Turning research into impactful applications is a shared responsibility, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said Monday.
Solidum said researchers, industry leaders, technology generators, entrepreneurs and policymakers must work together in enabling scientific and medical discoveries to be realized.
“Research utilization and commercialization are crucial to turning research into products and services that make a difference,” Solidum said during the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (PCHRD) anniversary in Pasay City.
Support systems are crucial in addressing limited resources, regulatory hurdles, and difficulties connecting with industry, he emphasized.
The DOST chief added that the value of research does not stop with the discovery, but also lies in its ability to empower communities and improve their lives.
“Is it merely about producing research outputs or volumes of publications, or is it about ensuring that the knowledge we generate leads to real-world solutions that meet our people’s needs?” he said.
Solidum commended the PCHRD for the 43 years of dedication to making lives better through research and development (R&D).
“The commercialization of health R&D initiatives brings opportunities to elevate healthcare systems and contribute to economic growth. Soon, locally developed vaccines, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic devices will become readily available, setting benchmarks on the international stage,” he added.
Solidum urged the audience to support the researchers, especially in market entry.
“I invite everyone here to look forward to a time when every Filipino benefits from the power of health R&D,” he said.
The PCHRD’s 43rd anniversary carried the theme, Building a Healthier and Wealthier Future through Advancing Research Utilization for Greater Impact, reflecting the DOST-attached agency’s commitment to promoting human well-being by ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into real-world solutions of real-world problems. (PNA)