Ateneo de Manila University research training for East Timor

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) facilitated a training on Building and Managing Research Centers for Social Impact and Faith-based Studies for a delegation of representatives from East Timor on 18 to 22 November 2024 at Ateneo de Manila University.

The representatives from East Timor, headed by Fr Plinio Martins SJ, Vice Rector for Mission and Identity and International Network Officer of the Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB), sought to learn from research experts in the university with focus on key areas such as education, socio-anthropology, faith or theology, justice, peace, and reconciliation, which will aid them to set up their own research center.

Discussion meetings were conducted with key research centers, namely, Ateneo Policy Center, Institute of Philippine Culture, KULeuven-Ateneo Center for Catholic Theology and Social Justice, John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues, Miriam College Center for Strategic Research, Creativity,  &  Intellectual  Property, Tagpuan: Center for Dialogue, Research and Collaboration, for a presentation of the center’s vision, mission, goals, programs, organizational structures, funding, and  a sharing of the challenges and successes reaped throughout their years of operation. The training also included a workshop on research methodology and application tools, and inputs on policy dissemination and advocacy facilitated by Dr Leslie Lopez, Dr Kevin Go and Ms Nota Magno of the Ateneo Development Studies Department. 

The training concluded with a discussion of their concept paper and operational plans. Dr. Philip Arnold Tuaño, Dean of ASoG, and Ms Sharon Yabut, Head of the ASoG Executive Education Program, provided inputs and recommendations to aid in the refinement and finalization of the operational plans. 

It is hoped that this training support and initiative for the East Timor Province of the Society of Jesus will help them build an enhanced knowledge base and strong research landscape, and contribute to the global research community anchored in Ignatian values.