Biotechnology
Biotechnology and its Prospects: Past and Present situation in Nepal
The word ‘biotechnology’ itself sounds whimsical and it does have some research glamour on it but in the simplest way biotechnology is the research oriented subject where people can do research from zero level to gene level. Science and innovation has taken a great leap, have deciphered thousands of human life related riddles that were unanswered two decades ago. In quest of discoveries, biotechnology has emerged as a new field with a wide and deep scope which is why, biotechnology is one of the leading areas in life sciences research. Many experts label biotechnology as a new arena of science but rather than being a completely novel subject, it is an advancement of some of the ancient techniques.
Though the term ‘biotechnology’ seems new, the fact is, our ancestors used to practice it since ancient times way before the emergence of the term itself. For instance, fermentation technology is a vital area of biotechnology and it is used all around the world in brewing industry, dairy industry and many others, but it is also true that it has been ongoing from centuries ago. Some people would like to define biotechnology as an area of study where we can play in molecular and gene levels.
In context of Nepal, this area is still in nascent stage not because of lack of qualified researchers but because of lack of vital infrastructure, research and development (R&D) section and also due to the dearth of proper law, policies and regulations. Nevertheless, there are very few institutions that offer undergraduate and post graduate degree in biotechnology in Nepal. In case of undergraduate study, some institutions offer Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biotechnology such as in SANN International College and Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF), while Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Biotechnology program is offered in
Kathmandu University, WhiteHouse Institute of Science and Technology (being rebranded as
The word ‘biotechnology’ itself sounds whimsical and it does have some research glamour on it but in the simplest way biotechnology is the research oriented subject where people can do research from zero level to gene level. Science and innovation has taken a great leap, have deciphered thousands of human life related riddles that were unanswered two decades ago. In quest of discoveries, biotechnology has emerged as a new field with a wide and deep scope which is why, biotechnology is one of the leading areas in life sciences research. Many experts label biotechnology as a new arena of science but rather than being a completely novel subject, it is an advancement of some of the ancient techniques.
Though the term ‘biotechnology’ seems new, the fact is, our ancestors used to practice it since ancient times way before the emergence of the term itself. For instance, fermentation technology is a vital area of biotechnology and it is used all around the world in brewing industry, dairy industry and many others, but it is also true that it has been ongoing from centuries ago. Some people would like to define biotechnology as an area of study where we can play in molecular and gene levels.
In context of Nepal, this area is still in nascent stage not because of lack of qualified researchers but because of lack of vital infrastructure, research and development (R&D) section and also due to the dearth of proper law, policies and regulations. Nevertheless, there are very few institutions that offer undergraduate and post graduate degree in biotechnology in Nepal. In case of undergraduate study, some institutions offer Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biotechnology such as in SANN International College and Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF), while Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Biotechnology program is offered in
Kathmandu University, WhiteHouse Institute of Science and Technology (being rebranded as