Pinoy scientists train in UK on product commercialization

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino scientists and business development specialists from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and universities are undergoing training in the commercialization of products generated from science and technology to translate their research into viable commercial opportunities. 

The researches of participants include a dengue diagnostic kit for early detection, a biomedical device to improve access to quality healthcare in far-flung areas, and shrimp-pathogen detection for shrimp farmers.

Their eight-day training in United Kingdom is part of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) programme of UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering in partnership with DOST and the Philippines’ Asian Institute of Management.

The training is also covered by the British government’s Newton Fund, a global £375-million fund for five years beginning 2014. Through the Newton Fund, the UK will use its strength in research and innovation to promote the economic development and social welfare of partner countries.

After training in London and Oxford, the 15 scientists and business development specialists of DOST will continue receiving support in the Philippines to sharpen their business skills and refine business plans.

“The Philippines is one of the countries where the UK was keen to expand cooperation because we are convinced there are a lot of good researchers and innovative science here,” British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said.

The 15 LIF fellows include Melvin Carlos of DOST’s Philippine Council Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development; Gregory Ciocson of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI); lawyer Marion Ivy Decena of the Technology Application and Promotion Institute; Roselle Martonito of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and Russell Pili of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

Other LIF fellows are Rowel Atienza of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute of University of the Philippines Diliman; Mark Pierre Dimamay of the Research and Biotechnology Division, St. Luke’s Medical Centre; Erwin Enriquez of Department of Chemistry and Program in Materials Science and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University; Kristine Magtubo of the National Telehealth Center; Melina Palencia of the Chemical Engineering Department, Adamson University; Henry Ramos and Maricor Soriano of the National Institute of Physics, UP Diliman; Teodosia Merlin Suarez of the Center for Empathic Human-Computer Interactions College of Computer Studies, De La Salle University; Fidez Marciana Tambalo and Jocelyn T. Zarate of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology UP Los Baños.