DOST Revitalizes Neuroscience Research, Balik Scientist Program as Avenue for Experts

Neuroscience research has endless potential that can help the country in various means such as alleviating the mental health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, discovering new genetic mutations that cause brain diseases in Filipinos and exploring the medicinal potential of the country’s rich marine biodiversity.

The Department of Science and Technology Balik Scientist Program (BSP), Society for Pinoy Neuroscience Enthusiasts (SPiNE), and the GradMAP Philippines collectively endeavored to bridge experts abroad with the opportunities available in the country through a virtual webinar held last 25 September 2021. 

Dr. Charles Jourdan F. Reyes commenced the activity and introduced SPiNE as a group of Filipino Scientists forging culture collaboration, while the GradMap positively impacts the careers of aspiring STEM students in the Philippines by connecting them with a network of mentors. 

“By strengthening partnerships and collaborations among the healthcare sector, the government, the academe, the non-government organizations, and the citizenry, we are hoping to protect the rights and freedoms of persons affected by mental illnesses. With your help, our dear neuroscientists, educating the populace as well as boosting our capabilities to aid our people’s mental health will not only be wishful thinking,” said Secretary Fortunato de la Peña.

Despite the pandemic, BSP continues its goal in strengthening the science and technology ecosystem in the country through the implementation of an improved version of the Supplemental Guideline and Risk Management Plan, which provides alternative work arrangements for Balik Scientists. 

Mr. Paul Ernest De Leon of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development presented neuroscience programs of the councils where potential Balik Scientists can be engaged such as:

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Health;

• Omics Technology for Health (“OMICS”);

• Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies; and

• Diagnostics and Mental Health. 

Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Balik Scientist, hosted by the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, shared his take-home message that arriving as a Balik Scientist must be packed with a perspective of service. He expounded that giving back and serving the country does not come with the conveniences they have abroad, however it is a Balik Scientist’s task to use the competency gained abroad in building local transformation. 

Balik Scientist Dr. Saludes also showcased the transformations in the countryside, such as the establishment of four research centers at the University of San Agustin, and the development of local human resources. 

Six-time Balik Scientist Awardee Dr. Romulo De Castro Jr. also shared experiences of his engagements with the Balik Scientist Program. Further, he sought future collaborators in his ongoing research projects in biobanking, telehealth, and artificial intelligence.  

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, closed the program by encouraging the health experts to be part of the Balik Scientist Program, “We hope we were able to inspire you, and just like Dr. Saludes and Dr. de Castro, you would consider coming home and becoming a Balik Scientist to be a part of our country’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. We believe that in your hearts lie that innate sense of love of country, compelling you to share your ingenuity and give back to the Filipino people.”

Watch the full event here: DOST-Balik Scientist Program