PNRI-Phivolcs collaboration boosts nuclear science initiatives

THE Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), both attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen research collaboration on the applications of nuclear science and technology in the fields of volcanology and seismology.

The ceremonial signing held on January 25, 2023 at the DoSTPhivolcs Auditorium in Quezon City, signals the joint initiatives of the two agencies to harmonize their efforts to address disaster risk reduction and management. This is aligned with the current administration’s thrust to pursue the OneDOST4U advocacy to better improve delivery of public service.

Under the MoU, the DoST-PNRI and DoST-Phivolcs will focus and venture together on projects related to the fields of geochemistry, isotopic techniques, volcanism, active faults, geothermal, and volcano-hydrothermal.

Both institutions agreed to share its respective pool of experts, resources, equipment, facilities and other information relevant to the project.

“Through this MoU, we will be freel to use each other’s resources to continue to answer scientific questions that both agencies are facing. We hope to gain knowledge, data and information from the works that will be implemented within the scope of the MoU. Likewise, DoST-PNRI researchers are encouraged to build the capacity of DoST-Phivolcs researchers through shared research activities such as sample preparation, analytical works, and training,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

He added that it is a good opportunity for the returning PhD and MSc graduates of DoST-Phivolcs to continue their research using the same analytical equipment they’ve used during their stay in the universities.

At the same time, DoST-PNRI will also benefit from the volcanologists and seismologists through the sharing of ideas they have on certain projects that DoST-PNRI researchers are working on.

Scientists and experts from the DoST-PNRI also visited the Geochemical Laboratory located at the DoST-Phivolcs office in Quezon City after the ceremonies.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO ▪ Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla (second from right) and DoST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Teresito Bacolcol (second from left) lead the signing of memorandum of understanding between the two agencies. Serving as witnesses are DoST-PNRI Atomic Research Division Chief Lucille Abad (right) and DoST-Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief Ma. Antonia Bornas (left).