The University of the Philippines is proud to have five of its scientists and faculty named among this year’s Asian Scientist 100.
Joining the ranks of Asia’s most outstanding scientists are: Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela and Dr. Aurelio de los Reyes V from UP Diliman; National Scientist Romulo Davide and Marcela Navasero from UP Los Baños; and Dr. May Anne Mata from UP Mindanao.
Balela is a professor at the UPD Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering. She is the recipient of the 2024 National Science and Technology Week Outstanding Research and Development Award for her work on the use of biodegradable kapok fibers to mitigate oil spills.
De los Reyes is a professor at the UPD Institute of Mathematics whose research interests include mathematical biology. His research on hormone-based contraceptive dosing strategies earned him the 2024 National Science and Technology Week Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research.
Agricultural scientists Davide and Navasero were recognized for their work on natural pest control. Davide, hailed as the “Father of Plant Nematology,” developed the country’s first biological control product against plant-parasitic nematodes or roundworms attacking crops. He was declared the 44th National Scientist of the Philippines in 2024. Navasero’s expertise in the detection and control of invasive plant pests and diseases was awarded the 2024 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award.
Mata is a professor at the UPMin Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. She was recognized for her use of mathematical models to respond to public health issues such as rabies and COVID-19. In 2025, the National Academy of Science and Technology named her among the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientists.
The Asian Scientist 100 is a list of award-winning researchers, academicians, and industry leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective scientific disciplines. It is published annually in Asian Scientist Magazine.
To qualify, a scientist must have received a national or international award or have made a groundbreaking discovery in their field.
