MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday said six higher education institutes (HEIs) received funding to build their niche centers through the agency’s Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program.
“This is the first time we are announcing the recipients, since they are about to start their projects/centers,” DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said during the National R&D Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Friday.
Guevara noted there is no limit to the funding that a NICER recipient could request from the DOST.
“(The amount) depends on what they need. But we also evaluate if (the institution) could absorb the requested amount,” she told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) at the sidelines of the conference.
NICER aims to enable HEIs across the country to make a significant improvement in regional research by integrating development needs with existing R&D capabilities and resources.
Chosen HEIs will be provided with an institutional grant for R&D capacity building and improvement of infrastructure.
The six recipients of the institutional grant were:
* UP Diliman for “Center for Innovations for Cost-Effective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Outcomes in NCR and the Philippines” (PHP65,988,910)
* Isabela State University for “Cagayan Valley Freshwater Fisheries Center” (PHP18 million)
* UP Visayas for “Establishment of the Center for Mollusk Research and Development” (PHP52 million)
* Cebu Technological University – Argao Campus for “Assessment Using Permanent Biodiversity Management System (BMS) in Cebu Island Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)” (PHP17,200,000)
* UP Cebu for “Establishment of a Niche Center on Environmental Informatics in Central” (PHP37 million)
* Samar State University for “Establishment of Eastern Visayas Center for Crustacean Research and Development” (PHP25 million)
Meanwhile, the DOST announced the call for proposals for the 2019 NICER program. Any HEI with proven competence and track record can apply, as long as it does not have the full capacity to pursue the proposed R&D.
Project proposals must have significant impacts on the local industry, the DOST noted. The proposals must also be unique across the regions.
For further details and inquiries, contact the Science for Change Project Management Office in DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City, or visit the DOST website. (PNA)
