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The University of Guelph and DOST-PCAARRD to explore research partnerships and scholarship opportunities
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The University of Guelph and DOST-PCAARRD to explore research partnerships and scholarship opportunities

Delegates from Canada’s University of Guelph (UofG) met with officials and representatives of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on March 26, 2025, in Los Baños, Laguna, to explore potential research and capacity-building collaborations. 

Dr. Ben Bradshaw, Assistant Vice-President of Graduate Studies of University of Guelph (UofG), Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, Officer-in-Charge of Office of the Executive Director, and Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of IDD during the discussion (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)

UofG is among the top-ranking universities in the world for its programs in veterinary sciences, agriculture, dairy and animal science, and food science and technology. Among their flagship programs is the Collaborative Specialization in One Health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

DOST-PCAARRD Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the Council's commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations. She expressed optimism about UofG becoming a key partner in the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) program, which supports Filipino researchers pursuing advanced studies abroad.

In response, Dr. Ben Bradshaw, Assistant Vice-President of Graduate Studies at UofG, shared the university’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in research and education. He lauded DOST-PCAARRD’s contributions to advancing AANR research in the Philippines and reiterated UofG’s interest in exploring joint research initiatives and capacity-building programs.

(From left to right: Ms. Cyrill E. Lim, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division, (PCMD), Ms. Katrina Kae S. Principe, Supervising Science Research Specialist of PCMD, Ms. Dianne Therese E. Dizon of the Institution Development Division (IDD), Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of IDD, Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, Officer-in-Charge of Office of the Executive Director, Dr. Ben Bradshaw, Assistant Vice-President of Graduate Studies of University of Guelph (UofG), Dr. Grace Nichol, PhD Graduate in Epidemiology & One Health of UofG, Dr. Carina Lang, Research Administrator, and Dr. Winifredo B. Dagli, Associate Professor of UPLB) (Image credit: ACD, DOST-PCAARRD)

The meeting centered on how DOST-PCAARRD and UofG could collaborate under the iGREAT program. Part of the initial discussions included identifying and matching priority fields and scholarship opportunities. Both parties agreed that efforts would be made to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership and lay the groundwork for future collaborative projects.

According to Dr. Bradshaw, UofG has about USD 186.2 million in its research funding portfolio, which supports studies in key areas such as food security, antimicrobial resistance, disease management, sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health.

This engagement marks a significant step toward strengthening international research collaborations. It reinforces the shared commitment of DOST-PCAARRD, UPLB, and UofG to academic excellence and scientific advancements that will drive innovation and sustainable development in the Philippines.