2023 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program PhD in Tropical Medicine

Overview

The mission of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM), Mahidol University―SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand is to address health system needs by developing and strengthening capacity for health research through teaching and research for advanced knowledge in tropical medicine. Hence, both institutions agreed to collaborate on the development and implementation of a Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program (FGSP) in Tropical Medicine.

The FGSP-TropMed offers exciting opportunities for research training particularly on tropical diseases. The program aims to provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain graduate degrees abroad and develop a pool of high-quality human resources who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development.

Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine

The three-year multidisciplinary program offers broad areas in Tropical Medicine including Protozoology, Helminthology, Medical Entomology, Microbiology and Immunology, Social and Environmental Medicine, Tropical Hygiene, Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Tropical Pathology and Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics focusing on active learning experience in well-equipped laboratory and at field site to equip graduates with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in Tropical Medicine.

Capacity

One (1) position for the PhD program will be available each year at FTM Mahidol University―SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand (subject to the availability of funds).

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must:

be a Filipino citizen;
be in good health condition;
not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
have completed MSc degree in related field of study;
have an outstanding academic record;
have passed the admission requirements of Mahidol University for the PhD study;
have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
have research interests aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA);
conduct their research for the entire duration of the scholarship and PhD Program; and
be willing to render the required service obligation for a period equivalent to twice the length of time or a fraction thereof that they enjoyed the PhD scholarship.

Scholarship Privileges

Tuition and other school fees;
Living allowance;
Book allowance;
Outright dissertation grant;
Travel/Health and accident insurance;
One round-trip economy fare from residence to Thailand (start and end of the scholarship period only); and
Pre-departure expenses (one-time only)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Admission to Mahidol University’s Graduate Program	The applicant must apply and be accepted by the FTM Mahidol University―SEAMEO TROPMED Thailand for their chosen program. You may get in touch with their admission office via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. After submitting your application to Mahidol University, please send your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.* for initial evaluation/screening.
Scholarship Application	The applicant must submit the necessary requirements for the Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program to DOST-PCHRD
Document Screening	Documentary evaluation of the accomplished form and other requirements
Technical Interview	Technical interview by a panel composed of representatives from DOST-PCHRD, and other health research experts to assess: Academic background and learning ability Capacity for completing the study Possibility of contributing to the development of the country Compatibility to the university course
Final Selection	The panel will identify the successful PhD student among the candidates interviewed.

Note: An Applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.

2023 TIMELINE

April	Opening of Call for Applications
May 31	Application deadline (Applicants must have already applied and submitted the requirements for admission to Mahidol University’s Graduate Program and DOST-PCHRD scholarship program.)
June 15	Document screening and Panel interview
June 26	Announcement of the accepted candidate
June-July	Preparation of necessary documents (visa, insurance, bank account, etc.) and signing of scholarship agreement
July	Orientation of Scholar and Departure
August 7	Start of PhD program

HOW TO APPLY

Program Admission

Requirements – Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine (Plan2)

https://graduate.mahidol.ac.th/inter/prospective-students/?p=curriculum&id=4801D02G

Online Application

Please visit, https://graduate.mahidol.ac.th/admission-inter/login.php or contact them via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

*After submitting your application to Mahidol University, please send your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for initial evaluation/screening

Scholarship Application

Requirements

Curriculum vitae (CV)
Accomplished Application form with recent ID picture
Endorsement letters from two (2) former professors in the MSc Program
If employed:
- Certificate of Employment
- Recommendation letter from Head of Agency
- Permission to take a leave of absence (LOA) while on scholarship
Testamurs for all qualifications undertaken (i.e. Certificate of Master’s Degree)
Transcript of records (Certified true copy)
Accomplished Re-entry Action Plan form (narrative)
Letter of Admission from Mahidol University
Program of Study/Course Curriculum

The applicant who was able to pass the interview will be asked to submit the following:

PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy)
Valid NBI Clearance (Original)
Medical Certificate as to health status from a licensed physician with their PRC license number indicated

The applicant who will be accepted in the program will be asked to submit the following before departure to Thailand:

Budgetary Requirements – attach at least three (3) airfare and three (3) health and accident insurance canvasses (include respective website references)

Submission of documents:

For advance (scanned) copy of documents, send via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Subject: 2023 PhD TropMed Application_(Surname, First Name)

For hard copy of documents, send to:

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (℅ Ms. Ellaine Perez)

Executive Director III, DOST-PCHRD

DOST-PCHRD Office, Saliksik Bldg., Sikap St., DOST Compound,

Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines

For any other inquiries, please email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Intellectual Property and Technology Management Program (IPTM)

The Council does not only support the generation of health technologies but also caters to the protection, management, and utilization of these innovations. Through its Intellectual Property and Technology Management unit (IPTM), it offers a wide variety of services that will move your health technology from the lab to market launch.

1. Intellectual Property Protection And Management Of Health Research Outputs Program (IProtech)

The IPROTECH Program aims to provide IP-related services and assistance to PCHRD RHRDC members to help them protect, commercialize, and manage their health innovations.

The program includes the following:

(1) Development of an institutional IP policy – Proposals under this category may include capacity-building activities aimed at improving the institution’s awareness and appreciation of the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (RA 10055) and DOST IP Policy. RDIs may invite their own resource speakers. PCHRD may also suggest potential resource speakers upon request of RDIs. Expected output is a drafted institutional IP Policy or an improved institutional IP Policy that is aligned with RA 10055 and DOST IP Policy.

(2) Establishment of institutional technology transfer processes – Assistance in establishing institutional technology transfer protocols is also provided under the program. RDIs may select their own mentors or request for recommendations from PCHRD. Expected output is a drafted institutional technology transfer protocol.

(3) Securing IP protection – RDIs belonging to PCHRD’s RHRDC with health innovations may apply for IP protection assistance. PCHRD may provide assistance in the filing of patent, utility model, PCT, NPE, trademark, industrial design, and copyright applications. Duly signed and notarized MOA with corresponding LIB, Research Agreements and Research Collaboration Agreements will be required.

(4) Securing IP valuation and FTO reports – PCHRD may also assist RHRDC members in obtaining valuation and FTO reports for their health innovations prior to commercialization. RDIs may seek recommendations for firms from PCHRD.

(5) Drafting licensing agreements – Proposals under this category may include payment for legal services pertaining to the review and drafting of licensing agreements.

2. Startup Research Grant Program (SGP)

In support of the operationalization of RA 11337, PCHRD created a Startup Research Grant Program under DOST SGF that aims to support research activities of startups in the health sector. It will provide financial support to qualified startups to conduct research activities aimed at:

1.Overcoming R&D roadblocks;
2.Strengthening intellectual property (IP);
3.Establishing initial market traction;
4.Refining business model; and/or
5.Scaling up production.

3. TEKI in Health or Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health

TEKI in Health or Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health, will aim to assist researchers and research institutions who plan to have their health or health care innovations utilized through community adoption or creation of spin-off companies. The program has two kinds of TEKI Hubs:

(1)Community-based hubs (Community-based incubation for delivery of healthcare innovations) – Communities which implement innovations in health care delivery, embodying the principles of universal health care.

How to avail

This program can be availed by institutions and health researchers who have outputs from PCHRD-funded and monitored projects with potential for intellectual property protection and eventual commercialization.

Services offered:

1.Entrepreneurship mentoring
2.Documentation of Best Practices
3.Legal Counseling
4.Business Development and Marketing Assistance
5.Introduction to Networks

(2)Institution-based hubs (Technology Business Incubator for Health Technologies) – These are institutions where health innovation ideas are validated, incubated, and nurtured until these health innovations are ready for adoption by intended end-users.

Services offered:

1.Customer discovery assistance
2.Rapid prototyping and testing
3.Clinical testing
4.Business Plan/Business Model Canvas (BMC) Preparation
5.Advisory on Regulatory procedures (training on regulatory procedures for FDA registration)
6.Entrepreneurial training
7.Legal counseling
8.Space rental
9.Introduction to networks (Health Innovation Day)

Call for applications: 2023 DOST-PCHRD- Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2023 DOST-PCHRD- Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

The said program aims to sustain a research culture in natural products to increase the number of research and later on build a pool of researchers/experts specializing in the field. It supports the Tuklas Lunas program (Drug Discovery and Development Program) of the DOST-PCHRD, which aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources.

Thesis grants amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00) will be given to two (2) qualified thesis proposals per region (subject to availability of funds). Upon completion of the thesis project and submission of the required deliverables, six (6) finalists will be chosen to present their completed research during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2024, wherein the top three (3) winners will be selected and recognized.

Who can apply?

The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences who have thesis proposals on natural products, specifically utilizing indigenous plants in the region. The thesis projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2024.

How to apply?

Applicants should submit the following documents to their respective Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC):

Duly accomplished prescribed research proposal form with college seal;
Endorsement letter from the institution signed by the head of the university and the college dean;
Soft copy of the proposal (word and PDF format);
Certificate of plant authentication;
Appropriate clearances;
- Bureau of Animal Industry clearance for studies involving animal subjects
- Biosafety Clearance for studies involving genetic engineering and pathogenic organisms
- National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Clearance for studies involving Indigenous Peoples
- Gratuitous Permit from Biodiversity Management Bureau for studies involving the collection of flora and fauna from DENR Protected Areas
- Ethical clearance for studies involving human subjects
Curriculum vitae of the students and adviser.

Selection Criteria

The research proposals will be rated based on the following criteria:

Technical merit
1. Objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound;
2. The study design supports the objectives; and
3. The study sample and methodology are appropriate.
Data management
1. The plan for data collection is clearly described;
2. Quality control procedures for data collection are in place; and
3. Statistical analysis is well described.
Relevance/Significance
1. The study addresses an important health problem; and
2. The study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Proponent/institution’s capacity
1. The investigators are qualified and appropriately trained to carry out the study;
2. The proposed study is appropriate to the experience level of the investigators; and
3. The implementing/cooperating institution is capable of carrying out the proposed study.

Thesis Grant

Two (2) thesis proposals will be selected in each region. Researchers will receive a grant amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00).
The thesis grant will be deposited in the bank account of the thesis adviser and will be liquidated after the completion of the study.
A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the students, adviser, head of the institution, and DOST-PCHRD.
The grant must be expended as allocated in the approved line-item budget.

Competition and Cash Awards

Six (6) grantees will be selected as finalists to present their studies during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2024. The top three (3) presenters will receive a certificate of recognition, and the following cash prizes:

First prize = PHP 30,000.00	PHP 20,000.00 for the student
First prize = PHP 30,000.00	PHP 10,000.00 for the adviser
Second prize = PHP 22,000.00	PHP 15,000.00 for the student
Second prize = PHP 22,000.00	PHP 7,000.00 for the adviser
Third prize = PHP 15,000.00	PHP 10,000.00 for the student
Third prize = PHP 15,000.00	PHP 5,000.00 for the adviser
Consolation prize	PHP 5,000 per group

Finalists will also receive certificates of participation.

Schedule of Activities

*ACTIVITY*	*DATE*
Call for Applications	March to May 2023
Deadline of submission to the consortium	May 31, 2023
Endorsement of shortlisted entries to DOST-PCHRD	June 14, 2023
Evaluation of thesis proposals by the Selection Committee; and Provision of grants to selected grantees	June to July 2023
Conduct of study	August 2023 to May 2024
Submission of completed studies to DOST-PCHRD	June 14, 2024
Selection of oral presenters/finalists by the Selection Committee	June to July 2024
Oral Research Paper Presentation Competition; and Announcement of Winners	August 2024

For inquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Research Capacitation Training for Medical Professionals

Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC) in partnership with Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) spearheaded the conduct of a "Research Capacitation Training for Medical Professionals" held at Go Hotel Tuguegarao City on March 21-22, 2023.

During the activity, different agency heads delivered their messages including Dr. Glenn Matthew G. Baggao, the Medical Center Chief of CVMC, Dr, Cherry Lou Antonio-Molina, the Chief of Medical Professional Staff of CVMC.

Regional Director Dr. Virginia Bilgera fueled the enthusiasm of the participants in the training discourses. All of them were emphatic on the need to develop the quality of health care services in the country to conduct relevant researches.

The activity aimed to capacitate resident physicians and para-medical professionals manning the different divisions of CVMC. This shall adress the aspiration of CVMC administration, headed by Dr. Baggao as the Medical Center Chief, to increase the turn-out of proposal submissions and to improve the quality of the said researches.

This also will be a way to capacitate the employees to develop proposals (agency- based) which in turn shall be used to improve the services of CVMC targetting quality services to be rendered to its clientele. Afterall, the management of CVMC must be corporate and everyone should be involved in the rational decision making.

Dr. Julius T. Capili, Executive Director of CVHRDC, lectured on the Overview of the Research Process and the different Research Designs for Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed-Method researches. His role steered the interest them to participate well, both in the recitation and in the workshop proper.

This informative lecture made the researchers understand their roles as health researchers (seasoned or budding) and enable them to critically appraise their own outputs. Developmental strategy were used during the training which reminded the participants to upgrade their researchers one topic after the other, based on those which they gained from the trainers.

Moreover, Prof. Hilaria M. Barsabal talked about Sampling Designs and Statistical Analyses. While the topic was truly complicated, it was made easy because of the very elaborative presentation. Sample computations were done as reinforcement activity to make learning better.

She also advised the group "not to be enslaved by statitistician" because it is expected that the research proponents should know their research/es better than anyone.

Dr. Josephine Lorica lectured on Validation of Research Questionnaires and Packaging a Research Proposal. The lecture was necessary in order to enable the participants to critically evaluate the type of data gathering tool that they will be using in the research. It was stressed that the data generated in the research will determine the validity of the research as a whole. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability of questionnaires and interview quide were also highlighted.

Part of this, the head of the CVMC- Technical Review Board Dr. JC valencia and the head of the Training Office Dr. Roderick Ian Reyes, also shared very valuable insights which truly has inspired the medical professionals to engage in research underatkings, far from the fact that it is just but a requirement for residency.

The afternoon of the second day was a workshop. It was an avid opportunity for the participants to showcase their current researches and was critiqued by the resource speakers.

The activity ended through the awarding of certificates to the resource speakers, facilitators and to the participants but the saga just started as the facilitators should make a follow up on the development of the papers which were expected of the participants to submit.

The training workshop truly was very productive as a lot of knowledge were imparted to the participants as revealed by the recap activities and the random recitations and presentations.

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CVHRDC - TRB Participated in the Technical Review Workshop for Regional Health Research and Development Consortium

March 15–16, 2023, the Technical Review Board Committee of CVHRDC participated the "Technical Review Workshop for Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC)" hosted by the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (UPCM). This activity was funded by the DOST-PCHRD.

The program seeks to educate current and future TRB and IRB members to undertake the review of proposals especially along health and human researchers. Breakout sessions, lectures and small group discussions were strategies used in the said training for the capacitation of the participants. The actual review and the Q& A portion made the participants really gain much from the training.

The activity was attended by Dr. Julius T. Capili, Dr. Lori Shayne A. Busa, Dr. Jane G. Cabauatan, Dr. Josephine D. Lorica, Dr. Jason T. Suquila, Dr. Jose Carlo Valencia, Dr. Noelyn O. Bernal. Engr. Niko Angelo S. Tabangin, Jenny-Rose G. Masocol and Engr. Mark Gil S. Hizon.