Those Filipinos who want to level up their skills and knowledge in science and technology (S&T) can take advantage of the five new grants and training programs launched by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said interested researchers, scientists, students, members of the academe, and other Filipino professionals, especially engineers have until July 29 to submit their applications.

He said the new programs which seek to enhance the research capabilities of Filipinos are part of the DOST-PCIEERD’s Human Resources Development Program (HRDP).

These are the following:

-Providing Resources, Opportunities and Support for Project-based Personnel and Researchers (PROSPPER)

-Researchers on Industry, Energy Emerging Technologies - Opening Opportunities for Learning (RIEETOOL)

-Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExpertISE) for PCIEERD Regional Consortia

-S&T Fellows Program

-Science Communication Fellowships

De la Peña said PROSPPER seeks to benefit project personnel and researchers of PCIEERD-supported projects. Under the program, they will be assisted to secure graduate scholarships for the completion of their graduate degrees while gaining research experience in PCIEERD-supported projects.

RIEETOOL, meanwhile, extends assistance to researchers, scientists, engineers, faculty, students, and personnel from academic and research institutions, as well as government and private institutions, he said.

The program is expected to “enhance their skills and knowledge that are aligned with the PCIEERD sectoral priority areas, DOST Harmonized National Research and Development (R&D Agenda-Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies (HNRDA- IEET), and other government or national priority roadmaps.”

On the other hand, the ExperTISE program aims to uplift regional consortia for industry, energy, and emerging technologies by providing awareness on industry dynamics, cross functional nature and business realities at the fundamental level, the DOST chief said.

The program also seeks to provide regional experts and identify potential niche, industry gaps, challenges and R&D needs, and conceptualize innovations that will address the gaps in the industry.

Also included in the PCIEERD’s list of new human resources development programs is the S&T Fellows program.

"Experts in science and technology (S&T) are encouraged to apply for the S&T Fellows Program to help DOST enrich the country’s S&T human resource. It is a long-term engagement that has the goal of upgrading the R&D know-how of the department’s attached agencies,” de la Peña said.

He said the successful applicants are entitled to receive benefits and salaries from Salary Grade 23 to 27, depending on their credentials.

“S&T fellows are expected to direct, undertake, and promote R&D in the country that are envisioned to spur socio-economic growth, as well as speed-up inclusive development in the countryside through state-of-the-art innovations,” he said.

De la Peña likewise cited the Counci’s rollout of its Science Communication Fellowship Program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Development (UPLB-CDC).

The program aims “to empower 40 scientists, researchers, and communications specialists to better promote their innovations and research results to the public.”

He said the program is composed of a series of mentoring activities that will introduce the concepts of science communication, popularization techniques, and skills in developing communications materials.

“Aspiring Pinoy science communicators should be part of an ongoing PCIEERD-supported project with a remaining duration of at least six months,” de la Peña said.

The launch of the new HR development programs was part of the DOST-PCIEERD’s 11th anniversary celebration with the theme “From Labs to Lives: Building R & D Capacities and Opportunities for Sustainable Recovery” on June 29.