The University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, headed by VP Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., gathered representatives from UP’s research and innovation centers for “Research Colloquium and Fellowship: Conversations, Collaborations and Community Research” held Dec. 15 at the Executive House, UP Diliman.
The event aimed to strengthen collegial connections, promote synergies to enhance resources for sector-engaged research and innovation, and encourage collaboration and co-mentorship ecosystems that enhance graduate training and long-horizon research programs.
In his opening remarks, Marciano urged participants to work together toward common goals. “It takes a team, UP system-wide, to achieve our desired end state. Research and innovation are inseparable pillars that lead to public service and common good.”
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Presidential Chief of Staff Teofilo Abrajano, in his keynote speech, expressed that when UP, as an “arm of the nation,” sets its priorities for innovation, it also directs the impact it wants to make. “The university has expertise, but it actually listens to the priorities outside.” Stating further, “If you want to innovate, bring people that will innovate. Bring the best that you can bring.”
UP President Angelo Jimenez, in his message during the networking session, reminded everyone to go full steam ahead for UP to become a full-fledged graduate and research university. “Dream big. Do not waste time here with small dreams. The limits of our means are not the limits of our dreams.”
The event featured breakout sessions, group presentations, an open forum, and colloquium synthesis led and facilitated by Assistant VP for Academic Affairs (Research) Percival Almoro.
The colloquium provided a strategic platform to recognize the contributions of various research and development and innovation units, strengthen alignment of institutional goals and structures, and promote program-based, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration.
