Back to Basics: Research for Sustainable Development

By: Therese Angelie Daluping

“Basic sciences, curiosity-driven, are the foundations of education and the source of discoveries. They turn into applications serving inclusive, sustainable development.” Following this statement from a video presented by Keynote Speaker Dr. Michel Spiro, the International Year of Basic Science for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) 2022 commenced with much anticipation and grandeur. Hosted by the UST College of Science, in partnership with the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), bright and sharp minds came together to talk about basic science and research and how it addresses the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Fr. Abogado pointed out the theological basis of basic science, where it is our responsibility to care for nature in accordance with God’s will. Dr. Villagonzalo stated that while basic science does not offer a direct path or a quick fix, it still offers solutions to problems. Finally, Dr. Spiro, the IYBSSD Steering Committee Chair and International Union of Pure and Applied Physics President, delivered his keynote speech wherein he talked about the rationale, expected events, and possible resulting actions of the IYBSSD 2022 — some of which are promoting equity, diversity, and collaboration in basic sciences.

Dr. Nikki Heherson Dagamac took the stage to host the Talk Show with esteemed experts. Aiming to present their projects, express the challenges they encountered, voice out their advocacies, and encourage and inspire the general public to appreciate basic science, various scientists and researchers showed how instead of doing research based on applied sciences, going back to the basics of ecosystems and life can meet the SDGs and can further improve quality of life.

All researchers addressed SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, while also incorporating other SDGs individually:

1. National Scientist Dr. Lourdes Cruz shared her research on marine cone snails and what causes paralysis in their venom. She states that this research led to the discovery of a number of neuropeptides, one of which is being used as a pain reliever, and some conotoxins are used in Neuroscience. In addition to SDG 3, SDG 14: Life Below Water is also addressed.
2. Dr. Ephrime Metillo from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology shared his interests and research on zooplanktons and sardines, a planktivorous fish species in Zamboanga. Another one is box jellyfish, the most lethal marine organism, which kills about 20–40 individuals annually. Similarly, this also falls under SDG 14; however, he adds that SDGs on employment, poverty, social justice, and food security are also linked to his research.
3. Tuberculosis is the center of the research of Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Health and Research Development. It is interesting to know that there is also a unique Tuberculosis strain found in the Philippines, and would only be found in other countries where Filipinos are. This is named the East Asian-Indian (EAI2) strain, previously called the Manila strain. Much about the strain is still unknown, demanding more research in the field. He emphasized that sustainable development is “being able to meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.”
4. UST Science’s own Dr. Marc Reyes shares that his research interest revolves around four areas: suicidology, LGBT, psychology, and climate change. He adds that psychologists, too, are involved in climate change, explaining how they come in to address change in human behavior. SDG 3, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 13: Climate Action are those aligned with his work and research.
5. Dr. Rosalie Alcala-Hall, a political scientist from the University of Philippines Visayas, shared how she and her colleagues’ research revolved around issues of water governance. They are looking into the water supplies for numerous small-scale water providers such as water refilling stations and tankers. She states that this meets SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; however, she added that they have yet to address the availability of potable water.

Of course, projects of such magnitudes are bound to encounter a lot of obstacles along the way. Dr. Reyes mentioned the challenges of insufficient time, equipment, and funding to support the research. He expressed that behavioral and social science should be funded just as much as the natural sciences.

In the interview, they talked about how clinicians, students, colleagues, and the general public should be encouraged to engage in basic science and research. Engaging in science means advocating for the truth since science and research are evidence-based, and myths and stereotypes will be challenged by data. In doing so, we can think of sustainable solutions for existing community-wide problems.

After the interview segment, Mr. Donald Amado Caballero, the Committee Secretary for Science and Technology of the House of Representatives, talked about strengthening the NRCP and revitalizing the research of different areas. He also talked about how researchers will be given incentives and extended support. He said basic science is a way of life, just like basic rights in human rights.

While the event proper ended, the media representatives from CNN, GMA, Varsitarian, College of Science Student Council, and College of Science Journal were invited to a press conference. Questions included were about climate change, discussions about how schools should tap into Science, Technology, and Society where students are introduced to science appreciation; support is given to researchers and competitions for innovative research; and lastly, a parting message to the general public on having a science culture where Dr. Montoya exclaims that the importance of science should be reinforced for it empowers, and it equalizes.

All in all, the event was a success. Attendees left the conference carrying a sense of determination and inspiration as they became aware of the different ways to help alleviate the lives of many through the knowledge of basic science — whether locally or globally.

Reference:

UNESCO and Sustainable Development Goals. (2015). https://en.unesco.org/sustainabledevelopmentgoals