Research News

NUHRA Mid-Term Evaluation Survey Now Open for Health Research Stakeholders

The Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) is pleased to share this announcement from the Philippine National Health Research System regarding the NUHRA Mid-Term Evaluation Survey.

Health research stakeholders are invited to participate in a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Survey assessing the awareness, adoption, and impact of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023–2028.

The evaluation aims to gather valuable insights to ensure that NUHRA remains responsive to national health priorities and continues to guide research directions effectively across the country.

About NUHRA

The Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) developed the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023–2028 to set national priorities and guide health research initiatives in the Philippines.

This mid-term evaluation will help assess how effectively NUHRA has been communicated, adopted, and implemented among stakeholders.

What to Expect

A short and confidential survey
Responses reported in aggregate
Providing your name is optional

Participants will receive:

An exclusive research toolkit
A special report on the NUHRA Evaluation results

A valid email address is required to receive these materials. Participants may also opt in to receive future NUHRA and health research updates (optional).

R1HRDC encourages all health research stakeholders in the region to take part in this important initiative. Your participation contributes to strengthening the direction of Philippine health research.

Call for Applications: i-to-i Innovation Hub 2026

The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) shares this announcement with interested institutions about the i-to-i Innovation Hub 2026, an international initiative led by the International Hospital Federation (IHF) in partnership with Stanford Healthcare.

The i-to-i Innovation Hub—from innovation to implementation—recognizes and showcases ground-breaking innovations that are transforming how hospital leaders deliver patient care worldwide. For 2026, the Hub carries the theme “Smarter pathways: How AI is changing patient care.” Under this theme, hospitals within the IHF membership are invited to submit innovations that have directly reshaped traditional models of hospital care.

Selected innovations will be featured as part of the programme of the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress, to be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in October 2026.

About the i-to-i Innovation Hub 2026

Call for Applications: Foreign Graduate Scholarship (FGS) Programs in Tropical Medicine

Announcing the availability of the Foreign Graduate Scholarship (FGS) Programs in Tropical Medicine offered by the Department of Science and Technology—Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in collaboration with the Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM) at Mahidol University—SEAMEO TROPMED in Thailand.

The FGS Programs provide opportunities for deserving Filipino students to pursue graduate studies in Tropical Medicine and strengthen national capacity for health research.

Applicants’ proposed research interests must be aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA).

Programs Offered

Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (2 years)
Doctor of Philosophy in Tropical Medicine (3 years)

Scholarship Capacity

Two (2) slots for the MSc program
One (1) slot for the PhD program
(Subject to availability of funds)

Eligibility

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, not more than 50 years old, in good health, possess an outstanding academic record, meet the admission requirements of Mahidol University, and be willing to render the required Return Service Obligation (RSO).

Scholarship Privileges

Tuition and school fees
Research and learning support
Living allowance and insurance
One round-trip airfare (Philippines–Thailand)
Thesis/dissertation grant (subject to evaluation)

Application Deadlines

Mahidol University Application: 31 January 2026
https://graduate.mahidol.ac.th/admission-apply/
CV Submission to DOST-PCHRD: 28 February 2026
bit.ly/PCHRD_SIS

More information: bit.ly/2026FGS_Thailand

Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

DOST-PCHRD Announces PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Italy

The Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) is pleased to share this opportunity from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

DOST-PCHRD is now accepting applications for a three-year doctoral program in Trieste, Italy, conducted in collaboration with the University of Trieste and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF), a global hub for cutting-edge biomedical research.

This prestigious program offers Filipino researchers the opportunity to pursue advanced studies and contribute to innovative developments in health and biomedical sciences within an international research environment.

The program will be hosted in:

University of Trieste, Italy
Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF), a recognized global center for biomedical research

Researchers who are passionate about advancing health research and ready to take the next academic step are encouraged to apply.

Important Details:

Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
Application Link: https://bit.ly/PCHRD_SIS
More Information: https://bit.ly/2026PhD_Italy

R1HRDC is sharing this announcement to support the continuous professional development of health researchers in the region. Interested applicants are advised to visit the provided links for complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

Make this season one of growth, discovery, and new beginnings — your PhD journey could begin with this opportunity.

For more information: bit.ly/2026PhD_Italy

Call for Research Abstracts: Healthy Aging Summit 25

Call for Research Abstracts: Healthy Aging Summit 2025

The Grand Scientific Symposium: Healthy Aging Summit 2025 is now accepting research abstracts! With the theme "Living Well, Ageing Well: A Holistic Approach to Longevity," the summit will be held at the UP Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, on November 21-22, 2025.

This event. provides a platform for researchers to share studies that contribute to advancing knowledge and practices in healthy aging. The Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC) is pleased to share this opportunity with researchers in the region and beyond.

Important Dates

Deadline of Submission: October 20, 2025
Notice of Acceptance: October 30, 2025
Research Contest: November 22, 2025

Abstract Guidelines

Second Call for Applications: 2025 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products

Call for Applications: 2025 DOST- PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products

The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has officially opened the second call for applications for the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

This program aims to sustain a strong research culture in natural products, encouraging more undergraduate students to explore the field and contribute to building a pool of future researchers and experts. It is aligned with the Drug Discovery and Development (Tuklas Lunas) Program of DOST-PCHRD, which seeks to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs sourced from the Philippines' rich natural resources.

WHO CAN APPLY?