Conference Speakers

Academician William Padolina

National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines

Dr. William G. Padolina is currently a Senior Fellow of the Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euromed Laboratories Philippines, Inc. He served in the cabinet of President Fidel V. Ramos and President Joseph Estrada as Secretary (Minister) of Science and Technology from 1994-1999. He is an Academician and was the former President of the Philippine National Academy of Science and Technology (2013-2015). He was a full Professor of Chemistry (1987-1999) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UPLB (1989-1992). He was elected President of the 40th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1996. He was Deputy Director General of the International Rice Research Institute from 1999 to 2011. Dr. Padolina was engaged by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education as Project Manager of the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes Project from 2013-2017. Dr. Padolina earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry (magna cum laude) from UPLB in 1968 and in 1973 obtained his Ph. D. in Phytochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Padolina is one of the co-authors of a textbook for Science, Technology and Society entitled: “Society, Science and Technology.”

Keynote Lecture
PAGTANAW 2050 and Sustainability: A Clarion Call for Chemists in the Philippines

PAGTANAW 2050 is the science, technology, and innovation foresight put together by the science community to awaken us to the need to prepare for a Prosperous Archipelagic and Maritime Philippines by the year 2050. Our current concerns about food, health, energy, environment, climate change and the need to transition into the circular economy, involves, among others, a deeper understanding of how molecules behave and get transformed to fulfill these vital societal interests. With the tools are now available that enable us to see more, detect more and sense more, chemists have the responsibility to participate in the global effort to enable and facilitate the transition to the circular economy and a net zero emissions world. The habitability of our planet is being challenged not only due to increasing population but also due to unbridled emergence of practices and products that continue to endanger our healthful existence and that of the living world. Thus, it is imperative that chemists devote more time to generate new knowledge to increase our understanding of how the earth is able to regenerate itself and also its ability to absorb waste. All matter is comprised of diverse molecules, structurally and functionally. Chemistry should provide pathways, together with other disciplines, by which these resources could be productively and sustainably harnessed to benefit humanity, to mitigate the negative impact of raw and processed materials. PAGTANAW 2050 analyzes the global and local drivers and trends that interact with developments in science and technology and presents a list of technologies to help address the operational areas towards a technology- explicit national development agenda.

Professor Rigoberto Advincula

University of Tennessee-Knoxville, USA

Prof. Rigoberto Advincula is a Governor’s Chair Professor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) – University of Tennessee and Group Leader of the Macromolecular Nanomaterials Group at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences(CNMS), ORNL. Former Full Professor (now Adjunct) at Case Western Reserve University.

He obtained is Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Florida and BS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines, Institute of Chemistry.

He is a National Academy of Inventors (FNAI) Fellow, an American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellow, Polymer (POLY) Fellow, PMSE Fellow, Fellow AIMBE, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). He is a Herman Mark Scholar (POLY) Awardee, International Prize Awardee of the SPSJ-Polymer (Japan), Netzsch NATAS Fellow 2023, and Fellow, Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (FIMMM), 2023. A Past-Chair of the POLY Division, ACS, he is also a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Futures Council (2016). Co-President 2023 of the Pacific Polymer Federation (PPF). He has been President of PAASE, a Corresponding member of NAST, and a Distinguished Lifetime Accomplishment awardee of UP.

He is Editor in Chief of MRS Communications and previously Editors of Reactive and Functional Polymers and Polymer Reviews. Editorial Advisory Board roles: Macromolecules, Chem. of Materials, and ACS Applied journals. He has published ~ 600 papers (H index = 81), and 15 patents, and given ~700 invited and contributed talks, lectures, seminars, and plenary lectureships.

He leads the Macro group at CNMS/ORNL. His areas of research are in polymers, nanoscience, hybrid materials, biotechnology, coatings, energy, 3D printing, and corrosion.

He has had Visiting Professor positions at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P), the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Waseda University, Keio University, McGill University, and National University of Singapore (NUS).

He is also most passionate about training young minds in science and engineering careers. He has trained over 92 Ph.D./ MS graduate students, 20 Post-docs, 170 undergraduates, and 80 high school students in his group. A number have become successful Professors, R&D Managers, and Ph.D. students, and many won awards in presentations at national meetings during their time in his group.

Plenary Lecture
Chemical Innovations in Advanced Nanostructured Materials

Chemical innovation is built upon taking advantage of what the best fundamental research platform has to offer and putting it into societal and commercial needs “something of high performance cost ratio” that can be funded. Advanced and digital manufacturing appended how we value polymer classes as a matter of materials research and design functionality. From thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers, a new structure-composition-processing-property (SCPP) is being formed as we value the influence of the toolpath or frontal chemistry in defining functionality. The design space is, therefore, comprised of the material itself and the geometric design that can be CAD-designed and optimized for printing. 4D printing enables the stimuli-responsive properties of the materials to be observed together with the geometric design of the fabricated object. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) can be applied towards accelerating chemical technologies and their optimization beyond simple statistical methods and simulation. In this talk, we will focus on several cases of chemical innovation: 1) nanostructured layers and polymer coatings, b) 3D/4D printing of high performance polymer materials, and c) use of continuous flow chemistry and ML driven experiments for optimization. We will also emphasize the role of AI/ML strategies in materials design and properties testing on these examples. This is the future of chemistry, polymer materials and digital manufacturing. However, it will not be possible without developing the STEM talent today that will take up the mantle for the future of science and technology.

Emerita Professor Mei-Hung Chiu

National Taiwan Normal University Taiwan

Mei-Hung Chiu is a Professor Emerita of the Graduate Institute of Science Education (GISE) of the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). Her research areas include (1) eliciting students’ conceptional construction and conceptual change in chemistry education, (2) promoting students’ modeling competence, (3) exploring whether facial microexpression state (FMES) changes can be used to identify moments of conceptual change in science learning, and (4) applying augmented reality for learning structures of organic compounds. She has published over 150 articles in science education and chemistry education in national and international well-known journals. She is currently a member of the Governing Board and a fellow of International Sciencce Council and an elected member of the Executive Committee of IUPAC. She was a recipient of the Distinguished Contribution to Chemical Education Award from the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS) in 2009, the Distinguished Contribution to Science Education Award from East-Asian Science Education Association (EASE) in 2016, a recipient of the Distinguished Woman in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from IUPAC, Distinguished Service Award from Chemical Society Located in Taipei, and Honorary Academy Award from the Association of Science Education in Taiwan in 2021.

Plenary Lecture
Systems Thinking in Chemical Education

Chemistry plays a vital role in the development of scientific theories and has increasingly become integrated into research across various disciplines. While humanity has approached several planetary boundaries over the past decade, to deepen students’ comprehension and appreciation of chemistry, the Systems Thinking approach in chemistry education has been widely embraced as a crucial strategy. This approach aims to raise students’ awareness of societal and environmental issues and to cultivate their competence in chemistry education. Chiu, Mamlok-Naman, and Apotheker (2019) identified four features of Systems Thinking, namely, components and their interconnections within a system, the complex behaviors exhibited by these components, systems at different scales along with their respective sub-systems, and linkage among society, chemistry, and technology. Systems Thinking can be considered as learning tools, instructional tools, and assessment tools in chemistry education. However, an important consideration is whether current textbooks reflect such an approach to support students’ learning in an era confronted with the challenges of planetary boundaries. In this presentation, I will introduce the background of Systems Thinking, provide examples of instructional designs, and examine the distributions of vocabularies and terms of chemical concepts in chemistry textbooks in Taiwan. This analysis aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities in chemistry education amidst contemporary global challenges.

Emerita Professor Mary Garson

University of Queensland, Australia

Mary Garson is Professor Emerita of Chemistry at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She was educated at Newnham College within the University of Cambridge, UK and received her PhD in 1977. After postdoctoral fellowships in Rome and Cambridge, she migrated to Australia with a Queen Elizabeth II research fellowship held at James Cook University, Townsville where she began her research into marine natural products and their biosynthesis. Academic positions at the University of Wollongong and then in Queensland followed.

Mary is a Past President of Division III (organic and biomolecular) of IUPAC and has served twice on the Bureau of IUPAC (divisional representative 2014-2015; elected member 2018-2021). She was co-chair of the IUPAC100 Management Committee overseeing the centenary celebrations in 2019, and in the 2022-2023 biennium has served as the inaugural Chair of the Committee for Ethics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CEDEI). Her contributions to IUPAC also include as Executive Secretary for the General Assembly/World Chemistry Congress in Brisbane in 2001 and in organisation of various Division III symposia. She is best known as the creator of a global networking breakfast for women chemists held in 2011 to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry, and which since its rebranding as the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast (GWB) event in 2019 has resulted in >1900 events in 100 countries. Mary has been Chair of the International Relations Committee of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Chair of Australian Science Innovations overseeing their science Olympiad programs. She is currently serving on the National Committee for Chemistry of the Australian Academy of Science.

An unusual form of professional recognition is the naming of a new species of marine flatworm as Maritigrella marygarsonae. In 2023, the American Chemical Society Journal of Natural Products published a special issue recognising her outstanding contributions to natural products chemistry. Mary holds a Distinguished Fellowship of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK), and in 2014 was named as one of their “175 faces of Chemistry”. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to education and as an advocate for women in science.

Plenary Lecture
A Game of Terpenes: Structure, Stereochemistry, and Biosynthesis of Marine Terpenoids

The first part of this talk will summarize our research program on chemical defense in nudibranchs which led to the isolation and characterization of new terpene metabolites with extensively-rearranged carbon skeletons, and describe how molecular modeling and DFT calculations enable assignment of individual stereochemistries [1-4]. The future potential of marine natural products for health and nutraceutical benefits, as well as technical and genomic advances facilitating their study is then explored.

Dr. Edward A. Barlaan

Professor Emeritus, University of Southern Mindanao (USM); former Vice-President for Research, Development and Extension, University of Southern Mindanao

Plenary Lecture
Traditional Versus Innovative Cacao Bean Fermentation and Drying: Comparative Analysis with Implications to Production of High-Quality Cacao Beans

Cacao bean quality is influenced by several factors such as variety, cultural management and postharvest processes like fermentation, drying and storage. After harvesting, cacao beans are usually fermented in boxes followed by continuous full sun drying. Survey showed that more than 80% of fermented and dried beans in the Philippines are very acidic. Innovation in fermentation and intermittent drying was developed and optimized to lessen the acidity of processed beans. This was compared with the conventional or traditional approaches to determine differences in physicochemical attributes. Both approaches were simultaneously conducted in replicated tests using the same variety but differed in some parameters in fermentation and drying. Results showed that innovation in fermentation had slight edge over conventional approach in increasing the bean temperature during fermentation. However, innovative intermittent drying produced significantly less acid dried beans compared with beans subjected to continuous sun drying. Alkyl pyrazines, the compound associated with aroma and flavor, had higher values in beans processed in intermittent drying than in beans with continuous sun drying. This has implication in producing high quality cacao beans that will lead to high demand, high price, high income to farmers and high quality of tablea and chocolates.

Mr. Kevin Anthony S. Sison, RCh, MSc, FRSA

St. Luke’s Medical Center – College of Medicine William H. Quasha Memorial

Kevin Anthony S. Sison, a passionate educator, scientist, and entrepreneur, brings over a decade of experience in academia and industry. He earned his Master’s degree in Data Science from the Asian Institute of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry (Magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines Manila. His unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation is a testament to his dedication.

Kevin is a recognized leader in digital transformation, data science, and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on their applications in diverse fields, including chemistry, public health, and education. As an Assistant Professor and Health Data Science Consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine, his significant contributions to the academic community through his research and teaching in biochemistry and molecular biology have left a lasting impact.

His entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified by his roles as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of CorteX Innovations Corporation, where he has driven high-value projects in digital strategy and AI R&D, and as President and CEO of SCTST Review Corporation, which he led to industry leadership within three years. Kevin’s strategic vision extends to the public sector, where he has consulted on critical projects for the Asian Development Bank and the Department of Health, leveraging his expertise in data science to enhance public health initiatives.

Kevin’s contributions to science and technology have garnered global recognition, solidifying his position as a distinguished figure. His professional achievements and dedication to social change have earned him the prestigious fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. His work has also been acknowledged with accolades such as 5th Place in the National Chemist Licensure Exams and 1st Place in the Bayanihan@AIM Hackathon, further demonstrating his expertise and capabilities.

As a Program Lead for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation at Singapore Management University Executive Education-Emeritus, Kevin has developed and led courses that equip business leaders with the skills to harness AI and data science for enhanced business performance. His role as an Independent Director at Leave A Nest Philippines, Inc. further underscores his commitment to advancing science and technology education and development.

Kevin’s multifaceted career and dedication to leveraging AI in chemistry and other fields make him a distinguished and influential figure in the scientific community. His insights and experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable perspectives to participants at the 2024 International Conference on Chemistry and the 38th Philippine Chemistry Congress.

Plenary Lecture
Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry: Shaping the Future of Innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of chemistry, bringing unprecedented advancements and efficiencies across various domains. This talk will explore AI’s transformative impact on chemistry and highlight key areas where AI is making significant strides: drug discovery and development, materials science, chemical synthesis, environmental chemistry, and analytical chemistry.

In drug discovery, AI algorithms accelerate the identification and optimization of drug candidates, dramatically reducing the time and cost of bringing new therapies to market. We’ll delve into case studies like AlphaFold, which has revolutionized protein structure prediction, facilitating groundbreaking progress in drug development.

Materials science is another frontier where AI shines. AI spearheads innovations in energy storage, catalysis, and more by designing new materials with desired properties through generative models. We’ll discuss real-world applications where AI-driven materials discovery sets new benchmarks.

Chemical synthesis is becoming more efficient with AI-guided planning and optimization of synthetic routes. As exemplified by projects like ‘RoboChem,’ autonomous synthesis robots outperform human chemists in speed and accuracy, marking a new era of automated, precise chemical manufacturing.

AI’s ability to model and mitigate pollution, optimize climate models, and develop sustainable chemical processes benefits environmental chemistry. We’ll examine how AI is employed in projects like geospatial analysis for public health and environmental monitoring.

AI enhances data interpretation and accuracy in analytical chemistry, improving techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography. This talk will highlight how AI-driven analytical methodologies are setting new standards in chemical analysis.

Join us to explore how AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in chemistry and addressing the grand challenges of our time with innovative solutions. This talk promises to inspire and provide valuable insights into the future of AI in chemistry.

Dr. Charun Yafa

National Institute of Metrology Thailand, Thailand

Dr. Charun Yafa is a leading expert in the field of chemical metrology with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), where he plays a pivotal role in upholding the country’s measurement standards.

Dr. Yafa holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry) from the University of Edinburgh, UK. His expertise lies in establishing and maintaining national chemical measurement standards, ensuring the accuracy and traceability of chemical measurements within Thailand.

Dr. Yafa’s extensive experience encompasses various leadership positions at NIMT. He has significantly contributed to the institute’s growth, including heading the chemical and biometry department and serving on the technical committee of the Metrology Society of Thailand.

Dr. Yafa is dedicated to promoting quality infrastructure in Thailand and beyond. He actively participates in international collaborations, serving as a technical assessor for The Bureau of Laboratory Quality Standards and The Bureau of Laboratory Accreditation. He has also been instrumental in projects focused on developing quality infrastructure for agricultural products.

Dr. Yafa is a passionate educator and researcher. He has conducted research on the determination of elements in various matrices and frequently presents his findings at international conferences. He actively shares his knowledge by delivering training courses on analytical method validation, isotope dilution mass spectrometry, and quality assurance measures for chemical analysis.

Dr. Yafa has authored and co-authored numerous publications in renowned scientific journals, including Metrologia, Accred Qual Assur, and Analytica Chimica Acta. His research focuses on developing reference materials and improving analytical techniques for accurate chemical measurements.

Plenary Lecture
Metrology and Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC): A Key to Improving Quality of Testing Laboratories

The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is an important tool that can be utilized to improve competitiveness and facilitate global trade. The NQI is the institutional framework that establishes and implements practices of standardization, including conformity assessment services, metrology, and accreditation. The NQI comprises a variety of organizations, each of which plays a role in establishing standards, evaluating whether products, process, or services fulfill specified technical requirements, and certifying that these requirements are met. Testing laboratories are an important part of ecosystem in the NQI of the economy. Testing results from testing laboratories play an important role in facilitating trade and also improving quality of life of people in economy. Testing laboratories help you ensure that products are consistent with the requirements of user and comply with a wide range of regulations and industry standards that require products to meet safety, performance, and environmental requirements. Test results reported from laboratories need to be reliable, accurate, and comparable worldwide. Metrology is the science of measurement and its application, which ensures that measurement and measuring instruments comply with law and regulation. Metrology is concerned with the assurance of the correctness of measurements where these have an influence on the transparency of trade, law enforcement, health, safety, and the environment. Interlaboratory comparison (ILC) and Proficiency Testing (PT) program are excellent tools to verify the degree of equivalence of two laboratories’ measurement results, the degree of equivalence with a reference quantity value, or to uncover discrepancies between two results. ILCs promote mutual trust and confidence in each other’s testing results. This presentation highlights the use of ILC to improve the quality of testing laboratories and produce trustworthy and reliable test results.

Professor Rey Capangpangan

Mindanao State University Naawan, Philippines

Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan is a distinguished scholar and expert in the domains of chemistry, nanotechnology, and material science. He currently holds the position of Professor of Chemistry at MSU at Naawan, where he leads the influential Research on Environment and NanotechnologY Laboratories (REY Labs) and the Center for Microplastic Research and Innovation (CMRI).

Dr. Capangpangan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman. His doctoral degree in Chemistry, specializing in Molecular Science and Technology, was conferred by National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, as part of the prestigious Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP).

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Capangpangan has made significant contributions to the scientific community by publishing numerous research papers in esteemed ISI/Scopus-indexed journals. His exceptional research has earned him various accolades, including the 2023 Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Resource Generation, and the National Award for Best Paper from the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development – National Health Research System (PCHRD-NHRS). He has also served as a Research Fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.

Dr. Capangpangan’s dedication extends to nurturing the next generation of researchers, as he is actively engaged in mentoring young scholars and participating in diverse research initiatives and international collaborations. Currently, he holds the position of Director of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages at Mindanao State University at Naawan, where he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of science and technology.

Invited Lecture
Microplastic Menace: Investigating Impacts on Mindanao’s Aquatic Ecosystems and Biota

Microplastics have emerged as a significant concern due to their profound environmental and health implications. This presentation offers an overview of the prevalence and current status of microplastics in the aquatic environments of Mindanao. Supported by NRCP funding, the ongoing Microplastic and Biomarker Project aims to investigate the intricate impacts of microplastics on Mindanao’s aquatic ecosystems and biota. Encompassing a range of aquatic environments across Mindanao, the project meticulously evaluates microplastic presence at various locations, including Butuan Bay, Agusan Marsh, Davao Gulf, Gingoog Bay, Macajalar Bay, Iligan Bay, and selected rivers and its tributaries. An array of abiotic and biotic samples is under scrutiny, spanning water, sediments, and diverse fish species—both wild and cultured—sea cucumbers, corals, sea grasses, crabs, and clams, among others.

Analysis of the collected samples has revealed the pervasive presence of microplastics across all sampled environments, indicating widespread contamination. Microplastic densities varied among locations and biota, highlighting the complexity of the issue and its impact on diverse ecosystems and organisms. As such, urgent and concerted actions are imperative to mitigate the threats posed by microplastics to aquatic life and ecosystem health.

Furthermore, the results underscore the need for continuous research efforts, particularly in the generation of toxicological data. Understanding the chemical composition and toxicological parameters of microplastics is crucial for informed decision-making and the development of effective mitigation strategies. Thus, ongoing and future research endeavors must prioritize the acquisition of comprehensive toxicological insights to safeguard the integrity of Mindanao’s aquatic ecosystems and protect the well-being of its inhabitants.

Professor Gladys Cherise Completo

University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Dr. Gladys Completo received her BS Chemistry and MS Agricultural Chemistry degrees at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). After teaching at the UPLB Institute of Chemistry, she initially started her graduate studies in Organic Chemistry at the Ohio State University with Prof. Todd Lowary but later moved with him and finished her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Alberta. After obtaining her PhD, she joined the research group of Prof. James Paulson as a Postdoctoral Fellow working on Glycobiology at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in San Diego, CA. After three years at TSRI, she then joined Dr. Michael Jung’s lab at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) as a Research Scholar and an Elsevier Foundation award recipient, where she did medicinal chemistry research. Gladys subsequently returned to her alma mater, UPLB, where she is currently a Professor of Chemistry. She was also a Visiting Research Professor at the University of California Davis in Prof. Carlito Lebrilla’s laboratory where she obtained training on using mass spectrometry-based glycomics and glycoproteomics approaches for biomarker discovery.

Dr. Completo is also actively involved in research and extension activities. She also received several awards, such as, recently, the UPLB Centennial Professorial Chair, One UP Professorial Chair Awards in Chemistry for Outstanding Teaching and Public Service, and International Publication Awards. Her research interests include drug discovery involving the design and synthesis of probes and inhibitors related to tuberculosis and cancer; glycoproteomics of lung cancer for biomarker discovery; and mass spectrometry-based Omics approaches for the discovery of alternative sources of glycosylated bioactive components from endemic plant extracts and industrial by-products to develop novel functional foods. She leads the GlycoBioLab research group and mentors several graduate and undergraduate students.

Dr. Completo is also an affiliate faculty of the UPLB Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, and the UP Open University. She is an associate editor of the SciEnggJ, a WOS and SCOPUS-indexed Philippine-based journal. She is a member of several professional organizations such as the National Research Council of the Philippines, Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (Chemical Society of the Philippines)-SouthernTagalog,Inc, and the PhilippineAmerican Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE). She is currently the chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Expertise Cluster, and President of Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE).

Invited Lecture
Novel Functional Foods from Endemic Plants

The accessibility of various OMICS technologies has significantly expanded the possibilities for utilizing these tools to investigate the effects of bioactive components on functional food properties. An optimized extraction method, coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography chip/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Chip/Q-TOF MS), was performed to characterize the glycans and macronutrient composition of the formulated supplements. Subsequently, these supplements were tested using stunted mouse models to monitor the growth and biochemical parameters associated with stunting, including anthropometric measurements and metagenomic analysis of fecal samples. Supplements derived from cheese whey were formulated and characterized, focusing specifically on their oligosaccharide and protein composition. Notably, milk oligosaccharides such as 3’SL, 6’SL, 2’FL, and 6-SLN were identified, thereby contributing significantly to the establishment of a comprehensive bioinformatic library of oligosaccharides. The effect of the supplements on the growth of stunted mouse models, such as body length and weight, as well as assessments of uric acid, cholesterol, protein levels, and metagenomic analysis of fecal samples, will be discussed. This study highlights the potential of bioactive whey protein, glycopeptide, and oligosaccharides as natural agents that enhance the nutritional properties of functional foods.

Professor Junji Inukai

University of Yamanashi, Japan

Professor Junji Inukai earned his BSc in 1987, MSc in 1989, and PhD in 1992 in Chemistry from University of Tokyo, Japan. He is currently a Full Professor at Clean Energy Research Center and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center, University of Yamanashi, Japan. His research interest covers fuel cell materials and analyses, clean energy, instrument development, surface electrochemistry, and surface chemistry. He has commercialized two analytical instruments for Shimadzu Corp., Japan for monitoring oxygen partial pressure inside fuel cells: FC-O2 Monitor FCM-405H-Oxy commercialized in 2009 and FC-3D Monitor FCM-3D-Oxy in 2016. In addition to that, he is also the owner of 5 Japanese patents on fuel cells and novel analytical methods.

He has received numerous awards, which are Research Encouragement Award from Tokin Foundation of Science & Technology Promotion for “Atom/Molecular Analyses of Structure and Reactivity at Solid/Liquid Interfaces, Presentation Award by Surface Finishing Society of Japan for “Structure Analysis of BTA Adlayers on Cu Single-Crystal Surfaces in Solution”, Journal Award by Surface Science Society of Japan for “Electrode Surfaces Studied by Ultrahigh Vacuum-Electrochemistry Combined System”, and ACS Editors’ Choice by American Chemical Society for “Atomically Flat Pt Skin and Striking Enrichment of Co in Underlying Alloy at Pt3Co(111) Single Crystal with Unprecedented Activity for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction”. Notably, in 2021, he received Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan.

He is also active member in various Academic/Professional organizations: Chemical Society of Japan, Electrochemical Society of Japan, Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science, Catalyst Society of Japan, Surface Finishing Society of Japan, Japanese Society for Synchrotron Radiation Research, Japanese Society for Neutron Science, International Electrochemical Society, Electrochemical Society, and La Societe Franco-Japonaise des Techniques Industrielles. His publications have amounted to 113 original papers, 13 books, 30 reviews and many interpretive articles.

Invited Lecture
Innovative Materials for Energy Storage

Supercapacitors have attracted attention as electrical energy storage devices because of their high-power density and long cycle life. Nevertheless, the energy densities of most supercapacitors are much lower than those of secondary batteries. For supercapacitors, non-aqueous liquids are normally used for electrolytes, but the use of aqueous electrolytes is expected for cost and safety. We are investigating asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) combining metal oxides and activated carbon (AC) electrodes. Some of the latest results will be presented.

Combination of Mn-Ni oxide solid solution (Mn-Ni-O) electrode and AC electrode are mainly discussed. LiCl aqueous solutions with different concentrations were used. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) developed in the university was also applied for an enclosed cell for a higher performance.

A divalent Mn-Ni-O electrode was prepared by a hydrothermal method, and its electrochemical characteristics were investigated. The potential window of electrode was successfully enlarged, reaching a specific capacitance of 363 F g−1. An aqueous electrolyte ASC was operated to an upper limit voltage of 2.5 V. For the first time, the oxidation number of Mn in the electrode was observed to change approximately in the range from divalent to tetravalent during the charge-discharge. The use of an AEM both increased the rate characteristic and coulombic efficiency.

ASCs with AEMs are still at a research state but expected to be used especially for mobility.

Professor Robert Lamb

University of Melbourne, Australia

Prof. Robert Lamb recently retired as the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Light Source Inc. Canada’s national synchrotron lightsource facility. He was previously the Foundation Executive Director of the Australian Synchrotron. Both organisations represent the largest investment in a single science project over the past 50 years by each country

Prof. Lamb was educated at Melbourne and Cambridge Universities and subsequently held appointments in England, Germany, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. Most recently retiring as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.

His research centres around surface science and coatings technology. Research focus in recent years has been in the way surfaces interact with the natural environment and in particular understanding the mechanisms underpinning non stick interfaces that result in ultrawaterproofing and marine antifouling. A key part of probing these interfaces is the application of sophisticated, yet readily available analytical tools, notably X ray absorption/scattering and imaging techniques.

Prof Lamb is also interested in the connection that leads government funded research into private sectors relationships effectively translating science into technology. He has been principal in the creation of 5 companies, most recently in Hong Kong/China and Canada. The latest being the commercialisation of a process for manufacturing key medical isotopes using “light” rather than the conventional nuclear reactor approach. This has significant advantages both economically and for the environment.

Invited Lecture
How to make nonstick coatings out of thin air and shining a light on how they work

Non stick coatings are everywhere in nature and have stimulated numerous practical applications. For example leaf surfaces have been the inspiration for novel waterproof textile coatings. Insect wings may hold the key to strategies for antifouling on marine vessels and the associated energy savings that go hand in hand with such developments.

The latest “green” nanotechnology approach to fabricating extremely non stick surfaces involves self organised and chemically cross linked nanoparticles. These generate exceptionally rough multi scale hierarchical interfaces that simultaneously possess a unique ability to self-clean themselves.

But what is behind such an effect? Why does a lotus leaf stay clean in nature but when freshly cut it rapidly contaminates? Washing inert “dirt” from textiles is enhanced if the surface has multi scale roughness yet biological (live) contaminants “sense” subtle nanoscale features and may “hold on” despite such rinsing.

Shining the bright light from a synchrotron facility on the problem might provide the answer.

The synchrotron generates a huge spectrum of intense beams of light, with X rays being by far the most popular with researchers. These universal scientific toolboxes cover every analytical technique including Spectroscopy, Microscopy and virtually every conceivable combination in between. Applications include probing materials of any origin from ancient artefacts to drug design, electronics to seed analysis in Agriculture (Canada) and even the origins of nonstickness !

In the Asia, for example, there are facilities in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and China. They support thousands of scientists from around the world engaged in mining, medicine, advanced material technologies, environmental science. They are open to anyone with a good scientific proposal. While the cost of scientific analytical instrumentation becomes increasingly expensive to buy, it is interesting to note that access to synchrotrons, the world’s most advanced analytical equipment is free for good scientific proposals.

Dr. Emmanuel V. Garcia

De La Salle University, Philippines

Dr. Emmanuel V. Garcia is an assistant professor at the Chemistry Department of De La Salle University Manila, where he also earned his degrees in Chemistry from bachelor to doctorate level. He is currently the director of the La Salle Food and Water Institute, which allows him to fuse together his passion for coffee science and interest in food bioanalytical research while simultaneously advocating for chemistry education especially on these two fields of study. He has been an active science educator, who once served as the president of the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers in 2016, and has conducted several seminars and workshops on science teaching across the country throughout his professional years. Known to many as a coffee connoisseur, he aims to support the development of the coffee industry in the Philippines through his research pursuits as manifested by his previous publications on coffee. His present study focuses on the application of stable isotope techniques for origin identification and traceability of coffee and cacao beans in the Philippines.

Invited Lecture
Traceability of Philippine Coffee: Stable Isotopes and Multi-element Profiling

Coffee has been one of the most popularly consumed beverages and it is also among the most traded agricultural products in the world. The varietal species and the conditions in which the coffee is grown affect the taste and quality of coffee beans. Due to the high demand and competition in the market, coffee has been reported to have high incidence of fraud and adulteration. This emphasizes the need for developing an objective method to trace the origin of coffee beans and also to authenticate the quality of local Philippine coffee. This study aimed to utilize Random Forest models that can classify the geographical origin of Philippine coffee based on the multi-elemental fingerprints of the samples through portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF), Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) analysis, and Stable Isotope Ratio (SIR) analysis.

Professor Santiago Gomez-Ruiz

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain

Invited Lecture
Nanomaterials functionalized with metallodrugs: Design of effective theranostic systems against cancer or bacteria

One of the current hot topics in biomedicine is theranosis (therapy + diagnosis), which is based on the synergistic effects of therapy and diagnosis and has demonstrated to have interesting medicinal applications as the promotion of early diagnosis combined with effective therapeutic treatments. In the specific field of drug-delivery, theranosis is promoting the design and synthesis of a wide variety of systems, which combine molecular imaging fragments with therapeutic compounds in single multifunctional nanoplatforms, being very effective in preclinical and clinical trials.

In this regard, in recent years our group embarked in the preparation of theranostic systems for treating cancer by combining highly effective therapeutic metallodrugs together with imaging agents in nanostructured materials to tackle cancer or bacterial infections [1]. Thus, our group has described the design, synthesis and characterization of a wide variety of theranostic systems based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), fibrous silica particles (FSPs) or even N-functionalized graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) loaded with tin, copper, ruthenium or silver agents. These novel theranostic nanomaterials, adequately co-functionalized with targeting agents, have been tested in vitro and in vivo with promising results against cancer or bacterial models.

This lecture will present the main work of our group, focusing on the latest results in the field, highlighting both the synthesis and characterization methods and the biological studies, which have demonstrated the dependence of the structural features and composition of the drug-delivery systems on the therapeutic activity and have opened up new avenues for the design of innovative metallodrug-functionalized nanomaterials, which may be applied in clinical trials in the future.

Associate Professor David Harding

Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand

Invited Lecture
Molecular magnetic switches: Rational design of spin crossover materials

Spin crossover (SCO) complexes can act as simple molecular magnetic switches and have the advantage of being switchable by multiple stimuli. A key aim in this area is to design molecules which switch reliably close to room temperature and with magnetic hysteresis. In this talk our recent efforts in the design of iron(III) spin crossover materials will be discussed with a focus on anion and solvent effects.

Professor Emeritus Jorge Ibañez

Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico

Invited Lecture
Electrochemistry Experimentation at the Microscale Level

In this introductory workshop, experiments using simple equipment and substances will be performed by the participants.

Areas to be covered include: energy storage, environmental applications (e.g., electrocoagulation), electrochemical writing, fractal formation, electroluminescence, battery formation, electrodeposition, organic and inorganic electrosynthesis.

Dr. Preciosa Corazon Pabroa

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippines

Invited Lecture
Unraveling air pollution sources and their potential health risks through nuclear and related analytical techniques (NATs) and receptor modeling

Air particulate matter (APM) is a mixture of different pollutant sources that can be of anthropogenic and/or natural origin, of which the size of great concern with regard to adverse effects on human health is generally less than 2.5 μm (referred to as PM2.5). Identification and apportionment of pollutant sources is important to have a better understanding of prevailing conditions in the area and thus better air quality management can be applied. APM (PM10) at sampling sites in Metro Manila (Philippines) has been monitored since 1998 for the primary purpose of source identification and source apportionment and in Boracay (Malay, Philippines) from 2017 to 2019. APM samples (fractionated into coarse (PM2.5-10) and fine (PM2.5) fractions) were collected using a Gent air sampler. Particulate mass was determined by gravimetry and black carbon by reflectometry and/or MABI; organic carbon/elemental carbon by thermal optical reflectance. Elemental concentrations were determined using nuclear and related analytical techniques such as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Source apportionment of fine air particulates was done using PMF2. Results show PM10 levels to be in compliance with the Philippine 1-year guideline value of 60 μg m-3 but in exceedance of the WHO 1-year guideline value of 15 μg m-3. PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO 1-year guideline value of 5 μg m-3. Annual mean % Fine BC levels range from 33% to 59%, but individual points can reach up to more than 80% of the PM2.5 levels. Pb levels in the fine fraction exhibit a decreasing trend coinciding with the introduction of unleaded gasoline starting in 1998 and the eventual phase-out of the use of leaded gasoline in 2001. Vehicular emissions make up the bulk at about 50%, other sources are such as smoke, secondary S, fine soil, and industry. The unhealthy levels of PM2.5 posed significant non-carcinogenic (HQ) and carcinogenic (CR) health effects at all the assesed sites. The trend observed for PM2.5 average HQ values in both age group is Valenzuela>MMDA>NAMRIA. High CR risk (> 1 × 10-4) was observed for children at all sites (Valenzuela>MMDA>NAMRIA), while medium carcinogenic risk was observed for adults at all sites (>1×10-5). AirQ+ model simulation showed that BC has a greater effect on mortality cases than PM2.5. The proportion of mortality cases attributed to BC exposure is higher than PM2.5. Elements studied show negligible potential (HQ<1) to cause non-carcinogenic health effects and very low (<1×10-6) carcinogenic health effects to children and adult at all study sites. Addressing problems regarding traffic-related activities can greatly reduce the fine particulate pollution problems including the black carbon which can bring about better air quality in the area resulting in cleaner air to breathe for a healthier general public and contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

Professor Eric R. Punzalan

De La Salle University, Philippines

Dr Punzalan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, at De La Salle University. He had formal training in organometallic chemistry from the University of Connecticut, particularly Group I organometallics. He joined DLSU as a DOST-NAST Balik Scientist after working at the University of Chicago on the chemistry of cubanes. While not doing chemistry, he is usually found underwater as a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer. His other passion is getting people into diving science because he believes one cannot care for something without understanding. He established the Batang Sayantist Club and led the creation of the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad about two decades ago to entice the young into science. His organization collects and distributes science books to small, marginalized schools, a project that he believes may bridge the “books gap” in local schools. He holds the rank of Captain in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, another organization where he hopes to continue to spread Citizen Science.

Invited Lecture
Workshop on Integrating Environmental and Citizen Science in Chemistry Education

Participation as citizen scientists has effectively attracted diverse individuals to science. It bridges the gap between the “average citizen” and scientists while promoting lifelong learning and the development of reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills. This workshop aims to share with secondary science teachers some methods and skills that may lead them to successfully incorporate citizen science through environmental chemistry in their classroom activities.

This workshop will accommodate 50–60 science teachers —divided into ten teams. Each team will conceptualize, identify, and develop a citizen science project as a pedagogical strategy. The workshop proper begins with a survey to determine the participants’ prior knowledge and perspectives regarding citizen science. This will be followed by an introduction to integrating citizen science as a pedagogical strategy and a presentation on various successful cases in science education. Subsequent breakout sessions will allow participants to apply what they have learned by developing their citizen science projects, which they will present at the end of the workshop.

Professor Mario Tan

University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Mario A. Tan obtained his BSc and MSc in Chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and completed his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Chiba University, Japan as a Monbukagakusho (Japanese Government) scholar. He is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UST, and currently the Assistant Research Director of the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences. His research interests include the phytochemistry of Philippine Pandanus and Rubiaceae species, total synthesis of biologically active small molecules, and the identification of potential neuroprotective agents inhibiting amyloid-beta aggregation and fibrillization against Alzheimer’s disease. He is a recipient of several research fellowships including the DAAD Visiting Research Fellowship (University of Dusseldorf, Germany, 2013), the JASSO Research Fellowship (Chiba University, Japan, 2014), Novartis Next Generation Scientist (Switzerland, 2017), research fellowship in Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University (Korea, 2019), and the JSPS Invitational Research Fellowship (Japan, 2022). He was awarded the 2012 NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, 2018 NAST Outstanding Young Scientist in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021 PFCS Achievement Award for Chemical Research, and the 2023 NRCP Achievement Award in Chemical Sciences.

Invited Lecture
Exploring Philippine Plants and their Natural Products for Neuroprotective Strategies against Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, which are central to its pathology. Accumulation of Aβ plaques leads to oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and ultimately cell death, contributing to disease progression. In the search for potential treatments, natural products from terrestrial sources have garnered attention for their anti-amyloidogenic and neuroprotective properties.

The Pandanus species have shown promise in inhibiting Aβ aggregation and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation, suggesting a multifaceted approach to managing AD. Phytochemical analyses on Philippine Pandanus plants have led to the isolation of bioactive compounds which have demonstrated inhibitory effects on Aβ aggregation and AGEs formation. In parallel, Philippine Rubiaceae species have also been explored for their anti-amyloidogenic effects. The oxindole alkaloids, the phenylethanoid tyrosol, and vomifoliol, have shown inhibitory effects on Aβ aggregation, highlighting the potential of natural products from diverse sources in combating AD.

These findings emphasize the importance of exploring Philippine plants and their natural compounds for the development of novel therapeutics against AD. Further in vivo studies are necessary to validate the efficacy of these compounds, and exploration of structure-activity relationships could aid in the rational design of future drug candidates targeting AD.

Professor Keiji Tanaka

Kyushu University, Japan

Invited Lecture
Dynamics of Polymer Chains Adsorbed onto Solid Surfaces

Polymer composites containing inorganic nano-fillers have found widespread use across various engineering fields. The performance and functionality of these composites hinge on the quality of the interface between the polymer and the inorganic material. When the interaction between them is attractive and the interface is well defined, the fillers disperse homogeneously, rendering the reinforcement effective. To gain a better understanding of how the polymer interface is formed, we here discuss the adsorption behavior of polymer chains on the solid substrate by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulation (MD), and then turn to thermal motion of the chains. Panels (a-c) of Fig. 1 show AFM images for three chains on mica observed at 298, 313, and 328 K. The relative positions for each chain were almost unchanged with increasing temperature, whereas the outline for all chains became obviously sharper. These make it clear that the centroid of chains was unchanged in this temperature range, whereas the local shape of chains partly changed depending on temperature. Panels (d-f) of Fig. 1 show the cross-sectional views along the line for a typical single chain. The maximum height and the width values along the line were 0.50, 0.40, and 0.27 nm and 2.4, 2.0, and 0.7 nm at 298, 313, and 328 K, respectively. That is, the height and width of the chain decreased with increasing temperature. These results indicate that loop segments were transformed to train segments to increase the contact points with the substrate surface with increasing temperature. To further discuss the conformational transition of an adsorbed chain, MD simulation was conducted. A single PMMA chain with a given conformation was placed on a substrate, relaxed at 298 K for 1 ns and then annealed at 328 K for 10 ns. The local conformation partly changed and some segments in loops tended to contact with the surface, and then the relative chain density increased at a lower height position with increasing time. These results support the molecular picture proposed by AFM that the conformational transition of chains, from loops to trains, proceeded to increase the contact points with the solid surface upon the adsorption process. Combining the results obtained from AFM and the MD simulation, it can be claimed that polymer chains became more rigid on the way to reaching a pseudo-equilibrium state, accompanied by a change in its local conformation from mainly loops to trains. In the presentation, the adsorption and the segmental dynamics of isolated chains on the substrate will be also discussed.

Associate Professor Joel Hassan Tolentino

University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines

Joel Hassan G. Tolentino is an Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science and Chemistry (DFSC) at the University of the Philippines Mindanao. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Connecticut, USA, focusing his dissertation on mutagenesis studies through a site-specific approach.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Tolentino served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Florida, USA, where he worked mainly on mechanisms of drug resistance in blood cancers.

From 2016 to 2022, he led the Phases 2 and 3 projects under the Discovery and Development of Health Products (DDHP) – Terrestrial Component Program, which established a Bioassay Laboratory in UP Mindanao and generated semi-pure anti-lung and -colon cancer bioactive extracts from plants in Davao Region.

In 2019, when the Philippine Genome Center Satellite Facility in UP Mindanao (PGC Mindanao) was established, Dr. Tolentino served as a project staff under the Center’s Research and Development Division. In recognition of his expertise and leadership capabilities, Dr. Tolentino assumed the role of Director at PGC Mindanao in 2022 and continues to lead PGC Mindanao in enhancing the scientific landscape of Mindanao by fostering collaborative research initiatives and facilitating science education skills training.

Dr. Tolentino is dedicated to advancing omics research programs across various fields including Health, Agriculture, Food Quality and Security, Biodiversity, Environmental Management, and Human Diversity.

Invited Lecture
Anti-Cancer Functional Food Components from Philippine Endemic Plants

Two of the capacity building projects granted to the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) by DOST were the establishment of the Bioassay Laboratory for Anti-cancer Drug Discovery (DDHP9-Phases 2 and 3, 2016-2022) and the Philippine Genome Center Satellite Facility in UP Mindanao (PGC Mindanao, 2019-2022).

In the two phases of the drug discovery project, parts of plants collected from Davao Region were subjected to bioassay-guided purification to isolate potential anti-lung and -colon cancer compounds. Seventeen priority bioactive extracts (PBE) were generated in Phase 2 which employed a primary assay for anti-proliferation. In Phase 3, the PBE were further purified with the toxicity assays, orthogonal/secondary assays, apoptosis and anti-migration assays, and dereplication by mass spectrometry added in the bioassay-guided process. Presently, at least four PBE are promising and require further purification to obtain anti-lung and -colon cancer leads. As the first omics facility in Mindanao established in 2019, PGC Mindanao creates an avenue for the scientific community in the region to improve research and development in the field of omics. The Center initiated capacity-building activities, research collaborations, extension efforts, and rendered laboratory and bioinformatics services. It has opened doors to explore opportunities, issues, and challenges relevant to the region. PGC Mindanao intends to be a catalyst for growth and development in the Island by forging strong research ties and resources-sharing among collaborators.

Both facilities are start-up hubs that can eventually grow and generate innovative products in drug discovery from Philippine natural resources and in genomics and multi-omics translational research.

Professor Junie B. Billones

University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines

Dr. Junie B. Billones presently holds the position of Professor 11 and University Scientist 3 at the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila. He served as Director of Learning Resource Center, University of the Philippines Manila (2001-2011), Assistant Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013-2017), member of the Fairness Opinion Board of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippines (2018-2020), and Chair of the Scientific Review Council (2016-2019) at the National Institutes of Health-Philippines. He won the prestigious national award in research, the 2016 Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for Outstanding Research and Development for Basic Research awarded by the National Academy of Science and Technology, DOST. He was the Program Leader of the EIDR research program entitled “Computer-Aided Discovery of Compounds for the Treatment of Tuberculosis in the Philippines” (2012-2017). He received several professorial chairs and faculty awards from the University. Dr. Billones obtained his straight PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1999 under the International Development Program of Australia. Under the sandwich PhD fellowship, he performed his dissertation at the Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (1995, 1998). He obtained his BS Agricultural Chemistry degree from Visayas State University. He published at least 50 articles in international scientific journals, and presented more than 70 papers in diverse local and international scientific conferences and public forums. Dr. Billones is a member of several national and international professional organizations. Furthermore, he serves as member of the editorial board of several scientific journals and as peer reviewer of numerous papers for international scientific journals, and as Subject Matter Expert in DOSTv and several radio programs. The research work of Prof. Junie Billones focuses on computer-aided discovery and development of drugs including pharmacophore-based screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, molecular modeling of small molecules, and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies. He is also involved in spectro-electrochemical studies of coordination complexes in line with his long-standing interest in ligand effects in the field of Inorganic Chemistry.

Invited Lecture
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the field of drug discovery, revolutionizing traditional approaches and opening up new avenues for innovation. This talk explores the multifaceted landscape of AI applications in drug discovery, delving into its vast opportunities, inherent limitations, ongoing challenges, and promising future directions. AI-driven approaches have accelerated the drug development process, enabling rapid identification of novel drug candidates, optimization of molecular structures, and prediction of drug-target interactions, with unprecedented accuracy. However, AI-guided endeavors face an intricate web of challenges and limitations, including ethical considerations, data quality, and interpretability. To address these complexities, implementing key strategies is essential to harness the full potential of AI in the field of drug discovery. Moreover, future directions poised to shape the trajectory of AI in drug discovery include data augmentation and explainable AI methodologies. This presentation provides insights into the transformative role of AI in advancing drug discovery, paving the way for the development of safer, more effective therapeutics to address pressing healthcare challenges.

Professor Erwin P. Enriquez

Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Dr. Erwin P. Enriquez is professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University. He obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under Professor Edward T. Samulski and was postdoctoral research associate at the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prior to joining the Ateneo in 1995. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemistry (cum Laude) from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos in 1987 and in that same year, he placed 1st in the Chemistry Licensure Examinations. He was recipient of the 2016 CHED Republica National Award, 2015 Leaders in Innovation Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Engineering under the UK Newton Fund and DOST, 2015 Federation of Chemistry Societies Award for Chemistry Research, and recognized as one of the 2004 OYS of the NAST. His current research interests include nanofabrication using solution-processing techniques for various applications such as in DNA biosensors, solar energy generation, and printed electronics. He was recently awarded the 2020 Julian A. Banzon Medal, Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research by the DOST-NAST. He was also recently inducted as a Professional Materials Engineer and awarded as one of the Materials Engineering Luminaries by the Institute of Materials Engineers of the Philippines.

Invited Lecture
Artificial Intelligence in Materials and Physical Chemistry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now at the forefront of technology, posing as an invaluable tool to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation, but also as a threat to replace human jobs and to yet unknown outcomes of its evolution. The rapid progress in computing engineering and information technology in the past century paved the way for AI today, which is rapidly expanding in scope and depth, perhaps faster than how we could possibly even adapt. It is therefore prudent to understand it—from whence it came and what its current and future impact on us. First, to know how we could harness its potential in knowledge generation and innovation, and second, to prepare for what and how it would be for us in the future. Computing has traditionally been a part of materials and physical chemistry, mostly grounded on the first principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum theory. The accumulation of empirical knowledge of properties of substances and materials, coupled with molecular simulations, and the availability of “big data” computing tools have in turn provided inputs for machine learning or AI to flourish. AI has thus been demonstrated to make accurate predictions of thousands of new, stable materials with predicted properties. Such AI-generated structures and compositions could almost certainly yield new science generalizations and to novel materials that are more sustainable and best suited for target applications such as in photovoltaics, energy storage, medical device, and electronic chips. If AI can generate scientific data faster than ever, the question then is, how will it impact future scientific research and experimentation? This talk will also present discussion points on how to integrate AI in the field of Materials and Physical Chemistry.

Professor Elmer-Rico Mojica

Pace University, USA

Professor Elmer-Rico E. Mojica has over twenty years of experience as a scholar and scientist in chemistry. He earned his BS and MS degrees in Agricultural Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and his PhD in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo (UB). Currently, he serves as a Full Professor at Pace University, where he conducts research, mentors students, and teaches classes in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and instrumental analysis. His research focuses on using various instrumental techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry to analyze samples related to biochemistry, nutrition, food science, and environmental science. Professor Mojica has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and books and has received multiple awards for his research and teaching, including the Excellence in Research Award, the Charles and Homer Pace Faculty Award and Kenan Teaching Excellence Award from Pace University. He has also been honored with awards such as the Ulirang Guro award from the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Southern Tagalog and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America, He also serves as an adjunct faculty at CUNY York College and as a Professorial Lecturer at UPLB.

Invited Lecture
Enhancing Chemical Education with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education, opening doors to innovative teaching methods and research opportunities. This presentation explores the transformative potential of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard in enhancing chemical education. These tools offer personalized learning experiences for students and serve as invaluable resources, acting as virtual research assistants, science communicators, and chemical name translators. By leveraging these tools, educators can create engaging and interactive learning environments, while researchers can streamline their workflows and accelerate discovery. However, the integration of generative AI tools in chemical education also poses challenges, including issues related to data privacy, algorithm bias, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the responsible and ethical utilization of AI in chemical education. This presentation provides insights into the benefits, challenges, and considerations associated with integrating generative AI tools into chemical education, paving the way for a more dynamic and effective learning experience for students and researchers alike.

Professor Emeritus Fortunato Sevilla III

University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Invited Lecture
Artificial Intelligence in Analytical Chemistry

Artificial intelligence has been adopted as a useful and powerful tool for the analysis and processing of large data sets generated in instrumental methods of chemical measurements, particularly spectroscopy and chromatography. This innovative approach facilitated the interpretation of analytical data and the extraction of information from these data. It has also been applied for the optimization of chemical analysis methods, leading to an improvement in the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results. Some of these applications of artificial intelligence in the field of analytical chemistry will be presented.