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterials, form nanostructures on metal oxides and also extract the organic dyes from the plants of Nepal for their possible applications including optoelectronic devices like solar cell. With the expansion of human and infrastructural resources the activities will be extended in the domain of metal nanoparticles as well as polymer materials. The synthesized and extracted materials undergo characterization and used for the fabrication of devices. Read more C. Innovation of Local Technology Identification and assessment of various indigenous technology developed in villages for various day-to-day purposes, low-scale processing tools. Further innovation to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of such technology with due focus on features such as low-cost and user and environment friendliness. Action Initiatives: The Fellows may work directly with the partner agency on implementing immediate action initiatives as deemed necessary during the course of the Fellowship. The action initiatives may include advocacy on critical issues, generating innovative ideas for solving emerging challenges, and diving in-depth on action-oriented research work. (2) Adaptive Leadership Development and Capacity Enhancement ● The team of Fellows will partake a series of leadership exercise developed in collaboration with professors at Harvard Center for Public Service ● The Fellows will provide additional technical and adaptive skills enhancement trainings to partner agency staff for strengthening the team’s capacity to undertake analytical and operational work more effectively and efficiently ● To equip Daayitwa Fellows with technical tools and contextual knowledge, the following capacity enhancement support will be provided: 1. Introductory course on governance and legislation process of Nepal 2. Training on scientific methodologies for undertaking engagement activities. 3. Effective communication and relationship building skills 4. Writing skills for report, briefs, blog, peer-reviewed journals, wiki, and media outlets (3) Synergistic Collaboration ● The Daayitwa Star Team will work as a collaborative unit to understand perspectives, challenges, and innovative solutions that could help achieve the common or central objectives. ● The Fellows and partner agency will explore collaboration opportunities with other members of the parliament, public, private and social sector, and respective constituents, ● The Fellows and partner agency will participate in advocacy and dialogue, through platforms provided by Daayitwa initiative, such as panel sessions, symposium, and online forums. KEY DELIVERABLES The general timeframe of deliverables are listed below: ● Inception Report [first week] ● Bi-weekly progress update notes ● Bi-weekly blog entries ● Mid-term Report (to be built on to final report) ● Final-Report [second last week] ● Dayitwa Summit organization and presentation[project last week] In addition to the above list, Daayitwa Fellows will be expected to produce policy briefs and undertake concrete-actions based on the needs identified during the course of the Fellowship. The final list of deliverables will be stated in the Inception Report, which will contain Fellowship Engagement Action-Plan. COMPETENCIES The ideal fellows will be highly motivated and talented Nepali youths living abroad or in Nepal, who are passionate about Nepal’s development with the goal of leveraging their outstanding credentials, analytical abilities, and professional and academic networks to find practical solutions to solve our nation’s challenges. Category Required Qualifications(Must meet to be considered) Preferred Qualifications (highly desirable in addition to the Required Qualifications) Academics ● Have high academic achievement (respected university, high GPA, coursework rigor) ● Masters/PhD (concentration or major must be directly relevant to the topic of choice) ● Academic rigor of the academic institution ● Masters completed with some work experience ● Matching academic coursework Professional Experience ● Policy analysis and research work in international or national setting ● At least a year of work/research experience in related field ● Extensive research experience in the chosen topic Availability ● For 4 - 6 months starting from June 1st Daayitwa ● Passion, interest and a personal sense of Daayitwa towards Nepal’s development ● Demonstrated leadership or active participation in Nepal-related initiatives or issues ● Desire to actively contribute to Nepal’s development ● Demonstrated leadership in university, community or in professional field
© Copyright 2024