DOST-NRCP Experts Serve as Judges at 2026 PSHS Research Summit in Cebu
Cebu City, Philippines — March 18, 2026 — Twelve experts from the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) served as judges at the 2026 Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Research Summit 2026, held from March 17 to 19, where they evaluated research papers from 167 junior high school students representing 16 campuses of the PSHS System.
The annual summit gathers top young researchers and educators from across the country to showcase innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Designed to cultivate future science leaders, the event highlights student-led research through oral presentations and technical poster sessions, while providing mentorship from leading experts and encouraging solutions to real-world challenges.
This year’s summit marked the first formal collaboration between NRCP and PSHS under the NRCP Expert Engagement Program (NEEP), an initiative that mobilizes NRCP members as knowledge service providers. Through the program, experts contribute as subject matter specialists, technical evaluators, trainers, and policy reviewers supporting legislative work in Congress.
The panel of judges included Aristotle Ubando, Gabriel Avelino Sampedro, Lanndon Ocampo, and Maria Gemel Palconit from the NRCP Division of Engineering and Industrial Research. Representing the NRCP Division of Biological Sciences were Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, Ronilo Jose Flores, Pierangeli Vital, and Paul John Geraldino. Archiebald Baltazar Malaki represented the NRCP Division of Agriculture and Forestry, while Fleurdeliz Maglangit, Patrick John Lim, and Isabel Wen Badon served as judges from the NRCP Division of Chemical Sciences.
As part of the partnership, NRCP specialists assessed student research papers across key scientific disciplines, including biology, microbiology and bioinformatics; engineering and physics; environmental science and agriculture; chemistry; and computational science and machine learning—reflecting the breadth and depth of research undertaken by the country’s young scholars.
Beyond judging, the experts also participated in roundtable discussions with students grouped by clusters. These sessions offered a more personal platform for students to share their motivations for pursuing STEM, discuss academic challenges, and articulate their aspirations for careers in research. In turn, NRCP mentors provided guidance and shared insights on navigating the demands and opportunities of a lifelong scientific career.
Organizers said the collaboration signals a stronger push to bridge advanced research expertise with early scientific training. By connecting seasoned researchers with emerging young talents, the initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to developing the next generation of Filipino scientists and innovators among today’s youth. (Mary Charlotte Fresco, S&T Media Service)
