De La Salle University (DLSU), a learner-centered and research university, reinforced its commitment to advancing research excellence and nation-building. Through strategic investments in its human resources and research infrastructure, the university aims to make substantive contributions to national and global aspirations.
“At DLSU, we understand that quality is the first imperative in research. Our aspirations for real-world impact should have a firm foundation in scientific rigor,” says Prof. Raymond Tan, Vice President for Research and Innovation at DLSU. “We are committed to using our research as a basis for addressing national interest and global challenges, provided that our work meets universally accepted quality standards.”
Investing in research in engineering, science, and technology
DLSU recently initiated several groundbreaking technology-driven research programs. For instance, Prof. Nilo Bugtai founded the Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies (IBEHT). His team is developing a suite of robots for therapeutic applications, particularly for the rehabilitation of stroke victims. This program is heavily funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and aims to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions for both the Philippine and export markets.
“As a comprehensive, non-profit, private Catholic university in a lower middle-income country, we recognize both the challenges and opportunities in addressing national and global issues,” says Dr. Tan. “The university’s best minds are actively engaged in research that addresses many of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Over the past five years, DLSU has launched several research centers focusing on diverse priority areas or global trends. These include the Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute (ALTDSI), the Enrique Razon Logistics Institute (ERLI), the IBEHT, and the Southeast Asian Research Center and Hub (SEARCH).
The university also established the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) in its Laguna Campus, the current hub of the university’s research infrastructure enhancements. CIF boasts state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy laboratory and a wind tunnel, designed to cater to the needs of the research teams, students, and partners.
Harnessing AI and data science in research
DLSU is also leveraging recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster data analysis capabilities. For example, a study led by Prof. Allan Bernardo and researchers from ALTDSI used machine learning to analyze large datasets from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The PISA results have raised alarms about the poor state of the country’s education system.
Their analysis has yielded intriguing insights. Recognizing the significant impact of the home environment on student performance, the team concluded that effective policy interventions cannot rely solely on the Department of Education’s mandate. Improving the quality of education will require a “whole of government” approach to the problem.
Moreover, DLSU has made substantial investments in a high-performance computing facility as part of ALTDSI, further augmenting its capacity for AI and data science research.
“At DLSU, research is a crucial educational experience for students, offering firsthand insight into the advancement of scientific knowledge,” emphasizes Prof. Tan. “This approach not only enriches students’ understanding but also equips them with transferable soft skills, such as critical thinking and effective communication, which are invaluable for their future careers even if they do not become researchers.”
Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and impact
DLSU believes in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration for addressing complex real-world problems. Integrating perspectives from diverse fields such as arts and social sciences, business, computer technology, education, engineering, law, and natural science reduces the risk of “blind spots” that can result from narrow vantage points. DLSU supports such collaboration by funding mini-grants and workshops that allow researchers to step out of their specialist silos.
For instance, Prof. Bernardo’s multidisciplinary team offers evidence-based insights to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), thus helping rationally shape the country’s educational policies. The team is currently conducting research aimed at addressing critical problems in the nation’s basic and higher education ecosystem.
Through its partnership with DLSU, EDCOM II has published five studies on bullying. Prof. Bernardo’s team recently recommended that EDCOM push for amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10627, advocating for strengthened provisions related to the Child Protection Committee, improved systems for reporting bullying cases, and clarification of the Department of Education’s structures and procedures concerning bullying.
To support its goal of becoming a more influential university, DLSU plans to increase international collaboration and publications in top-tier journals. The university will prioritize research endeavors addressing pressing issues both locally, such as quality education, poverty alleviation, and economic growth, and globally, including climate change, artificial intelligence, and health and wellness.
In 2015, DLSU revised its mission-vision to become a “learner-centered and research university,” which paved the way for rapid growth in research across the institution. “As we look ahead to the 50th anniversary of our university charter in 2025, our new strategic plan articulates a bold vision to extend our sphere of influence beyond the Philippines,” says Prof. Tan.
The university continues to invest in its talent pool and its research infrastructure, further solidifying its reputation as a research powerhouse. With its cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to problem-solving, it is paving the way for a brighter future, not just in the Philippines but in the region and beyond.
