Korean scholarships await Pinoy scientists

The Korean government will begin to offer scholarship programs to Filipino scientists and researchers next year as part of the memorandum of understanding on basic research collaboration signed between the Korea Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP).

NRCP president Olivia Caoili said the partnership aims to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation through joint research and development, exchange visits and training courses, exchange of experts and technical workshops and seminars.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano Yumul said this partnership opens a lot of possibilities for collaborative studies through exchange of scholars, use of laboratories, and co-funding support.

Caoili said the two parties agreed to conduct joint research on basic research in governmental, educational and international policies; mathematical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological, chemical engineering, industrial, social, space and earth sciences; agriculture and forestry; physics, and humanities.

She said interested universities in the country may now submit proposals to the NRCP for future endorsement, adding that these proposals “must be worthy of support.”

Under the MOU, the international travel expenses of the scientists will be shouldered by the sending partner while the receiving partner will provide “local hospitality.”

“With the consent of both partners, either partner may send a working group of two or three persons to the other partner for detailed consultations on a case-to-case basis,” it stated.

Caoili said the two governments will also create an “Asian Research Area” where problems affecting the region will be studied.

The NRCP currently has more than 3,000 Filipino scientist-members. It is one of the two advisory bodies on science and technology under the supervision of DOST.

It is mandated to promote and support fundamental or basic research for the continuing improvement of the research capability of individual or group scientists; foster linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced cooperation in the development and sharing of scientific information; provide advice on problems and issues of national interest; and promote scientific and technological culture to all sectors of society.