Research Utilization

Intellectual Property and Technology Management Program (IPTM)

The Council does not only support the generation of health technologies but also caters to the protection, management, and utilization of these innovations. Through its Intellectual Property and Technology Management unit (IPTM), it offers a wide variety of services that will move your health technology from the lab to market launch. 

1. Intellectual Property Protection And Management Of Health Research Outputs Program (IProtech)

The IPROTECH Program aims to provide IP-related services and assistance to PCHRD RHRDC members to help them protect, commercialize, and manage their health innovations.

The program includes the following:

(1)  Development of an institutional IP policy – Proposals under this category may include capacity-building activities aimed at improving the institution’s awareness and appreciation of the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (RA 10055) and DOST IP Policy. RDIs may invite their own resource speakers. PCHRD may also suggest potential resource speakers upon request of RDIs. Expected output is a drafted institutional IP Policy or an improved institutional IP Policy that is aligned with RA 10055 and DOST IP Policy.

(2) Establishment of institutional technology transfer processes – Assistance in establishing institutional technology transfer protocols is also provided under the program. RDIs may select their own mentors or request for recommendations from PCHRD. Expected output is a drafted institutional technology transfer protocol.

(3) Securing IP protection – RDIs belonging to PCHRD’s RHRDC with health innovations may apply for IP protection assistance. PCHRD may provide assistance in the filing of patent, utility model, PCT, NPE, trademark, industrial design, and copyright applications. Duly signed and notarized MOA with corresponding LIB, Research Agreements and Research Collaboration Agreements will be required.

(4) Securing IP valuation and FTO reports – PCHRD may also assist RHRDC members in obtaining valuation and FTO reports for their health innovations prior to commercialization. RDIs may seek recommendations for firms from PCHRD.

(5) Drafting licensing agreements – Proposals under this category may include payment for legal services pertaining to the review and drafting of licensing agreements.

2. Startup Research Grant Program (SGP)

In support of the operationalization of RA 11337, PCHRD created a Startup Research Grant Program under DOST SGF that aims to support research activities of startups in the health sector. It will provide financial support to qualified startups to conduct research activities aimed at:

1.Overcoming R&D roadblocks;
2.Strengthening intellectual property (IP);
3.Establishing initial market traction;
4.Refining business model; and/or
5.Scaling up production.

3. TEKI in Health or Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health

TEKI in Health or Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health, will aim to assist researchers and research institutions who plan to have their health or health care innovations utilized through community adoption or creation of spin-off companies. The program has two kinds of TEKI Hubs:

(1)Community-based hubs (Community-based incubation for delivery of healthcare innovations) – Communities which implement innovations in health care delivery, embodying the principles of universal health care.

How to avail

This program can be availed by institutions and health researchers who have outputs from PCHRD-funded and monitored projects with potential for intellectual property protection and eventual commercialization.

Services offered:

1.Entrepreneurship mentoring
2.Documentation of Best Practices
3.Legal Counseling
4.Business Development and Marketing Assistance
5.Introduction to Networks

(2)Institution-based hubs (Technology Business Incubator for Health Technologies) – These are institutions where health innovation ideas are validated, incubated, and nurtured until these health innovations are ready for adoption by intended end-users.

Services offered:

1.Customer discovery assistance
2.Rapid prototyping and testing
3.Clinical testing
4.Business Plan/Business Model Canvas (BMC) Preparation
5.Advisory on Regulatory procedures (training on regulatory procedures for FDA registration)
6.Entrepreneurial training
7.Legal counseling
8.Space rental
9.Introduction to networks (Health Innovation Day)

Research to Policy Translation

PCHRD supports translation of research to policy to deepen public understanding and examine ways in which health research may be integrated into policymaking and implementation.

Over the years, PCHRD ensures that research is utilized for evidence-based and informed policy making through the following activities and programs:

1. Policy Inputs and Recommendations

The Council caters to all requests from external entities (e.g. Congress, DOST-Central Office) for comments and inputs on draft legal instruments (such as Senate or House Bills or Resolutions and Executive Orders), for action by the PCHRD Policy Action Unit. To Date, the Council was able to provide important inputs for the following bills, policies, and law:

• National COVID-19 Vaccination Program
• DOST Policy Development Process
• IP Code Amendment
• Science for Change Program Bills
• Forensic Science/Genomics Bill
• Senate Bill No. 2042 (Procurement of COVID-19 Vaccines)
• Senate Bill No. 2057 (Procurement of COVID-19 Vaccines)
• Substitute VIP Bill
• House Resolution No. 1536
• Commuter Bills
• Substitute VIP Bill
• Trans Fat
• DOST MC on Food Safety
• Draft Substitute CDC Bill
• Health Security Senate Bills
• CDC Senate Bills
• Medical Reserve Corps Senate Bills
• STI and SDG 3 (CSTD24)
• DOH Health Economics Unit Bill
• Promotion of Animal Biotechnology Bill
• Climate Change Bill
• Forensic Science Capacity Enhancement Bills
• Noise Pollution Bills
• Harmonized Forensic Science Bills
• DOST-PCHRD’s assistance to DOH-Health Technology Assessment Council
• Traditional and Alternative Medicine Bills
• National Evaluation Policy Bills
• Smoke-Free Environment Bills
• Participatory Action Research for Health Promotion Bills
• Technology Commercialization of Herbal Supplements and Drugs
• Startup Venture Fund
• Nutrition Facts and Information Bills
• Bills Regulating Practice of Microbiology in the Philippines
• Bills Regulating Practice of Physical Therapy in the Philippines
• Philippine Nursing Act
• Philippine Physician’s Act
• Bill on Establishment of PRC Office in Bacolod
• Senate Bills on Virology and Vaccine (VIP)
• Production of Bananas in Davao Region
• House Resolutions on No Vaccine, No Work Policy

2. Development of Policy Instruments from DOST-PCHRD assisted Projects

The Research to Policy Translation Unit prepares/co-writes policy briefs for PCHRD-funded completed projects with policy implications. These policy briefs are crafted based on the completed projects that were supported by the Council. Through this initiative, we make sure that our supported research will not only be stocked at libraries and repositories but will actively be used in drafting evidenced-based policies in health.

3. Policy Dialogues and Congress Briefings

The Council holds dialogues/briefings with policymakers to give updates on relevant DOST-PCHRD programs and initiatives. This briefing also serves as an avenue for exchange of information, ideas, and raise recommendations to further improve said programs or initiatives.

4. Capacity Building on Research to Policy Translation

To provide for an enriching environment for researchers interested in the field of research to policy translation, the Council also conducts capacity-building activities such as the:

• 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition – in collaboration with the PNHRS Research Utilization Committee, this competition aims to cultivate researchers’ presentation and communication skills to policymakers through a competition. In three minutes, the participants should be able to state health research problems, present their proposed solution and its value proposition, and offer a call-to-action in front of a non-specialist audience.
• Seminar-Workshop on Research to Policy Translation – an activity that aims to equip health researchers the knowledge, attitude, and skills relevant to policy advocacy. It has two sets of audiences, namely, the workshop participants who will be actively participating in the workshop component; and the general audience who will be given access to the lectures.

Support to Research Dissemination

Section 4 of Executive Order No. 128, s. of 1987 mandates the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to formulate and implement policies, plans, programs, and projects for the development of science and technology and for the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private sectors, and to ensure that the results of scientific and technological activities are properly applied and utilized to accelerate economic and social development.

The DOST-PCHRD through its Grants-In-Aid Program, develops the Support to Research Dissemination (SRD) Program which aims to support projects and activities on research dissemination, including, but not limited to support to publication, paper presentation, and scientific events.

Classification of SRD Services

A. Support to Presentation – This covers paper presentation of projects supported by DOST-PCHRD in scientific meetings locally and abroad.

B. Support to Scientific Events – This covers activities such as seminars, conferences, fora, and workshops for the dissemination of health research aligned with the latest priority areas of the Council.

C. Support to Publication
1. Journal publication – covers publication of article in peer-reviewed journal derived from research that is aligned with the current priority areas of the Council.
2. Materials development – covers development and printing of publications including but not limited to books and monographs derived from PCHRD-supported R&D projects
3. Printing – covers printing of publications derived from health research aligned with the current priority areas of the Council

Eligibility Requirements

All SRD services may be availed by researchers whose research works are previously supported by the Council. On the other hand, selected SRD services are available to
researchers whose research works are not supported by the Council.

The table below shows the services available for PCHRD-supported and non-PCHRD
supported projects.

Requirements

Additional Rules:

1. Submission of complete documentary requirements through the Project Management System must be not less than 15 calendar days before the start of the project.
2. Release of approved funds will be through an implementing agency.
3. The implementing agency is willing to commit at least 15% counterpart budget.

Information Products and Services (IPS)

The Information Products and Services (IPS) unit maintains and enhances information systems to enable wider dissemination and access to health research information.

HERDIN

The Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN) is an online health research information management system and collaboration platform for Higher Education and Research and Development Institutions to collect, organize, and disseminate research information 

HERDIN provides quick and easy access to more than 50,000 citation and bibliographic information from published (Philippine health research journals , conference/convention proceedings, International databases and publications) and unpublished (research institutions research projects and reports, theses and dissertations) health researches in the country. 

HERDIN Document Delivery Request 

HERDIN offers the Online Document Delivery Request. It provides access to more than 10,000 full-text articles from journal publisher web sites or downloadable at HERDIN. The service is free. Go to http://www.herdin.ph/ to register and avail the service.

How to Request for full-text Articles video

Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR)

The Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR) is a tool for good governance to promote transparency and accountability in health research. PHRR is a publicly accessible database on newly approved health research. It includes clinical trials and non-clinical studies conducted in the Philippines. The registry is compliant with the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for clinical trials registry.

The PHRR aims to track the kinds of on-going and newly-approved research to know who funds what kind of project, avoid duplication of research, and ensure equal access opportunity for prospective clinical trial participants.

Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

The Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health (TKDL) is the national repository of information on medicinal plants, traditional healing practices, including rituals, plant compendium, traditional healing terminologies and a library of traditional healers gathered from Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) and local communities. TKDL provides access to ethnopharmacology information of more than 600 medicinal plants and its medicinal uses; and completed research on traditional knowledge and practices on health in the Philippines. It can be accessed at https://tkdl.ph/.