DoST showcases intl cooperation on S&T projects
THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has showcased the different collaborations with several countries at the International Cooperation forum held on the sidelines of the 2022 National Science and Technology Week.
According to Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah Buendia, the DoST has become a “steady figure” in multilateral science, technology and innovation (STI) negotiations for the Philippines, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the United Nations.
“These strategic collaborations enabled us to tread new heights of scientific breakthroughs and innovations, at least in recent years,” Buendia added.
Lloyd Cameron of the British Embassy in Manila highlighted the Newton-Agham program that supported research and development projects related to health and life sciences, improvement of energy security, future cities, agricultural technology, and digital innovation and creativity.
Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, said that the Newton-Agham program provided funding for high quality three-year collaborative research per cycle between Filipino and British researchers focusing on communicable and noncommunicable diseases that are relevant to the Philippines and those that impact the most vulnerable in the society.
Japanese Embassy Minister for Economic Affairs Daisuke Nihei underlined the collaboration of STI projects between the Japanese government and the DoST, including the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development, as well as increased cooperation in space exploration.
The DoST has also announced a timeline for the call of proposals for research projects and scholarship opportunities for the year 2023-2024 that will be cofunded by China, Taiwan, Japan, India and France.
Buendia said that through strategic collaborations, the Philippines was able to tread new heights of scientific breakthroughs and innovation, and urged continued international collaboration for STI across fields and disciplines.
She also said that the country’s pool of talented and competitive students and technical experts can “unravel their utmost potential with ample support.”
“To continue maximizing our opportunities, we must be efficient in navigating our bilateral and multilateral partnerships, to further develop a strong SFT (science and technology) human resource and RFD (research and development) landscape in the country,” Buendia added.