SCITECH RECENTLY: Fun Start for Fungi Experts and Enthusiasts
By: Julia Melisse Tungol
The UST College of Science (CoS) took part in the 25th Mycological Society of the Philippines (MSP) Annual Scientific Meeting with the Pre-Symposium Workshop starring mycology experts from the Philippines and across the globe. The event was held at the Science Online Learning Environment (SOLE) on the 3rd floor of the UST Main Building, June 20.
With the theme of “Bioinformatics and Biotechnology for Fungi”, the pre-symposium workshop tackled topics regarding the different types of omics applied in the field. The event featured three lectures and two workshops, allowing the audience to appreciate and expand their understanding of mycology.
Dr. Jaycee Augusto Paguirigan, the sitting President of MSP, delivered the welcoming message, followed by a workshop overview presented by Dr. James Kennard Jacob, MSP’s current Vice-President.
After the opening ceremony, Dr. Francisco B. Elegado from the University of the Philippines — Los Baños, talked about fungi and biotechnology in the first lecture. This was followed by another lecture by Dr. Reuel M. Bennett, chair of the CoS Department of Biological Sciences, who discussed the general concept of bioinformatics.
Two workshops on genomics and transcriptomics then succeeded the lectures which were handled by Ms. Nina Kathryn Alfeche and Ms. Crissa Ann Lilagan. The workshops gave the audience a fuller experience of the event, showing how these techniques are applied in furthering their knowledge in the field through collaboration.
Dr. Thomas Edison dela Cruz delivered the last talks on the American Society of Microbiology membership. He encouraged the audience to join in fostering the world’s knowledge of microbiology. The lecture also discussed the principles and applications of. the technology in mycology.
The 25th MSP Annual Scientific Meeting is a three-day event, with the Main Symposium held from June 21 to June 22, 2024. It aims to provide insights about mycology in the Philippines and the world and allow mycologists and mycology enthusiasts to build their networks and discuss their shared interest in mycology.
