Setting the Direction: UP as a Research University
As the country’s premier institution of higher learning, the University of the Philippines (UP) ensures the continuous generation of knowledge through research. This is crucial to fostering more effective policy formation and a steady stream of innovative approaches and ideas that drive progress.
Research takes the helm as the pursuit for new knowledge aims to benefit all Filipinos. This keeps UP grounded in its vision and enables it to fulfill its mandate through key strategies that elevate the University to higher, more productive ground.
UP’s Mandate as a Research University
Under the Republic Act 9500, UP, as the country’s national university, is mandated to “serve as a research university in various fields of expertise and specialization by conducting basic and applied research, promoting research and development, and contributing to the dissemination and application of knowledge.” Likewise, it must “serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with international and scientific unions, networks of universities, scholarly and professional associations in the Asia Pacific Region and around the world.”
The best and the brightest students across the country are key to sustaining UP as a leader and key player in graduate and research studies on the national and global front. Behind this are a well-equipped faculty and researchers who maintain the learning momentum as dictated by changing educational needs, preparing students for global challenges.
Vision of a Global Research University
The administration of UP President Angelo Jimenez has adopted the Strategic Plan 2023-2029, which aims to mold a “transformative university in the service of the nation.” The UP Strategic Plan focuses on a just, equitable, and sustainable society. Central to this is the university’s role, which calls for a shift toward becoming a world-class, competitive research university, moving from a teaching-focused to a research-driven institution.
To achieve a global footing, UP continues to increase international publications, strengthen its graduate programs, and encourage and support faculty in engaging with global academic networks. Specific fields in the sciences, engineering, public policy, and health have solicited attention for partnerships and other possible linkages in the local and international milieu.
Jimenez has also set his vision for global standards with local relevance as he encourages continuous studies on poverty, governance, and environment that would be useful in framing public policies that may usher in sustainable growth.
Research and Innovation: Central to Teaching Excellence and Public Service
Research and innovation serve as the university’s lifeblood by providing new knowledge, updating skills, and enabling more efficient delivery of service even in far-flung areas.
UP recognizes the need to engage in more partnerships and collaborations, especially with other learning and research institutions around the globe. Some of UP’s involvement includes tie-ups with Monash University, Korea University, and various ASEAN and European partners. Aside from participating in international conferences and summits, UP has also served as a host and convenor in some international events.
This dynamic attitude allows students and staff to be more in tune with what is happening as they happen. Development in every branch of knowledge has accelerated through methods of information exchange. Time is minimized while results are maximized through faster service delivery enabled by innovations acquired and refined along the way.
In his public talks, Jimenez continuously gives weight to communities as the center of struggle. He always encourages stakeholders, especially the youth, to focus on these packets where assistance is most needed but rarely delivered, if at all. This grassroots engagement is crucial to turn small communities into bastions of empowerment. With this comes the hope that change would ripple out and be felt by more people and, in the process, alter the notion that the university is the classical ivory tower bent only on serving a limited part of the population.
As Jimenez mentioned in a talk, “At the end of the day, we are creating a story—the UP story.” In it, the Filipino people are the main cast because it is for them and through them that UP exists.