By Jareason Fabre

As part of MMSU’s goal of becoming a premier research university, the 2024 Agency In-House Research Review (AIHRR) commenced today, July 29, at the Center for Flexible Learning, evaluating 149 research studies. 

Annually organized by the Research Directorate (RD), the three-day AIHRR demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustaining a culture of innovation and research excellence by assessing, refining, and strategizing full-time researchers and faculty's completed and ongoing research outputs.  

RD Director Dionisio Bucao explained that the review process ensures research outputs align with the university’s R&D agenda and are thoroughly enhanced for regional, national, and international presentations with the guidance of an expert panel. Meanwhile, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, vice president for research, development, and innovation, urged the researchers to immediately publicize the information and technologies they generate to serve their purpose and bring positive change and impact.  

Reflecting on her ACHIEVE roadmap, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted the university’s accomplishments toward becoming a research university. As a researcher herself, she emphasized, “Research is the very lifeblood that courses through every fiber of MMSU.” She further encouraged the recalibration of research centers, the development of college niche projects, and increased knowledge and technology generation and dissemination.

Recognizing MMSU as the leading HEI in Region 1, Dr. Agrupis challenged the university and its future administration to aim higher. “We must continue to place MMSU on the global map as a leading research university,” she stated.

The research review is conducted in clusters including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, natural resources and environment (Session 1 with 41 papers), information technology, product development, engineering, health and wellness (Session 2 with 57 papers), and education, social sciences, humanities, culture and arts (Session 3 with 51 papers).  

This comprehensive review process is critical in ensuring the quality and impact of the research conducted at MMSU, paving the way for the university’s goal of becoming a research university.