SCITECH RECENTLY: UST CoS hosts its 3rd Albertus Magnus Lecture on Faith and Science
By: Janine Hernando
To delve deeper into the relationship of faith and science, the UST College of Science recently held its third Albertus Magnus Faith and Science Lecture, “Pananampalataya at Agham” last April 19 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Seminar Workshop Rooms 1 to 5 of the Thomas Aquinas Research Center.
The lecture commenced with the opening remarks from Fr. Father Louie Coronel, OP, EHL, who highlighted the contributions of clergy to the scientific community. The Friar’s Desk Round Table discussion panel was moderated by Fr. Dexter A. Austria, OP, SThD. Sister Angelina Julom, Brother Antonio Servando, and Professor Rey Donne S. Papa shared anecdotes about how their formative years honed them to become faithful scientists.
Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa also tackled the significant contributions of Father Casto de Elera, from establishing the UST Museum to becoming an inspiration for the establishment of the Biodiversity, Ecology, Systematics, and Taxonomy (BEST) research group. He also mentioned the publication of St. Albert the Great, which documented the plants and animals of his time.
The final talk was about the "History of Biodiversity Science in UST,” which was explained by Asst. Prof. Anthony D. Medrano, PhD. He presented the Philippine map surrounded by a triangle, coined as the coral triangle by Alejandro Anunsula which meant “Global Center of Marine Biodiversity.” He proceeded by giving the audience a walk-through of scientists who added to the rich history of Faith and Science in the university.
The Albertus Magnus Faith and Science Lecture series is a testament that faith and scientific inquiry coexist and enrich each other. The discussion revolved around how faith has always been working with science even throughout history. As Dr. Medrano concluded, “Looking again at history adds emphasis to why we do what we do.”
The third Albertus Magnus lecture was arranged by the UST College of Science and the UST Pax-Romana Science Unit.
