United Kingdom government recognizes University of the Philippines scientists’ achievements

MANILA, Philippines — Two scientists at the University of the Philippines-Diliman were recognized by the British government for their contributions to Philippine research and development.

The UP College of Science said Pamela Louise Tolentino of the National Institute of Geological Sciences, and college dean Giovanni Tapang were among the Filipino scientists highlighted by the United Kingdom in their decade recap of joint scientific achievements with the Philippines.

Tolentino is a lead investigator in a joint project examining where rivers flow and how they change landscapes.

Tapang was recognized for his work last year in commercializing a portable learning device that allows students to conduct 120 chemistry, biology, environmental science and physics experiments.

The Newton Agham Fund, a component of the UK’s official development assistance program, bankrolls science and innovation partnerships that promote the Philippines’ economic development and social welfare.

It was launched in 2016 and aims to provide about P180 million funding for key research projects in health and life sciences, environmental resilience and energy security.

Filipino scientists have been collaborating with UK scientists since 2014 through scientific partnerships.