Ateneo’s Integrated Protein Research Development Center is one of DOST Niche Centers

On 8 October 2021, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled 10 new centers under the Niche Centers in the Regions for R & D (NICER), including Ateneo de Manila University’s Integrated Protein Research Development Center (IPRDC). 

The centers, under the supervision of higher educational institutions from around the country, aim to boost initiatives in the areas of industry, disaster risk reduction, climate change, and health.

IPRDC is a biotechnology facility envisioned to manufacture proteins and other instrumentation for health R & D. The center strives to ‘build the capacity for producing reagents and develop supporting equipment as an intervention with significant potential impact in the Philippines’ ability to address chronic epidemics and acute pandemics, including but not limited to COVID-19.”

Through the center, we hope “to catalyze and support the growing field, enable equitable access for science education and research and pave the way for local manufacturing to create impact in health, agriculture, and food,” said Dr. Crisanto Lopez, IPRDC’s Program Leader and chair of the Loyola School’s Department of Biology.

University President Roberto C. Yap SJ spoke of the significance of the center’s role in addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.

“The Ateneo’s Integrated Protein Research Development Center will play a significant role in the expansion of biomolecular science education and research in the Philippines and hopefully, will contribute to the growth and diagnostics of biotechnology industry. We are grateful for the support of DOST for its NICER centers in research and development for the region.” 

 Watch the virtual conference.