Scholarships in agricultural research, biomedical engineering and for clinicians; joint research activities; memorandum of understanding (MOU) for new scientific cooperation and for the operationalization of existing MOUs; and learning about coral reef restoration, among others.
These were just some of the cooperation and partnerships the delegation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) obtained during its mission to Australia from April 17 to 23 that helped secure a revitalized bilateral relations of the Philippine Science department with Australian research institutions and universities.
The delegation that was led by Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara aimed to strengthen existing ties of the DOST with research institutions, such as the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a DOST news release said.
These include identifying areas for common interest, where resources and expertise of DOST and partners can advance more in research and capacity building programs.
Several concrete collaborations, including a scholarship program with ACIAR, were discussed during the meetings. It will be formalized through an agreement to be signed by DOST with these research institutions.
The mission also reinvigorated the implementation of the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Swinburne University of Technology, which include scholarships and sandwich programs in the field of biomedical engineering where the university has distinct advantage, among others.
The scientific visit also saw DOST forging new partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University through the signing of a MOU for scientific cooperation.
They identified specific areas and modes of cooperation in scholarship programs and joint research activities in the fields of Food Technologies and Innovation and Digital Health.
The DOST delegation also discussed opportunities to operationalize its existing MOU with James Cook University.
During the meeting, the delegation agreed to work in the areas of emerging diseases and tropical diseases, Internet of Things, agriculture and food security, and marine science.
The possible collaboration also included scholarship programs for clinicians.
The visit gave opportunity to the delegation to learn about the important work and innovation on coral reef restoration of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the country’s tropical marine research agency.
The DOST officials also visited other universities, including the Queensland University of Technology, the Southern Cross University, Griffith University and University of Queensland.
The universities agreed to formalize institutional partnerships with the DOST through a MOU that will outline the parties’ areas of common interest and mode of cooperation.
With the delegation were DOST Assistant Secretary Leah J. Buendia, for International Cooperation; Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, of the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development; Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development; Deputy Director Engr. Ninaliza H. Escorial, of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies Research and Development; and Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, of the DOST-Science Education Institute, the news release said.
The DOST officials began their mission in Canberra, where they paid a courtesy call to Philippine Ambassador to Australia Hellen de la Vega.
The visit also gave them an opportunity to promote among Filipino scientists and researchers in Australia the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program that encourages Filipinos to return to the Philippines and contribute to the advancement of STI in the country.
Organized by the Philippine Embassy, a webinar gathered over 25 Filipino scientists and researchers who have distinguished themselves in their specific areas of work.
In addition, the DOST officials, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, met with State Level Officials from Australia’s Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland to apprise each other of their work and possible alignment with DOST’s STI initiatives. S&T Media Services
Image credits: DOST OUSECR&D Photo