A University of the Philippines (UP) geologist, whose research focused on assessing earthquake fault potential using satellite technology, represented Southeast Asia at this year's Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS).
Dr. John Dale Dianala of the UP Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) showcased his research on assessing earthquake fault potential using satellite technology during the 2025 GYSS held in Singapore.
The GYSS, organized by Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), gathers Nobel laureates and leading scientists from around the world to explore how scientific research and innovation can tackle pressing global challenges.
In its 13th year, this year’s GYSS was held from Jan. 6 to 10 at the Stephen Riady Centre, National University of Singapore.
The week-long summit featured plenary talks by Nobel laureates and other award-winning scientists, panel discussions on science's role in addressing critical global issues such as sustainability, human well-being, and artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, quickfire presentations by selected young scientists, and engaging poster sessions.
Sole representative
According to UPD-CS Science Communications, out of 16 young scientists invited to present their research on life sciences, biomedicine, physical sciences, and engineering, Dianala represented UPD-CS NIGS, making UP the only Southeast Asian university featured on stage.
As told to UPD-CS Science Communications, Dianala said that GYSS allowed him to “see our place in the international science scene.”
Dianala is among 10 Filipino scientists nominated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to participate in the summit.
“Compared to scientists from fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biomedicine, and engineering, only a handful of geoscientists were present at the summit. I looked for them, and I counted five,” he added.
Breakthrough research
Dianala’s research leverages satellite data and technologies like Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to monitor fault lines, offering a cost-effective alternative for regions with limited ground-based data.
UPD-CS Science Communications said that Dianala analyzed InSAR data from Leyte Island to create a slip model, regarded as one of the most detailed representations of a fault in the Philippines.
His study demonstrated that detailed fault models derived from satellite data enable researchers to pinpoint areas of stress accumulation, assess potential earthquake activity, and identify patterns in seismic occurrences, providing valuable insights for developing preparedness plans, UPD-CS Science Communications added.
UPD-CS Science Communications also noted that in his presentation, Dianala highlighted the significance of these techniques for studying fault lines in rapidly urbanizing areas around Metro Manila and other parts of the world, where growing populations will amplify seismic risks.
Meanwhile, Dianala encouraged “collaboration and innovation” in earthquake research, especially in less-resourced regions, to enhance global understanding of seismic risks.
“Getting to share the work we do at NIGS and being the sole geologist to take the stage is a recognition of the global interest and relevance of research done at UP,” Dianala said.