In partnership with the Scientific Career System (SCS) and the Department of Science and Technology Region (DOST) XII, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) held the first Women in Science Engineering, and Research (WISER) Forum on 25 March 2025 in General Santos City as part of the National Women’s Month celebration.
Through the Gender and Diversity (GAD) Program of NAST PHL, the forum was conceptualized to promote the scientific productivity of women scientists, engineers, and researchers as a solution to the disparity of the number of women and men nominees and awardees of NAST PHL.
Five (5) speakers shared their expertise and life stories:
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Academician Maribel G. Nonato, “Building Inclusive and Supportive Work Environments for Women in STEM”
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Dr. Pierangeli R. Vital, “Returning to Science and Research After a Career Break From Marriage and Motherhood”
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Academician Edward Wang, “Ethics in ST&I and Research, Predatory Conferences and Journals, and Concept of Gender in Research Integrity”
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Academician Aura Matias, “About NAST and Award Opportunities”
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Academician Roel Suralta, “About the Scientific Career System and Benefits and Privileges of a Career Scientist”
Seventy-four participants attended the forum with 95% being female. Majority of the participants were early and mid-career scientists from academic institutions: University of Southern Mindanao, Notre Dame of Midsayap College, University of Santo Tomas General Santos, Mindanao State University, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, among others. National government agencies were represented by DOST, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Education. A majority (85%) of the participants gave the forum a very satisfactory rating.
