KU-IRDP/NTIC announces application call for R&BD program: Application opens to all Faculty & Staff of all the schools of KU till October 8, 2021

KU-IRDP/NTIC announces application call for R&BD program: Application opens to all Faculty & Staff of all the schools of KU till October 8, 2021

KU-IRDP/NTIC organized a virtual press meet on 8 September, 2021 in order to formally announce the opening of application call for Research and Business Development (R&BD) Funding Program supported by KOICA. Through the same virtual meet, the application call has been announced for the faculty and staff of all the schools of Kathmandu University.  A total of 30 participants including professors, deans, head of departments, other faculty members from different departments of KU, project management consulting members from Korea, media personnel from different media houses, and other professionals from different fields attended the press meet.

Objectives of the Press Meet

  1. Briefing on the R&BD program and its mission, vision and goals.
  2. Formal announcement of R&BD project call for the faculty and staff within all the schools of KU.
  3. Briefing about KU-IRDP/NTIC vison, mission and its long-term plan.

The event was formally started with the opening remarks from Prof. Dr Bim Prasad Shrestha, principal investigator/team leader at KU-IRDP/NTIC on behalf of the registrar of the Kathmandu University, Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma who was not present in the meeting due to some unavoidable situations. He greeted and appreciated the presence of all participants amidst the pandemic and briefed about background of the KU-IRDP/NTIC program, success of pilot project, its second phase and its seven different crosscutting programs. Furthermore, he wished for the grand success of the announcement call and he also assured to select the best proposal based upon the guidelines prepared.

Following that, Prof. Inho Hwang, the project manager (PMC) from Korea, conveyed his greetings to all. He briefed about the JBNU and KOICA partnership with KU-IRDP/NTIC and highlighted on how crucial R&BD program is to make KU-IRDP/NTIC project successful and sustainable. He also emphasized and encouraged on coverage of activities, participation, promotion and dissemination of such research and business development work through press meet. Additionally, he expressed his happiness in trusting and initiating developmental program with KU-IRDP/NTIC for the sustainable development and wished to work further in days to come.

Prof. Yunjo Soh, R&BD program lead from Korean counterpart delivered his greetings and short speech about R&BD program. Also, he put his idea to support and enable economic upliftment of marginalized society through technological development. He also alerted for necessary evidence-based work to be carried out. He urged for more participation, dedication, passion and healthy work environment.

Following Prof. Soh’s speech, Dr. Rajeev Shrestha, program lead of R&BD from KU-IRDP/NTIC continued the session and delivered a speech about R&BD program, its mission, vision, aims, and objectives. He also highlighted activities being carried out under KU-NTIC/IRDP program. He talked about first phase pilot program and emphasized more on second phase R&BD call. He talked about sustainability of the project and circular economy creation for sustainable adoption and exchange. Following his speech, R&BD application call promotional flyer and detailed application call process was showcased in the event. The floor was then opened for all the participants to place their queries about the R&DB program and the application call.  All questions raised by the participants were addressed in the event by KU-IRDP/NTIC and PMC representative.

The event was formally ended with the vote of thanks from Dr. Binaya KC, project In-charge at KU-IRPD/NTIC.