THE TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines and Sunway University of Malaysia collaborated to elevate the level of research through a series of forums and seminars.

Experts from the two schools plan to hold the first International Conference on Advanced Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies this year.

The TIP, through its TechnoCoRe Catalyst and International Relations Offices, is coordinating with Sunway’s Research Center for Nanomaterials and Energy Technology on the holding of the event that will gather professionals, scientific experts, researchers and scholars for an interactive forum later this year.

To boost the potential of faculty in educating students, the two universities completed a series of learning sessions themed “Faculty Mobility Through International Research Collaboration.”

Dr. Adarsh Kumar Pandey, the associate dean for engagement at Sunway University’s School of Engineering and Technology, was the keynote speaker in the seminars held in the school’s campuses in Quezon City and Manila.

Pandey underscored the value of collaborative research as it gathers different perspectives and skills and also provides an avenue to share available resources between schools, enriching the minds of educators and students in the process.

“Research is for the community, not only within the country, but for the global citizens. We try to solve problems for the global citizens,” he said. “Who collaborates well wins the race in terms of research publications, having product development, in terms of your reputation, and more exposure to your students and your faculties.”

TIP TechnoCoRe principal researcher Dr. Dranreb Earl Juanico and Dr. DJ Donn Matienzo, an expert in hydrogen technologies and electrochemistry from University of the Philippines-Diliman, also shared their experiences, insights and best practices in research.

Matienzo underwent post-graduate studies and worked for different companies in Europe before moving back to the Philippines through the ‘Balik Scientist’ program of the Department of Science and Technology.

Juanico, meanwhile, encouraged faculty members to take advantage of available opportunities to apply for scholarships overseas to help them develop a “growth mindset.”

The three-day seminar at TIP culminated in a plenary session with participants from Southville International School and Colleges, Manuel L. Quezon University, San Pablo Colleges, Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas, University of Luzon, Centro Escolar University and the National College of Business and Arts.