Nepal, July 1 -- Nepal's newly created Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is still struggling to put together its basic institutional structure and legal framework. At the same time, its minister, Mahabir Pun, has once again become the centre of attention for an unconventional working style that is as unusual as it is divisive.

While ministry officials are busy establishing the organisation and preparing the legal foundation needed for its operation, Pun says his long-term goal is to transform scientific research into products and services that directly benefit society and connect innovation with the market.

According to Monika Jha, spokesperson for the ministry, the institution is currently occupied with its initial adminis...