The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Griffith University, Australia signed an agreement to implement a joint PhD scholarship program on 21 February 2023 at the DOST-Advanced Manufacturing Center in Taguig City, Philippines. The scholarship program aims to support up to 17 Filipino researchers who wish to pursue their doctoral degrees in Griffith University under the identified priority areas, namely, soil ecology and water management, ecology and other related fields.
The agreement was signed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., and Professor Sarah Todd, Vice President (Global) of Griffith University, and was witnessed by Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Director of the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI), as well as other officials of DOST, Griffith University, and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
In his welcome message, Secretary Solidum said that the cooperation will advance the country’s efforts to develop a strong cadre of S&T human resource that will support inclusive and sustainable development. The Secretary also said that he hope the program will contribute to creating impactful research that will support the Philippine government’s overall efforts in food and water security, agricultural productivity, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.
During the signing ceremony, both sides also exchanged views on the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia, particularly on cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI). DOST has forged several STI partnership agreements with various institutions in Australia with a range of cooperation including, agriculture, health, education and human resource development, among other priority areas.
Prior to the Implementing Agreement, DOST and Griffith University signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in June of 2022 that aims to pursue and develop scientific, technological, and research cooperation on health, ecological management, blue economy, and data science.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., and Griffith Vice President Sarah Todd signs the Implementing Agreement while being witnessed by the Australian Ambassador tp the Philippines H.E. HK Yu PSM, and DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo. (Photo Courtesy of the DOST-International Cooperation Office)
Secretary Solidum and Vice President Todd shaking hands after the signing of the agreement. (Photo Courtesy of the DOST-Office of the Secretary)
From L to R: Mr. Zymar Bandola, DOST International Cooperation Office, Engr. Carluz Bautista, DOST-PCIEERD, Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD, Director Josette Biyo, DOST-SEI, Dr. Leah Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for R&D, Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., DOST Secretary, Vice President Sarah Todd, Griffith University, H.E. HK Yu PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Christopher Lim, Austrade, Prof. Anik Bhaduri, Griffith University, Dr. Johnvie Goloran, Griffith University, Ms. Franz Nazareno, Griffith University, Ms. Kimberley Cuesta, Austrade, and Ms. Grace Halcon, Austrade. (Photo Courtesy of the DOST-Office of the Secretary)
A photo taken at the DOST-Advanced Manufacturing Center in Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines where the signing of the Implementing Agreement was held. (Photo Courtesy of the DOST-Office of the Secretary)
