UP Manila Kicks Off Science and Technology Week 2024, Launches Authorship Guidelines
Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila officially opened its 20th Science and Technology Week on Monday, November 18, 2024, celebrating two decades of breakthroughs in research and innovation. Hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), this year’s event adopted the theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan,” highlighting the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing Universal Health Care (UHC).
“This annual celebration of our research and extension initiatives underscores UP Manila’s role as the Health Sciences Center in championing Universal Health Care for every Filipino,” said Vice Chancellor for Research Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio. She emphasized that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to addressing the country’s health challenges.
“Our units bridge research to action in dentistry, nursing, and pharmaceutical systems, while advancing groundbreaking innovations such as point-of-care manufacturing of patient-specific devices. These initiatives affirm that UP Manila’s outputs not only contribute to policy development but also deliver real-world solutions that improve the lives of Filipinos,” Dalmacio added.
UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee commended the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), one of today’s host offices, for its dedication to strengthening research ethics and authorship practices. He stressed the importance of ethical processes in research. “Sapagkat nakasalalay sa isang may integridad na proseso kung papaano natin paniniwalaan ang mga lumalabas na datos, pag-aaral, at ang mga konklusyon kung saan magagamit natin para sa ating bayan.”
He added, “Sa susunod na mga araw, maririnig natin ang mga inobasyon, mga bagong tuklas, at mga datos na mula sa ating pamantasan. Higit pa sa kanilang presentasyon, marami tayong matututunan, hindi lamang upang makapagbigay ng ating nalalaman kundi para marinig din kung ano pa ang kayang gawin ng ating mga kasama sa pamantasan. Naniniwala ako na sa galing ng bawat isa sa atin, kung pinagsama-sama at naging complementary sa isa’t isa, tayo’y makakabuo ng mas magaganda pang mga inobasyon na lalong tutugon sa pangangailangan ng ating bayan.”
S&T Week 2024 Co-Chair Emerito Jose A. Faraon, director of the Research Management and Translation Office (RMTO) and head of the Research Grants Administration Office (RGAO) also encouraged participants to actively engage in the week’s activities. “This jam-packed, week-long event promises to unveil the latest discoveries and breakthroughs shaping the future of public health. Don’t miss out—be present, participate, and ask questions. Together, we can move forward with insight and collaboration,” he said.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the UP Manila Authorship Guidelines for Scientific Work, a groundbreaking initiative led by the ORI under the direction of Dr. Jean Anne B. Toral.
The manual covers critical topics such as defining authorship, managing collaborative projects, handling conflicts of interest, and navigating the challenges of authorship in the era of artificial intelligence. It also provides case scenarios and procedures for resolving authorship disputes within UP Manila.
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative process involving UP Manila researchers, staff, and external experts, with input from Professor Daniel Barr, Senior Research Integrity Officer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.
The manual will be made freely available to UP Manila constituents and colleagues from other institutions.
“The guidelines are designed for all UP Manila constituents, including faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, research, extension, and professional staff (REPS), and residents in training. While tailored for UP Manila, the manual is universally applicable and can address authorship concerns across academic institutions,” said Dr. Edward Wang, founding director of the ORI.
The UP Manila Science and Technology Week runs until Friday, featuring activities that are open to researchers, students, and the general public.
