The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently awarded research grants to three scientists from Philippine universities to address industry-defined problems and needs.
Through its Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program, USAID awarded the Academic Grants for Industry-Led Applications, valued at P12 million ($240,000) in partnership with Integrated Microelectronics Inc. (IMI) and Del Monte Philippines.
The awardees include Dr. Gil Nonato Santos and Dr. Romeric Pobre of De La Salle University Manila who will work with IMI to develop low-cost medical devices.
Dr. Santos? work focuses on developing an easy-to-use electronic sensing device to quickly detect lung diseases while Dr. Pobre is developing a device using resonance phenomena for minimally-invasive therapy for muscular problems.
University of the Philippines Los Ba?os (UPLB) professor Dr. Antonio Laurena, meanwhile, will work with Del Monte to study the potential health benefits of pineapple plant waste.
USAID?s STRIDE project is implemented by RTI International, in collaboration with sub-grantees the University of Michigan?s William Davidson Institute, Florida State University, Rutgers University and local non-profit, Philippine Business for Education.
