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):

1. Duly accomplished prescribed research proposal form with college seal;
2. Endorsement letter from the institution signed by the head of the university and the college dean;
3. Soft copy of the proposal (word and PDF format);
4. Certificate of plant authentication;
5. 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
6. Curriculum vitae of the students and adviser.

Selection Criteria

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

1. 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.
2.  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.
3.  Relevance/Significance
   1. The study addresses an important health problem; and
   2. The study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
4. 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 

1. 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).
2. The thesis grant will be deposited in the bank account of the thesis adviser and will be liquidated after the completion of the study.
3. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the students, adviser, head of the institution, and DOST-PCHRD.
4. 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:

Finalists will also receive certificates of participation.

Schedule of Activities

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

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the University of Trieste (UNITS) and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) entered into an Agreement to develop and implement a program focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of UNITS. The three-year PhD program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic diseases. 

Applicants’ research interests must be aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA). 

Program Objectives

The PhD program aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop a pool of high-quality human resources in molecular biomedicine (molecular hepatology in particular) who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development;
2. Provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain PhD degrees in molecular biomedicine in reputable institutions abroad; 
3. Contribute to the country’s health research and technological innovation capabilities through training in biomedical research; and
4. Create the basis for Liver Network integrating basic and clinical research in liaison with FIF.

Capacity

Two (2) positions for the PhD program will be available each year at UNITS-FIF (subject to the availability of funds).

Eligibility

The applicant must:

1. be a Filipino citizen;
2. be in good health condition; 
3. not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
4. have a Master’s degree in a field related to health and biomedicine;
5. have an outstanding academic record; 
6. have passed the admission requirements for the PhD study; 
7. have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
8. not avail or enjoy any other scholarships; and
9. 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

1. School fees (i.e. bench fees, permits, etc.);
2. Living allowance;
3. Book allowance;
4. Outright dissertation grant;
5. Travel/Health and accident insurance;
6. One round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy (start and end of the scholarship period only); and
7. Pre-departure expenses (one-time only)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

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

2023 TIMELINE 

HOW TO APPLY

Program Admission/Scholarship Application

Requirements

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

*Interested applicants may send their CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for initial evaluation/screening and submit other documents as required by the PCHRD Secretariat.

Applicant/s who were able to pass the interview will be asked to submit the following:

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

Applicant/s 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 Mol BioMed Application_(Surname, First Name)

• For hard copy of documents, send to:

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (c/o Jessica Marie Suerte)
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 us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.