The Philippines and Italy are set to forge scientific cooperation on various strategic areas.
“As we continue to expand our STI (science, technology, innovation) international partnerships, we are keen on pursuing further synergies with Italy. The Department of Science and Technology is hoping to maximize opportunities for its stakeholders through joint undertakings with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and its attached institutions,” DOST Usec. Rowena Guvera said.
The DOST, she said, envisions to further accelerate the country’s bilateral relations with Italy, not just in the field of health, but also in other strategic and common areas of interest, such as biomedical research, food, fashion and textile, furniture research and development (R&D), biodiversity for climate change, and quantum computing.
Guevara led the DOST delegation that visited key officials of MUR last April 29. Both parties are looking at joint R&D activities, capacity building through student exchanges and workshops, scientific visits of experts, and promotion of collaboration between scientific institutions and organizations of both countries.
She said during the discussion, both parties agreed there would be no cross-border financing. The DOST will provide the necessary funding for Filipino researchers, and the MUR will do the same for Italian experts.
Italy was identified as among the DOST’s priority international partners due to its portfolio and strength in STI.
Recognizing Italy’s portfolio and strength in the field of STI, it was identified as one of the department’s priority international partners in 2017.
Guevara pointed out Italy’s various strengths, and the R&D initiatives that DOST-attached agencies could learn from and collaborate with them. – PNA
