AN OFFICIAL  of the University of Santo Tomas has received the 2025 Gregorio Zara Award for Basic Science Research from the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PHILAAST).

Professor Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD, Dean of the UST College of Science, was recognized for his significant contributions to freshwater science in the Philippines, particularly in freshwater zooplankton taxonomy and systematics, ecology, and limnology.

The award was conferred during PHILAAST’s annual convention held at the Manila Hotel on September 11, 2025.

“For more than a decade, he has been at the forefront of freshwater research, currently leading a Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines project on the ecological health assessment of the Cagayan River,” UST said.

“He is also preparing to begin a study on copepod-bacteria-phage interactions and their possible role in controlling Vibrio cholerae,” it added.

In a statement, Papa expressed gratitude to his mentors, students, collaborators, and family, citing their support as his source of inspiration and motivation.

Aside from his research work, Papa is also an academic leader, teaching at the UST Graduate School, serving on the Faculty Council, and contributing as a researcher at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.