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