Friday, March 29, 2024

US gov?t awards S&T grants to Filipino scholars, universities

The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), recognized 10 research scholars and 37 grant recipients in science, technology, and innovation.

Some of the scholars. Photo credit: Stride
Some of the scholars. Photo credit: Stride

The grants and scholarships were awarded by USAID?s Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (Stride) project, which boosts science and technology research in the Philippines to stimulate inclusive economic growth.

US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim personally acknowledged the individual scholars and the research grant recipients.

?Our grantees represent the best scientific minds in the Philippines,? said Kim. ?We look forward to the results of their research projects that will upgrade industries, generate jobs and investments, and build skills and capacities in communities, academic institutions, and companies.?

The awards included 24 P5 million, one-year research grants to Philippine universities to undertake collaborative research with US universities on disciplines that contribute to high-growth sectors, including electronics, chemical industries, alternative energy, agri-business, and information technology.

USAID also funded 10 prototype development research grants, valued at P1.15 million each, and three innovation development grants that address human development challenges, valued at about P4 million each.

The universities who received research grants include University of the Philippines-Diliman, Western Philippines University, University of Southeastern Philippines, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines.

USAID?s $32 million Stride project is the US government?s largest higher education project in the Philippines.

The five-year project strengthens the Philippines? capacity for innovation-led inclusive growth through strengthening applied research capabilities in Philippine universities and industries, and bolstering human capacity development in science, technology and innovation (STI).

To date, the project has awarded approximately $5.5 million in collaborative science, technology, and innovation research grants to more than 20 universities around the country.

It has awarded 56 scholarships to Filipinos to study in US universities, provided advanced technical training to scientists and researchers, and brought 28 US professors to visit the Philippines.

Stride is also establishing 10 knowledge and technology transfer offices at select universities in the Philippines.

The project is implemented by RTI International, in collaboration with sub-grantees including the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, Florida State University, Rutgers University, and local non-profit Philippine Business for Education. — PNA

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