THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology has forged partnership agreements with Griffith University in Australia to implement a joint doctorate scholarship program.

A memorandum of agreement was signed last month by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. and GU Global Vice President Professor Sarah Todd.

The scholarship program aims to support up to 17 Filipino researchers who wish to pursue their doctoral degrees in GU under the identified priority areas: soil ecology and water management, ecology and other related fields.

Solidum said the cooperation will advance the country’s efforts to develop a strong pool of Science and Technology human resource that will support inclusive and sustainable development.

He expressed hope that the program “will contribute to creating impactful research that will support the Philippine government’s overall efforts in food and water security, agricultural productivity, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.”

In June 2022, DOST and GU signed an umbrella memorandum of understanding that sought to pursue and develop scientific, technological, and research cooperation on health, ecological management, blue economy, and data science.