Two top scientists recognized by NAST

Two outstanding scientists have been conferred the prestigious title and rank "academician" by the National Academy of Science and technology (NAST).

They are Dr. Eliezer Albacea of the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Computer Science (UPLB-ICS), and Dr. Thelma Tupasi-Ramos of the Tropical Disease Foundation Inc. (TDF).

The two were conferred the rank and title "academician" during the 28th Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST at the Manila Hotel recently.

The scientific meeting was one of the activities convened by the science community in observance of this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

The NAST, currently headed by former Science Minister and UP president Dr. Emil Javier, is the country’s highest advisory and recognition body in science and technology. It is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Since 1978, 81 outstanding scientists who constitute the who’s who in the science community have been conferred the rank and title Academician.

Albacea was recognized for his significant works and outstanding contributions to the field of computer science, in particular, his creation of the "Leapfrogging samplesort algorithm that contributed to large amount of savings in computer time for most data processing applications."

For her part, Ramos was recognized for her pioneering work and outstanding contributions to medicine, specifically in the field of infectious diseases.