By: Dr. Ranjana Rai, 23 Mar 2018

First blog to capture the essence, behind the creation of CBTEN.

However cliche it may sound, people sometimes do experience that zone of being in the ‘right place and in the right time’. Most often the driving force that puts an individual in this zone of ‘right place and right time’ is simply the person’s own ‘aspiration’. This aspiration, this hope, this ambition of achieving something, small or big, is what drives every individual. This very essence of aspiration is also what inspires every scientist to spend countless hours working tirelessly, many a time through a number of futile experiments and failed grant proposals, to begin with. I am certain that if I ever had an imaginary conversation with Thomas A. Edison, it would be a no brainer, as to how he came up with his now famous quote “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”, while working towards the development of his ever famous incandescent light bulb. This quotation from Edison sheds light on the very power of ‘aspiration’ that Edison possessed. This made him commendable and prodded him on to work towards his goals in spite of all the failed experiments. Aspiration also inspires individuals and scientists alike with the incredible power of ‘positivity’; to remain positive through all the downtimes, continuously working towards a goal is what aspiration does.

The story of the Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Nepal (CBTEN) also begins with this very powerful seed of aspiration which is rooted in its foundations. The aspiration is to provide a platform and an opportunity for every student and researcher in Nepal, irrespective of their gender, economic status, religious and cultural background, to study and explore these amazing worlds of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. It is this aspiration and conviction which is also sealed in the organization's motto of ‘Educate, Research and Innovate’. Through CBTEN we hope to provide easy access and an opportunity to study these subjects which rank amongst the advanced scientific disciplines.

Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world and suffers from a severe lack of infrastructure and scientific facilities. This lack should not be a hindrance to one's pursuit to study these disciplines. Funding for Science and Technology is almost inexistent, with the Government spending only 0.3% of its GDP on Science and Technology. Yet, the irony is that funding in science and technology is paramount, as advancement in these areas underpins the socio and economic development of the country. Similarly, the importance of subjects like biomaterials and tissue engineering which are revolutionizing patient’s health, with a new understanding of disease diagnostics and therapeutics cannot be overlooked. This becomes more and more crucial, in our fight to develop solutions that are accessible and affordable especially in a country like Nepal where still 25.16 percent of the Nepalese people are living below the poverty line.

The road ahead for CBTEN is challenging but we definitely believe that “A single idea, a shared vision and a collective effort can go a long way” and therefore we welcome everyone to join and support us, in this ambitious journey of CBTEN.