DOST-Balik Scientist Program

22/07/2026

𝗖𝗦𝗨 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

Caraga State University (CSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD), highlighted the lasting impact of the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program through the Exit Report Presentation of Dr. Anthony B. Halog, Professor at The University of Queensland, on July 15, 2026.

22/07/2026

𝘼 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝

As part of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist Program, the University of the Cordilleras will host an in-house seminar on July 24, 2026 at the UC Auditorium featuring our Balik Scientist, Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica who is also a Professor of Analytical Chemistry and the Associate Director for Forensic Science at Pace University, New York City.

The morning session will focus on 𝗔𝗜-𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. This seminar will explore the integration of artificial intelligence, chemometrics, and advanced data analytics in forensic science and laboratory applications.

While afternoon session will dive into 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. And, it will be facilitated By Dr. Mojica alongside Mr. Ralph Lauren Alomia and Ms. Hazel Joyce Ramirez from the University of the Philippines.

To our delegates, expect to elevate your expertise while connecting with other professionals in the field. It will be a day of transformative learning, collaboration, and professional development!

𝘼 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝

As part of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist Program, the University of the Cordilleras will host an in-house seminar on July 24, 2026 at the UC Auditorium featuring our Balik Scientist, Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica who is also a Professor of Analytical Chemistry and the Associate Director for Forensic Science at Pace University, New York City.

The morning session will focus on 𝗔𝗜-𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. This seminar will explore the integration of artificial intelligence, chemometrics, and advanced data analytics in forensic science and laboratory applications.

While, the afternoon session will dive into 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. And, it will be facilitated By Dr. Mojica alongside Mr. Ralph Lauren Alomia and Ms. Hazel Joyce Ramirez from the University of the Philippines.

To our delegates, expect to elevate your expertise while connecting with other professionals in the field. It will be a day of transformative learning, collaboration, and professional development!

22/07/2026

The UP Marine Science Institute, Philippine Genome Center, and the DOST Balik Scientist Program (through Dr. Andrian Gajigan) invite you to apply for the Virus Bioinformatics Workshop, a free, in-person training that will be held on August 25–26, 2026, at the Training Room of the Philippine Genome Center, UP Diliman.
🔎 Learn how to recover, identify, and analyze phages and giant viruses from metagenomic data as well as 🔎 RNA viruses from metatranscriptomic data.
Applications are now open until July 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by August 7, 2026. The workshop is open to Filipino students and researchers. Participants must be based in the Philippines and able to commit to attending the full two-day workshop at UP Diliman, as there will be no online component.
Submit your application here: bit.ly/MSIPGCVirusBioinformaticsWorkshop

21/07/2026

Join the Atomic Research Division Lecture Series Webinar as we explore the exciting field of terahertz spectroscopy and its growing role in nuclear science and research. ⚛️
🔬 Terahertz Spectroscopy: Introduction and Application in Nuclear Research
🗓 Date: July 23, 2026 (Thursday)
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM (Philippine Time)
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams (Online) (Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/490664758402394...)
🎙 Speaker: Balik Scientist Dr. Verdad C. Agulto
Hosted by the Applied Physics Research Section (APRS), this webinar will provide an introduction to terahertz spectroscopy, its fundamental principles, and its emerging applications in nuclear research and advanced materials characterization.
Whether you're a researcher, student, or science enthusiast, this lecture offers an excellent opportunity to learn about a rapidly advancing analytical technique with broad applications in science and technology.🤩
We look forward to seeing you!✨

Join the Atomic Research Division Lecture Series Webinar as we explore the exciting field of terahertz spectroscopy and its growing role in nuclear science and research. ⚛️

🔬 Terahertz Spectroscopy: Introduction and Application in Nuclear Research
🗓 Date: July 23, 2026 (Thursday)
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM (Philippine Time)
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams (Online) (Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/490664758402394?p=GDjSeyDm6SdGqgVWtJ)
🎙 Speaker: DOST PCIEERD Balik Scientist Verdad C. Agulto, Ph.D.

Hosted by the Applied Physics Research Section (APRS), this webinar will provide an introduction to terahertz spectroscopy, its fundamental principles, and its emerging applications in nuclear research and advanced materials characterization.

Whether you're a researcher, student, or science enthusiast, this lecture offers an excellent opportunity to learn about a rapidly advancing analytical technique with broad applications in science and technology. 🤩

We look forward to seeing you!✨

19/07/2026

𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐨 𝐄. 𝐌𝐨𝐣𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
In a major stride to expand its global academic footprint and elevate regional research to international standards, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), under the leadership of Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, is set to host Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica for the 2026 Balik Scientist Program this August. This initiative will be spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (OVPRE), through its Research Development and Evaluation Center (RDEC), in partnership with the College of Science and Mathematics- Department of Chemistry (CSM-DoC).
Backed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the DOST Balik Scientist Program, this engagement promises a month filled with high-impact capacity building, specialized mentorship, and collaborative innovation. The program underscores WMSU’s commitment to cultivating globally competitive research, strengthening scientific expertise, and forging meaningful international collaborations that contribute to national and regional development.
𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭
For Dr. Mojica, this engagement is more than just a professional visit; it is a true homecoming. As a proud alumnus of the WMSU Laboratory High School, his return to his alma mater exemplifies the very heart of the Balik Scientist Program, giving back to the community and the institution where his academic journey began.
Dr. Mojica brings a wealth of global expertise to WMSU. He currently serves as a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at PACE University in New York. Known as an innovative and engaging lecturer in both undergraduate and graduate studies, his presence is highly anticipated by WMSU's academic community.
As an active researcher, his work heavily focuses on instrumental analysis with broad applications across chemistry, food science, and environmental sectors.
𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The provisional schedule of activities is packed with specialized events designed to maximize Dr. Mojica’s expertise across multiple disciplines:
Week 1: AI Integration & Local Project Mentorship
● August 3–4: The engagement officially kicks off with a two-day Training-Workshop on AI in Research and Education.
● August 5–7: Dr. Mojica will dive into a Project Mentorship Series directly assisting local WMSU research teams. Mentorship topics include Microplastics (August 5), Amino Acid and Fatty Acid of ZamPen Native Chicken (August 6), and the Characterization of Subterranean Termites (August 7). Mentorship will also cover PVA/ZnO Composites.
● August 8: The week wraps up with a "Chemustahan" session.
Week 2: Manuscript Generation & Consultations
●August 10: Consultation on research with faculty and students.
●August 11–12: Continuation of the Project Mentorship Series II.
●August 13–14: A highly anticipated Training-Workshop on Data Interpretation and Journal Manuscript Preparation, coordinated through RDEC-DPCMU.
●August 15: ISLA Project Visit to Sta. Cruz Island.
Week 3: Advanced Chemistry & Proposal Packaging
●August 17–18: Training on Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science.
●August 19: Training Workshop on Research Proposal Packaging to help secure future grant funding.
● August 20: Reverse Pitching event.
Week 4: Culmination
●August 24: The month-long engagement formally concludes with the Exit Conference and Output Presentations, where the fruits of this international collaboration will be showcased to university and DOST officials.
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
WMSU researchers, faculty, and students are highly encouraged to participate in this rare opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a leading global expert.
For more information, you may email at [email protected] or [email protected]. (Dr. Najeeb S. Abdulla, II)

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨? 🔬🧪
Join the Justice Through Science Project for an engaging lecture on Forensic Chemistry, the corner of forensic science that uses chemical principles and analytical techniques to deal with unknown substances and unmask their true identity.
📅 July 21, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (PHT)
💻 Via Zoom Conference
🎙️ Resource Speaker
Dr. Elmer-Rico Mojica
PROFESSOR, Associate Director of Forensic Science Program, Pace University, New York
DOST BALIK SCIENTIST 2026
Together, let us learn the intricasies of Forensic Chemistry as Dr. Elmer-Rico Mojica shares his knowledge and expertise on the analysis of different pieces of physical evidence.
⚠️ Limited slots are available. Please ensure your participation by registering through the link provided below.
🔗 https://uc-bcf-edu-ph.zoom.us/.../8HwhMuG-RjmNK8DNUDpdyA
Don't miss this opportunity to look deeper and analyze how a drop of substance can turn a whole case around or how a tiny fracture in the window can reconstruct the crime scene. Let science speak for these silent witnesses—because every evidence left behind has a story to unfold and justice to serve.

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨? 🔬🧪

Join the Justice Through Science Project for an engaging lecture on Forensic Chemistry, the corner of forensic science that uses chemical principles and analytical techniques to deal with unknown substances and unmask their true identity.

📅 July 21, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (PHT)
💻 Via Zoom Conference

🎙️ Resource Speaker
Dr. Elmer-Rico Mojica
PROFESSOR, Associate Director of Forensic Science Program, Pace University, New York
DOST BALIK SCIENTIST 2026

Together, let us learn the intricasies of Forensic Chemistry as Dr. Elmer-Rico Mojica shares his knowledge and expertise on the analysis of different pieces of physical evidence.

⚠️ Limited slots are available. Please ensure your participation by registering through the link provided below.

🔗 https://uc-bcf-edu-ph.zoom.us/meeting/register/8HwhMuG-RjmNK8DNUDpdyA

Don't miss this opportunity to look deeper and analyze how a drop of substance can turn a whole case around or how a tiny fracture in the window can reconstruct the crime scene. Let science speak for these silent witnesses—because every evidence left behind has a story to unfold and justice to serve.

13/07/2026

𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝟒.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

On 07 July 2026, Dr. Gabriel Sampedro, a short-term Balik Scientist hosted by DOST MIRDC, presented his exit report titled, "𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙆𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙖-𝙆𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖-𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖: 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 4.0 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨.”

With his expertise in blockchain systems, artificial intelligence, industrial IoT, and real-time embedded systems, Dr. Sampedro demonstrated how Industry 4.0 technologies can transform academe, businesses, and government through stronger collaboration and innovation.

Throughout his engagement, he worked closely with MSMEs through production site consultations, technology assessments, and capacity-building initiatives across the furniture, leathercraft, defense, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. His efforts promoted greater collaboration among industry, academe, and government, accelerating technology adoption and improving productivity.

Dr. Sampedro's Balik Scientist engagement reflects how global expertise can strengthen local industries, boost national competitiveness, and help build a more innovative, resilient, and future-ready Philippines.

13/07/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻

Join us for the 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐁𝐒𝐏) 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐄𝐑𝐏) titled TULAY: Connecting Sustainability, Industry, and Academe
We are warmly inviting faculty members, researchers, and students, to attend the Exit Presentation of Dr. Maria Rosario Chan, a Balik Scientist Program (BSP) awardee of the DOST - PCIEERD.
Hosted by the UP Diliman Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Chan will be sharing her insights into how knowledge can be transformed into real-world progress by bridging the gap between academe and industry through sustainability.
📅July 14, 2026 (Tuesday)
⏰1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Philippine Standard Time (registration starts at 1:00 PM)
📍Online (via Zoom)
Register for the event by scanning the QR code in the event poster or by using the following link:
🔗Registration link: tinyurl.com/BSPExitChan
One Bridge. Many Paths. Shared Impact.

[DOST Balik Scientist Program Exit Report Presentation - Dr. Maria Rosario Chan]

Join us for the 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐁𝐒𝐏) 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐄𝐑𝐏) titled TULAY: Connecting Sustainability, Industry, and Academe

We are warmly inviting faculty members, researchers, and students, to attend the Exit Presentation of Dr. Maria Rosario Chan, a Balik Scientist Program (BSP) awardee of the DOST - PCIEERD.

Hosted by the UP Diliman Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Chan will be sharing her insights into how knowledge can be transformed into real-world progress by bridging the gap between academe and industry through sustainability.

📅July 14, 2026 (Tuesday)
⏰1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Philippine Standard Time (registration starts at 1:00 PM)
📍Online (via Zoom)

Register for the event by scanning the QR code in the event poster or by using the following link:
🔗Registration link: tinyurl.com/BSPExitChan

One Bridge. Many Paths. Shared Impact.

05/07/2026

From Kanya-Kanya to Sama-Sama: Making Industry 4.0 Work for the Philippines
Join us as we discover how Industry 4.0 can help shape a more competitive and future-ready Philippines as Dr. Gabriel Sampedro shares his insights in his exit presentation.
Date: 7 July 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Stay tuned to this page to join our live broadcast.
Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory

From Kanya-Kanya to Sama-Sama: Making Industry 4.0 Work for the Philippines

Join us as we discover how Industry 4.0 can help shape a more competitive and future-ready Philippines as Dr. Gabriel Sampedro shares his insights in his exit presentation.

Date: 7 July 2026
Time: 1:00 PM

Stay tuned to this page to join our live broadcast.

Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory