CHED allots P500 M for ‘high impact’ research

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allotted up to P500 million to finance “high impact” research proposals that address various development issues in the country.

CHED said it will open 33 slots under the Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities (DARE TO) Grant-in-Aid program, which could provide funding of up to P15 million per research.

“DARE TO forms part of our continuing efforts to bolster productivity in high-end research and development in the Philippines. We are encouraging our institutions to take part and work together to develop technological innovations,” CHED chair Patricia Licuanan said.

“What is truly unique with this grant is the focus on building partnerships between institutions for the faster sharing of knowledge and expertise. We are taking this strategic and inclusive approach in building-up the capability of our universities and colleges to produce quality and high-impact research,” she added.

CHED said the research grants aims to stimulate strong collaborative research and innovation ventures and sustainable partnerships for extension activities, giving education institutions’ faculty and staff members a chance to participate and contribute in research work.

It should be an inter- or trans-disciplinary research with one unifying theme such as food production and security; environment, disaster risk reduction, climate change and energy; terrestrial and marine resources; economy, biodiversity and conservation; smart analytics and engineering innovations; health systems; and education for science, technology, engineering, agri-fisheries and mathematics.

CHED said up to 15 faculty research team members from a partnership of different higher education institutions may take part in the program.

Deadline for submission of proposals is on Sept. 15.

Last year, a total 76 proposals were approved under the funding.