By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

Nurturing a vibrant research culture in the university, Mariano Marcos State University is evaluating various research proposals of its faculty and full-time researchers through the 2022 Agency In-House Review that started today, June 21. 

Organized by the MMSU Research Directorate, the activity looks into research proposals which can be approved for implementation and granted with funding through the university’s general appropriations for research services. 

A total of 50 research proposals are being accommodated in this year’s in-house research proposal review, which is held online and in-person at the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center - Conference Room and at the One Stop Information Shop at the Crops Research Laboratory. 

Categorized into six themes, 27 proposals are under the Humanities, Social Sciences, Communications and Education, 12 are on Natural Resources Conservation and Management, five on Information Technology; three on Tuklas-Lunas Development; two on Research and Innovative Materials and Emerging Applications; and one under Garlic and other Agri-condiments. The research review will continue on June 22 and 24. 

Research director Bjorn Santos said the annual research review provides support for the production and dissemination of information and content that shall be within the priority areas as listed in the University-wide R&D Agenda. “This activity also fosters collaboration among faculty and full-time researchers across disciplines, and enables them to advance their research capabilities,” he added. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commended the Research Directorate for organizing the activity, and the faculty and full-time researchers for their commitment in conducting relevant and applicable research through the years. 

She further challenged the directorate to come up with data analytics and engage in meta-analyses of the university’s research projects “to have a clearer view of our accomplishments as well as the gaps we still need to address.” 

“There is more work to be done, but if we help each other, we will reach our goal to become a research university that yields meaningful impact in our communities,” PSCA urged. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)