The National Research Council of the Philippines of the Department of Science and Technology (NRCP-DOST) recently approved the RDLead Program of the University. The program is titled ‘Strengthening the Capabilities of the Faculty, Researchers and Personnel of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) on Engineering and Technology Research and Development.”

The RDLead program aims to strengthen the research and development capabilities of the faculty and staff in Engineering and Technology R&D. Meanwhile, the presence of state-of-art facilities in the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center at MLUC which is provided by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC-DOST) needs to be maximized in order to support the different food industries in the province through the conduct of research and development activities. This can be addressed through the engagement of an expert that will strengthen the capability of the faculty. In relation to this, the NRCP Evaluation Committee of the RDLead Program chose Dr. Laurence A. Lim, De la Salle University Professor, as RDLeader. Dr. Lim’s one-year engagement with the University is envisioned to develop the writing skills of the faculty members in Engineering, Technology, and Information Technology and empower them to publish research articles, and package research proposals. Part of the capability building is the skills training on Machine Vision and on the use of Finite Element Analysis software.

The RDLead Program is part of the DOST’s Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of R&D Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness under the Science for Change umbrella.Through this program, the HEIs or RDIs, will engage experts with strong leadership, management and innovative policy-making proficiencies to be in charge of strengthening the research capabilities of the HEIs or RDIs  (https://s4cp.dost.gov.ph/programs/rdlead/) (Dr. Cynthia Rodriguez)