S&T Fellow of DOST’s nuclear institute bags int’l best abstract award
- Details
S&T Fellow of DOST’s nuclear institute bags int’l best abstract award
Dr. Thomas Neil B. Pascual, S&T Fellow of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), won the International Best Abstract Award 2022 for Philippines from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). The award was given during the SNMMI 2022 Annual Meeting held in Vancouver, Canada.
Dr. Pascual’s abstract titled “Cost-effectiveness of F-18 FDG PET/CT in lung and colorectal cancer: a systematic review and narrative synthesis” detailed briefly but thoroughly the result of his systematic review on 18-FDG PET/CT imaging.
F-18 FDG PET/CT is a useful imaging modality in cancer staging and response to treatment.
Based on his review, Dr. Pascual concluded that PET/CT is more cost-effective than CT scan alone in the staging requirements for colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. He thus recommended to decision-makers to make sound judgement in choosing this technology, and to policymakers to consider funding this technology, to improve the cancer management strategy in the health care system.
The SNMMI honors and celebrates the extraordinary work that is being done around the globe to further the effectiveness of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
Meanwhile, the DOST Science and Technology (S&T) Fellows Program aims to boost the research and development capacity of the DOST research and development institutes and councils by engaging the services of highly qualified researchers, scientists, and engineers to beef up the Department’s S&T workforce. Fellows like Dr. Pascual are tasked to conduct or participate in the conceptualization, policy and funding development, and monitoring and evaluation of various R&D programs and projects implemented by the DOST through its various R&D institutes.
An expert in nuclear medicine, Dr. Pascual is assigned at the DOST-PNRI, the country’s lead agency in nuclear S&T, which is currently establishing the Nuclear Medicine Research and Innovation Center. (Framelia V. Anonas, DOST-PNRI)
PNRI signs accord with DTI’s strategic trade office to regulate strategic goods
- Details
Officials from DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and Department of Trade and Industry - Strategic Trade and Management Office (DTI-STMO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical expertise and support on managing the trade on strategic goods.
From left to right: STMO Assistant Director Atty. Janice S. Dimayacyac, STMO Director Atty. Luis Manuel M. Catibayan, PNRI Director Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Ann I. Samson, and Regulations and Standards Development Section Head Ms. Teresita G. de Jesus. [Photo from DTI-STMO]
PNRI signs accord with DTI’s strategic trade office to regulate strategic goods
Contributing its expertise towards national security and ensuring public safety, the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute will serve as one of the support agencies under the National Security Council – Strategic Trade Management Committee (NSC-STMCom) by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
PNRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DTI Strategic Trade and Management Office on June 13, 2022 to strengthen efforts on commodity classification, investigation, and enforcement activities involving strategic goods.
According to the DTI, strategic goods are items or products, including software and technologies, which are not allowed for export or are heavily regulated due to security reasons or according to international agreements. These include firearms and military-grade equipment, components and other similar materials, as well as items which are related to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
PNRI's technical expertise, facilities, and laboratories on materials analysis will prove useful in managing the trade and movement of strategic goods in the Philippines, especially for dual-use equipment. These are items which are commonly used for commercial or peaceful purposes but may also be used for military applications and even for WMDs.
These items are enumerated in the National Strategic Goods List as part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 10697, or the Strategic Trade Management Act.
The law fulfills the country's international commitments and obligations in maintaining global peace and security, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 which aims to curtail the spread of WMDs.
PNRI signs MOU for neutron applications in medical physics
- Details
The MOU was signed by PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla (2nd from left) and MPHPS CEO Manuel Ramirez (2nd from right). Also witnessing the signing were PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Samson and DOST Associate Scientist Dr. Alvie Astronomo.
PNRI signs MOU for neutron applications in medical physics
Helping to ensure the safety of workers exposed to radiation due to their occupation, DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Medical Physics and Health Physics Services, Inc. for Project LUNIS (Low-Dose Uniform Neutron Irradiation System) on May 31, 2022 at the PNRI compound in Quezon City.
The partnership will harness PNRI's expertise in neutron measurement and dosimetry to ultimately benefit medical professionals and other sectors, whose working environments will improve in terms of radiation protection and safety thanks to better calibration of detectors and dosimeters, among others.
PNRI Technologies at DOST Exhibit in SM Baguio
- Details
PNRI Technologies at DOST Exhibit in SM Baguio
Participants check out the exhibit of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the DOST’s Nationwide S&T Promotions and Exhibit in SM City Baguio on 21 May 2022.
Featuring the latest innovations of the DOST, the exhibit is a partnership between the DOST and SM Supermalls, and implemented by the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute in collaboration with DOST agencies.
Among the exhibits of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute are the new hyaluronic acid based hydrogels, honey authentication and fingerprinting technology, multi-shell neutron spectrometer, and non-woven fabrics for waste water treatment.
