Invitation to the 2008 National Symposium on Science and Technology

In conjunction with the Loyalty Day celebrations, the University is hosting the First PCASTRD National Symposium on Science and Technology (NSST 2008) with the theme “Harnessing the Human Capital for Innovation in S&T.” The Symposium, which will be held on October 8-9, 2008 at the SEARCA Building, offers an opportunity for the dissemination of the vision of the National Innovation Strategy to a wider audience including the academe such as UPLB, and professional and scientific organizations, to generate active participation and support from as many sectors as possible and ensure its success. The NSST 2008 provides a venue for healthy discussions, not only about the innovation plan but about the state of S&T in general, and the importance of harnessing the human capital in advancing S&T in the country.

The Symposium adopts this theme as it also gathers the scholar-graduates of the PCASTRD HRDP who have become scientists and professionals in their respective fields. These scholars can serve as a strong resource base for the innovation of new S&T products and ideas through collaborative research, and can be tapped for other professional endeavors in support of the various programs of PCASTRD such as graduate mentoring and networking. This assembly of scholar-graduates of PCASTRD aims to produce an action agenda that details the major thrusts in collaborative research in pure and applied science and mathematics. The meeting will also define other
relevant activities for the professional advancement of its members.

The exhibits and the plenary and parallel sessions of the Symposium are open to the public, while special invitation is given to all current and former scholars of the PCASTRD Human Resource Development
Program. There will be no registration fee but interested participants are requested to e-mail Dr. Virgilio Sison (IMSP) at vpsison@uplb.edu.ph and/or Ms. Aileen N. Bayot (BIOTECH) at aileenbayot@gmail.com to indicate their intention to attend.

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

I hereby indicate my intention to attend the PCASTRD National
Symposium on S&T on October 8-9, 2008 at U.P. Los Baños.

Date:
Name:
Highest Degree Attained:
Occupation/Affiliation:
Address:
PCASTRD Scholar: Yes/No
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DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro is expected to deliver the main
plenary speech on Wednesday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. This will be
followed immediately with the formal signing of the Memorandum of
Agreement between DOST and UPLB on the five-million peso PCASTRD
Institution Development Grant for the development of the materials
physics laboratory in UPLB. The second plenary speech scheduled at
3:00 pm will be given by Academician Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, an
expert on marine natural products, biochemistry and biomedical sciences.

On Thursday, October 9 at 9:00 am, Balik Scientist Dr. Amador C.
Muriel will deliver the third plenary talk on theoretical physics.
This will be followed by parallel talks on life sciences and physical
sciences. Outstanding Young Scientists Dr. Hayde F. Galvez (molecular
genetics and plant breeding) and Prof. Jaderick P. Pabico (computer
science) are among those invited to give talks during the parallel
sessions. Dr. Ida F. Dalmacio, former PCASTRD Executive Director and
current Director of BIOTECH will give the fourth plenary talk.

The NSST 2008 Local Organizing Committee is chaired by Dr. Virgilio P.
Sison (IMSP), with Dr. Zita VJ Albacea (INSTAT) as vice-chair, and Dr.
Maxima E. Flavier (IC), Dr. Lorele C. Trinidad (BIOTECH), Dr.
Veronica P. Migo (BIOTECH), Dr. Severina B. Exconde (BIOTECH) and Ms.
Aileen N. Bayot (BIOTECH) as members.