DOST eyes more Balik scientists

MANILA, Philippines — Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said that they are aiming to significantly increase the number of overseas-based Filipino scientists they bring back to the country to help more state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private higher educational institutions (HEIs), as well as the DOST’s various research and development institutions (RDIs) embark on bigger and better research and development (R&D) projects.

The signing of Republic Act No. 11035 or the Balik Scientist Law by President Duterte last June 15, the DOST could give more incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers even for a limited period of time to share their expertise in the country.

“This year, we have 40 Balik Scientists. With the law, we hope to make a significant increase in the number of our foreign-based scientists,” Dela Pena told S&T reporters in a press briefing for the opening of the 2018 National Science and Technology Week being celebrated at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

“Right now, we’re looking at increasing the number by 50 percent starting next year, for three years,” he added.

Since its implementation, several scientists have come back to the country on short- and long-term basis to mentor science and engineering students and faculty along their line of expertise through research and development, teaching, and other activities. This sharing of expertise significantly contributed to the acceleration of the scientific, agro-industrial and economic development of the country.

Increasing the number of overseas-based Filipino scientists will complement the DOST’s push to address the inequality in the granting of R&D funds by the DOST to SUCs and HEIs.

“There are about 2,000 degree granting institutions and less than 100, or just 83 have availed of our R&D grants,” Dela Pena said.

Last year, the DOST had tapped nine other SUCs and HEIs to participate in their large-scale new drug discovery research and development program. Previously, the program only had the University of the Philippines-College of Medicine in Manila getting the drug discovery R&D grants.