(Photo courtesy of DOST)
MANILA – The Philippines and Iran will pursue collaboration on science, technology and innovation (STI), particularly on health and medical devices as well as nanotechnology, an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Monday.
DOST officials held a scientific visit in Iran in 2019. The collaboration, however, was delayed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"The DOST delegation observed their advanced all Iranian-made preclinical equipment. These devices include MRI, CT-scan, and other instruments that are specifically designed for mice, which greatly helps in the process of research and (clinical) trials," DOST Assistant Secretary Leah Buendia told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
The Philippine delegation observed the Iranian system to learn their best practices and identify possible research collaboration, in support of local initiatives of the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) laboratory animal facilities, for the DOST's Tuklas Lunas program, and the establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP), among others.
Buendia said four experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, UP Manila, St. Luke's, and ITDI will also visit Iran from May 23 to 30.
They will participate in workshops on preclinical imaging techniques applications and brain mapping by Tehran University of Medical Sciences-Pre-Clinical Core Facility and the National Brain Mapping Laboratory.
Buendia said the Philippines is also looking to develop a Master of Science on Nanotechnology program with Iran.
"Currently, the Philippines does not offer this program, and we hope to create this course with our Iranian partners and implement this program in the country," she said.
As a follow-up of the Philippines-Iran International Virtual Symposium on Agricultural Nanotechnology in November 2021, joint research and development (R&D) and scientists exchange on the areas of nano biopesticides, nanoremediation technologies for agricultural pollutants and wastewater will also be pursued. (PNA)
