Advancing scientific research and innovation

January 17, 2020
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Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) underscored the crucial role of universities in driving research and innovation.

“We really encourage universities to do research. It is our desire to make universities and industries work together, he said during his talk at the Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) on January 16.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña stresses the role of universities and the private sector in expanding R & D in the country.

de la Peña, a recipient of the Government Service Award at the 2019 Traditional University Awards, noted how universities always conduct research but are unable to maximize the research output. On the other hand, there are some industries that lack resources, specifically manpower, to advance scientific studies. What DOST strives, dela Peña said, is to connect them to do R & D.

Sec. dela Peña meets University administrators led by its President, Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ (fifth from left). The photo also shows Dr. Armand Guidote (PIPAC institute director), Dr. Evangeline Bautista (SOSE Dean), Dr. Maria Luz Vilches (Vice President for Loyola Schools), Dr. Fabian Dayrit (Professor Emeritus), and Dr. John Paul Vergara (Vice President for Professional Schools).

 Universities can partner with various industries for scientific research, which, when commercialized, can contribute to economic growth,” de la Peña said. 

Before his talk at PIPAC, de la Peña has toured the University’s various laboratories: NMR lab at Schmitt Hall, Ateneo Innovation Center and other research sites of the School of Science and Engineering located at the PLDT-CTC Building.

At CTC 501 Ecotoxicity Laboratory. Sec. dela Peña with Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit and Dr. Emilyn Q. Espiritu
At CTC 503 SOSE Project Laboratory. Sec. dela Peña with Dr. Erwin P. Enriquez

CTC 505 MSE and Nanotechnology Laboratory

At CTC 504 Biochemistry Laboratory. Sec. dela Peña with Dr. Fabian Dayrit and Dr. Olivia Erin M. Buenafe.

DOST Projects Exhibit at CTC 413

Sec. dela Peña with Ateneo School of Science and Engineering faculty and administrators, and Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) administrators.