The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (DOST-PCIEERD) on Oct. 18, addressed the issues related to research sustainability in collaboration with science and engineering funding agencies worldwide.

The event is part of the 2023 Global Research Council (GRC), which was held in the Philippines from Oct. 18 to 20 to promote data sharing and best practices for high-quality collaboration among funding agencies worldwide.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/17/ph-to-host-2023-global-research-council-asia-pacific-regional-meeting

During the event, Dr. Prue Williams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), a member of the GRC Board, emphasized the importance of funding organizations as funders of research.

"We have a really important role, not just ensuring the research is carried out, but also supporting collaboration, supporting sharing best practices of how we carry out research and some of the initiatives in schemes,” Williams said.

She further stressed the significance of sustainability research and its potential to contribute to societal problem-solving.

"Through these sustainability researches and support to societal problem solving, we can learn a lot from each other in from sharing through these meetings," she said.

Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the event's core objectives to know the priorities of its funding organizations so that DOST can leverage to support the development of one another's research agenda.

Research sustainability

"Climate change is another issue that we wanted to focus on, particularly regarding food systems. The various crops we use in the Philippines need to thrive during climate change, so we need to address this issue,” Solidum said.
 

He highlighted that under the DOST's strategic thrusts, sustainability is a vital pillar alongside the promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, and wealth protection.

"Sustainability, for us, is to ensure that research and its applications remain sustainable beyond the current administration and into the future," Solidum explained.

"Sometimes, research results or applications require multiple years before their full impact can be felt," he added.

In addition, Solidum stressed the importance of sharing solutions and best practices, as many common problems affect various countries.

"What needs to be done is to share the solutions and best practices," he said.

Meanwhile, Solidum assured that the DOST is committed to doing more, emphasizing the need to involve more than just researchers in addressing climate change.

"We need to apply what we have learned so far and adapt to the changing climate. It's even better if we can involve people in addressing climate change through initiatives that impact their livelihoods," he said.

Solidum expressed gratitude for the collaboration and knowledge sharing, noting that working together to find solutions is essential for overcoming shared challenges.