By Richard Ybañez, Education Division and Audrei Anne Ybañez, UP NOAH Center
Representatives from the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) participated in the recent Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) Annual Scientific Conference and General Membership Assembly (ASC-GMA), which convened the country’s research community to advance discussions on ethical science, transdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building.
In attendance from UPRI were Mr. Richard Ybañez, Chief Science Research Specialist of the UPRI Education Division, and Ms. Audrei Anne Ybañez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the UP NOAH Center. Both are Associate Members of the NRCP Division of Space and Earth Sciences (Division XII).
The conference emphasized the growing importance of transdisciplinary approaches in research, highlighting how collaboration across fields strengthens the relevance, coherence, and long-term sustainability of scientific initiatives. Key messages underscored that while disciplinary expertise remains foundational, its full impact is realized when integrated toward a shared purpose addressing real-world challenges.
Discussions throughout the assembly reinforced the need to bridge research, policy, and practice, ensuring that scientific outputs translate into actionable solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Participants also explored how research communities can better align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while maintaining strong commitments to ethics, accountability, and responsible resource stewardship.
A recurring theme across keynote and panel sessions was the call to strengthen collaborative capacities across institutions and sectors, including the integration of science, technology, and even indigenous knowledge systems. This approach reflects a shift toward more holistic and inclusive frameworks for addressing complex national and global issues.
The event also highlighted the role of the research community in shaping the future of science in the Philippines, encouraging the development of pragmatic, solution-oriented outputs that respond directly to societal needs.
UPRI’s participation in the NRCP General Assembly reinforces its alignment with national research directions and its commitment to advancing evidence-based, ethical, and collaborative approaches in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. Engagement in platforms such as the NRCP GMA enables UPRI to contribute to and benefit from a broader network of scientific expertise, strengthening its role in addressing the country’s most pressing risks and challenges.
Learn more about the National Research Council of the Philippines here: https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/