FOR their key contributions in strengthening several research and development programs, three universities were recipients of the Outstanding Science and Technology Partner Award for Academic Institutions given by the Department of Science and Technology.

These are the Central Luzon State University, Philippine Genome Center of the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University.

DOST said they were recognized for their outstanding contribution and dynamic collaboration in science, technology and innovation.

“These universities were cited for pioneering relevant scientific knowledge, innovative and commercially viable technologies which helped sustain the economic progress of various industry sectors and eventually, the Filipino people,” the department said.

It said CLSU played vital roles in the implementation of its R&D and technology transfer initiatives as one of the active and reliable partners of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

Meanwhile, the UP’s PGC is known for its excellence in gene discovery and genomics research which effectively translates knowledge into applications beneficial to Philippine society.

Lastly, the award given to DLSU was proof of the strong partnership with DOST that contributed to its standing as the sole private higher education institution in the country to be listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The Outstanding S&T Award for Academic Institution was one of the 15 other categories of the SFTP Awards that were given to different development partners, both in the public and private sectors, in recognition of their outstanding contributions towards improving the lives of Filipinos as the DOST continuously pursues its mantra, Science for the People.