James Cook University teams up with Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology

James Cook University partners up with the Philippine government to further promote science, technology, and innovation in the tropics.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely witnessed the signing of the agreement between JCU and DOST. Source: Supplied by S.Escalante

JCU’s Chancellor and former Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippine Government.

The agreement will include a partnership to advance research, exchange programs for students and scientists, as well as the exchange of technical information and documents that will help improve the lives of the tropics.

JCU’s Chancellor and former Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell signing the Memorandum of Understanding Source: Supplied by S.Escalante

“The partnership with DOST is based on JCU’s shared interest with DOST in developing scientific and educational alliances that are relevant and unique to the tropics.

The focus will include topics such as marine sciences, biodiversity, tropical ecology and environments, global warming, tourism, and tropical medicine and public health care in under-served populations,” he said.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Guevarra told SBS Filipino the purpose of the Philippine government for entering into the agreement with JCU is to participate in research and exchange programs for students and faculty members.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Guevarra answers questions from the media Source: Supplied by S.Escalante

Undersecretary Guevarra explained that the Philippines' cooperation with Australia–at the scientific level, technology, cultivation, and innovation, has to be intensified.

“We need to figure out what’s going on between our lands and that’s where our researchers and their researchers can work together,” she said.

The joint projects and activities of DOST and JCU are expected to begin in early 2019.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely witnessed the signing of the agreement.

She gladly reported that many Filipino students would like to study in Australian colleges, compared to America.

DOST reported it has sent 145 Filipino scholars abroad this year and 200 more Filipinos are aiming to study abroad next year.

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