Gov't creates Task Force to strengthen technology research and development

In efforts to strengthen the focus on research and development (RnD) and to align all related programs of various government agencies on research, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo created the Philippine Council for Research and Development task force.

According to Department of Science and Technology CAR regional director Ben Ladilad, the task force is chaired by the President herself, with DOST Secretary as its vice chair. Council members include the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, the Commission on Higher Education, and representatives from the academic institutions. The five members from the private sector, involved in science and technology research and development, are now being selected.

Ladilad also explained that the objective of the council is to assure that all output from research will really address a certain need or problem in the business sector, especially Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which is providing livelihood to many this hard times.

According to Ladilad, through the council, researches like that of the DOST's Philippine Council for Health, will be well considered and coordinated with similar (researches) from other government agencies, as well as from the private sector and that of the academe and by doing this, the President can also align various government projects and funding for such purpose.

Ladilad also stressed that through this council, the President, in line with her administration's program thrust to create more livelihood opportunities for the Filipino people or improve their quality of life, would like to set in motion such programs for the next administration to follow or continue.

Call for nominations for outstanding S&T achievements

The government's highest recognition and advisory body on science and technology which is the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is calling nominations for outstanding achievements in science and technology.

Awards and recognition for deserving scientists are at stake in the following categories:

• OUTSTANDING YOUNG SCIENTIST (OYS) is given to young scientists who have made significant contributions to science and technology developments in the fields of Mathematical, Physical and Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Health Sciences.
• THIRD WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES PRIZE FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES is given to outstanding young Filipino scientist who has made significant contributions to science and technology, specifically Biology for AY 2010.
• NAST TALENT SEARCH FOR YOUNG SCIETISTS is a project of NAST to encourage young people to pursue a career in science. This is given to the best three (3) scientific paper presenters.
• OUTSTANDING SCIENTIFIC PAPER is given annually for papers adjudged to be outstanding in the fields of Mathematical, Physical and Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Health Sciences. The paper should be published in Philippine Scientific or Technical Journals within the five (5) years preceding the award.
• OUTSTANDING BOOK/MONOGRAPH is given annually for books/monographs adjudged to be outstanding in the fields of Mathematical, Physical, and Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Health Sciences. The book/monograph should be published in the Philippines within the five (5) years preceding the award.
• PRO SCIENTIA TRANSFORMATRIX AWARD is given annually to extraordinary enterprise in the application of science and technology in the furtherance and support of our country's continuing bid to gain global competitiveness in all areas of practical endeavor. There is no special format required but strong justification and documentation with a one-hour video clip of the company and its latest activities that contribute to global competitiveness of the country will be expected to accompany nominations.
• THE NAST-HUGH GREENWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AWARD is given annually to a Filipino scientist who has made significant contributions to environmental protection and conservation. With the rapid pace of environmental degradation and the eventual depletion of natural resources, it is vital that the remaining resources are used wisely and further pollution and contaminations be prevented for the benefit of today's and future generations.
• NAST-LELEDFI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RESEARCH IN TROPICAL MEDICINE is given annually to individuals or groups whose research works contribute to the advancement of the country's knowledge and practice in Tropical Medicine.

Nomination forms are available at the DOST XI, Dumanlas corner Friendship Roads, Bajada, Davao City. The deadline for submission of nominations is on or before November 30, 2009. You may also obtain nominations forms at www.nast.dost.gov.ph or www.nast.ph or call 2215428 and look for Mavik Dado for details. (DOST XI)