The World Health Organization (WHO) describes social innovations as “novel ways to implement comprehensive solutions by engaging and collaborating with actors across hierarchies and sectors.”

On its 36^th anniversary, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) will highlight social innovations in health research. The celebration will take place on 16 March 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

According to Dr. Jaime Montoya, PCHRD Executive Director, the Council wants to discuss and emphasize relevant researches that empowers individuals and communities to achieve their optimum potential.

“In the current innovation ecosystem, there is a gap on what we think is the best way of ensuring that innovations will benefit our community. Social innovation is the key as it provides unique lens to tackle complex healthcare delivery challenges as well as combine best practices across range of disciplines,” Dr. Montoya explained.

Highlight of the program is the recognition of good social innovation practices in health including the winners of the 2017 Search for PHL Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Solutions. The Call aims to honor innovations that demonstrate inclusivity, affordability, and effectiveness in health care in the country.

A panel discussion will also be held to discuss opportunities and appropriate frameworks for social innovation in health research. Invited panelists include University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Professor Noel Juban, UP School of Economics Professor Aleli Kraft, Ateneo De Manila University Institute of Philippine Culture Research Associate Dennis Batangan, and Surigao del Norte Municipality of Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque, and UP Manila Professor Mary Ann Lansang are expected to grace the event.

PCHRD is the national coordinating and monitoring body for health research. For the updated program, visit www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (/dostpchrd) and follow us on Twitter (@DOST_PCHRD)!

Announcement from the Brunei Research Council (BRC) of Brunei Darussalam regarding the Call for Proposals for Brunei Research Council Industrial Research Grant which will be opened from February 2018-April 2018.

The Research and Development Grant aims to foster R&D activities directed at producing new products, technologies and/or services, or to improve existing products, technologies and /or services for the purpose of commercialization

The BRC is inviting proposals in the following areas:
• Food Science & Technology
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy
• Energy
• Health and Biotechnology

The Grant is a 50:50 co-matching grant scheme, where 50% of the total project scheme value would be contributed by the Grant, while the other 50% would need to be sourced out by the applicant/proponent.

Interested parties are requested to submit the application via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 15 April 2018. Please find attached copy of invitation for further information.