The Philippines and Italy are hoping to sign a mutual agreement for collaborating not just on science and health but also in other areas of strategic interests such as biomedical research, food science and technology, fashion and textile, furniture research and development (R&D), biodiversity for climate change, and quantum computing. Among the primary instigators are the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Some DOST officials traveled to Italy to meet the MUR in April 2022 to discuss joint activities. Among the proposed undertakings are capacity building through student exchanges and workshops; scientific visits of experts; and promotion of collaboration between scientific institutions and organizations of both countries.
The DOST has identified Italy as one of its priority international partners due to the country’s portfolio and strength in science, technology, and innovation. The DOST also recognized Italy’s strength in biomedical science as the country has been offering programs that focus on the practical applications of biomedical sciences, has established public and private healthcare facilities, research centers, and molecular laboratories, and is considered home to numerous pharmaceutical companies. It also has a highly capable and reliable network infrastructure that responds to the specific needs of the biomedical community.
The move hopes to renew the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement with Italy that was signed in 1969.
(Source: Philippine News Agency)