The University Research Council (URC) of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) has set its Research and Development (R&D) priorities for 2025 following its first meeting of the year last February 19, 2025, at the QMS Room, Administrative Building. The council deliberated on key research initiatives and finalized the list of projects to be funded, reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation and scientific advancement.

Presiding over the meeting was University President and URC Chairperson, Dr. Erwin Cadorna, with Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Fatima Rocamora, serving as URC Vice Chairperson. Also present were council members, including executive officials Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Albert R. Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, Director of the University Research and Development Office (URDO), Atty. Christian Philip Chan, Director of the Intellectual Property Office, as well as research center chiefs and area research coordinators from URDO. UNP Board Secretary Atty. Jonalyn Almachar also attended the meeting.

As the university’s highest consultative body on research and innovation, the URC is responsible for evaluating and recommending research plans, assessing budget proposals, developing research mentorship programs, formulating research incentive policies, and overseeing other research-related initiatives.

During the meeting, Dr. Edelyn Cadorna provided an update on 131 ongoing research projects from previous years, ensuring their continuation in 2025.

Additionally, the five area research coordinators and four research center chiefs reported on the 146 capsule proposals submitted for consideration. A number of proposals fell under the scope of UNP’s four research centers: the Mushroom Research and Development Center, Aquamarine Resources Research and Development Center, Governance and Policy Research Center, and Ilokano Studies Center, while the remaining proposals span the more general key research areas, including Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources; Education; Health and Nutrition; Social Science; and Science & Technology, Industry and Energy.

Following a thorough evaluation based on research impact and innovation, researcher capability and availability, feasibility, and funding considerations, 86 proposals were endorsed as part of UNP’s R&D priorities for 2025. Additionally, 20 previously approved research projects from 2024, which had not yet been funded or implemented, were re-endorsed.

A total of 106 new research projects will be endorsed for funding this year, bringing the total number of prospective research projects for 2025 to 237. This reaffirms UNP’s commitment to strengthening its research culture and fostering a dynamic research environment that contributes to both regional and national development.

The URC meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to impactful research, further solidifying UNP’s position as a center of excellence in research and innovation.

Article by Dean Alvin Pablico, Photos by Robin Villanueva.