A PROFESSOR from the University of the Philippines Diliman was conferred the Encouragement Award by the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award for her research on the use of kapok fiber.

Professor Mary Donnabelle Balela of the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering was recognized for her research entitled “Development of Efficient and Customizable Kapok Fiber Adsorbents for Water Treatment Applications.”

Hitachi Global Foundation said that the award program was launched in 2020 to promote science, technology and innovation that contributes to solving social issues and realizing a sustainable society in the ASEAN region.

“Eighteen universities in the region were invited to submit Research and Development results that contribute to the following targets of Sustainable Development Goals — End Hunger and Good Health and Well-being,” Hitachi said.

“It recognizes individuals and groups that undeniably served public interests through their outstanding achievements in research and development in the fields of science and technology,” it added.