Four PhD scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippines-Osaka University Graduate Scholarship Program in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology have embarked on their academic journey at Osaka University with the opening of classes on October 2, 2023.
The scholars are the first cohort of the said collaborative scholarship program among the Osaka University, DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of DOST.
The graduate scholars, who have been personally screened by their academic professors, are currently enrolled at the Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology for their PhD by Research for three years. They are as follows:
| Name | Home Institution | Assigned Professor |
Ms. Abigail May O. Retuta | DOST-PCAARRD | Dr. Kazuhito Fujiyama |
Ms. Judee N. Nogodula | University of Southeastern Philippines | Dr. Takeshi Omasa |
Mr. John Kenneth T. Malilay | University of the Philippines Los Baños | Dr. Kohsuke Honda |
Mr. Johnry S. Maloles | University of the Philippines Los Baños | Dr. Kazuhito Fujiyama |
Apart from the usual scholarship entitlements, this collaborative program that fosters international collaboration and academic exchange looks into sustaining the momentum of the scholars’ research experience through a P10M re-entry research grant. They may access this grant after their graduation for implementation in their home institution.
Meanwhile, DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-SEI look to expand the scope of the scholarship program by involving other colleges and specializations outside of the Engineering Department in Osaka University.