The University of Northern Philippines, in partnership with the National Institute of Physics (NIP) of the University of the Philippines Diliman, jointly organized “Partners in Discovery: NIP–UNP Physics Research Seminar, Optical Table Handover, and Training for Optics & Photonics Experiments” on October 29, 2025, at Tadena Hall, UNP Administration Building. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing physics education and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The event centered on three major highlights that marked a milestone in UNP’s research advancement. First, UNP students and faculty had the rare opportunity to engage face-to-face with the distinguished delegation from NIP–UP Diliman—composed of Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa II, Dr. Noel Lamsen, Dr. Kevin Grosvenor, Prof. Jayson Cabanilla, and Mr. Dennis Angelo Pablico—allowing them to gain firsthand exposure to high-level scientific research. Second, the ceremonial handover of a new optical table and its accessories established the foundation for cutting-edge optics and photonics experiments at UNP. Finally, an intensive hands-on training session equipped participants with the skills to operate the newly acquired instruments, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical, research-based applications.
The initiative earned strong backing from the university’s leadership, underscoring its strategic value to UNP’s academic and research agenda. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Remigio Obrero, OIC-Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, described the event as a purposeful step toward cultivating a robust laboratory culture and enhancing research preparedness among faculty and students.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna expressed pride in the growing partnership, emphasizing that the collaboration has brought the two institutions closer than ever. He conveyed his optimism for future projects and emphasized his strong commitment to foster more joint research and capacity-building initiatives. His message carried special weight, as both he and University Research and Development Office Director Dr. Edelyn Cadorna are Physics faculty members.
The morning’s scientific program opened with Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa II of the National Institute of Physics, who presented the rationale behind the collaboration. In his talk, Dr. Hermosa highlighted NIP’s wide-ranging research endeavors and expressed optimism about expanding joint initiatives, particularly the prospect of UNP graduate students pursuing advanced studies at NIP.
His presentation was followed by the ceremonial turnover of the optical table—a major investment that strengthens both instruction and undergraduate research in optics and photonics at UNP. The turnover was witnessed by university officials led by President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, OIC-Dean Dr. Remigio Obrero, and URDO Director Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, along with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro and Vice President for Finance and Administration Mr. Albert Tejero.
Following the turnover ceremony, the day’s scientific program resumed with a series of expert lectures and hands-on training sessions. Dr. Noel Lamsen opened the session with a discussion on Statistical Physics at Criticality, followed by Dr. Kevin Grosvenor’s engaging lecture, Machine Learning without the Magic: A Physics Perspective.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted from theory to practice under the guidance of Prof. Jayson Cabanilla and Mr. Dennis Angelo Pablico—both proud UNP alumni now part of NIP. Prof. Cabanilla introduced the concept of Spatial Modes of Light before leading exercises on laser safety, interference fringes, and profilometry. Mr. Pablico capped the session with the alignment, collimation, and calibration of the newly installed optical setup.
The training highlighted the importance of safe laboratory procedures, precise optical alignment, and accurate measurement techniques—skills that students and faculty can now directly apply in their classes and undergraduate research projects.
A total of 90 participants from across the University of Northern Philippines joined the event, representing a diverse mix of URDO research coordinators and staff, BS Physics and BS Mathematics students, and faculty members in Physics and Mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Teacher Education, and the Laboratory Schools. The strong turnout reflects the growing campus-wide enthusiasm for strengthening scientific training and research collaboration.
The event was a joint effort organized on the UNP side by URDO Director Cadorna, the BS Physics Program, headed by Dr. Dean Alvin Pablico, and the Physics Association of Students and Enthusiasts (PhASE), headed by Prof. Jerome Mecca, of the College of Arts and Sciences.
For the BS Physics program, the collaboration brought immediate and tangible gains: improved laboratory safety and rigor, more experiment-driven undergraduate theses, and clearer pathways for faculty-student research in optics, photonics, and data-driven physics.
More than just a successful event, the day marked a milestone of progress and partnership — unveiling a newly equipped laboratory, fostering renewed confidence among students and faculty, and strengthening the collaborative ties between institutions. The initiative stands as a concrete testament to the National Institute of Physics’ commitment to invest in the University of Northern Philippines’ future, affirming UNP’s reputation as a credible and capable partner in advancing high-level academic and research collaborations.
