The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Murdoch University, Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 30 June 2023 to foster scientific, technological, and educational cooperation.     

The MOU was signed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and Murdoch University, Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement Professor Simon McKirdy. The MOU is an off-shoot of the successful visit of Secretary Solidum to Murdoch University in Perth, Australia on 28 March 2023 which was reciprocated by Professor McKirdy during his visit to DOST last 03 May 2023.     

DOST Secretary Solidum and Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor McKirdy posed for a photo after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (Photo Courtesy of the DOST-Office of the Secretary and Murdoch University).

Through the MOU, DOST and Murdoch University agreed to explore cooperation on health security; biosecurity of humans, animals, and plants; biosafety; and engineering through joint research and development; and other capacity building programs through joint implementation of graduate scholarships, research enrichment (Sandwich), and Postdoctoral Fellowship; exchange of scientists, experts, and researchers for studies, observations, and training; conduct of joint training and specialized training courses; organization of joint conferences, symposia, workshops, and events.

Both parties also acknowledged the potential benefits of collaborating with relevant institutions from both the Philippines and Australia such as universities and scientific and technical organizations, local government unit, and private enterprises within the framework of the agreement.

DOST is confident that this collaboration will bring forth new ideas, promote knowledge exchange, foster innovative solutions to pressing biosecurity concerns, and contribute to building country’s expertise in view of the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

By: Gabriel Sumague and Zymar Bandola