The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2023 DOST-PCHRD- Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

The said program aims to sustain a research culture in natural products to increase the number of research and later on build a pool of researchers/experts specializing in the field. It supports the Tuklas Lunas program (Drug Discovery and Development Program) of the DOST-PCHRD, which aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources. 

Thesis grants amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00) will be given to two (2) qualified thesis proposals per region (subject to availability of funds). Upon completion of the thesis project and submission of the required deliverables, six (6) finalists will be chosen to present their completed research during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2024, wherein the top three (3) winners will be selected and recognized.

Who can apply?

The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences who have thesis proposals on natural products, specifically utilizing indigenous plants in the region. The thesis projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2024.

How to apply?

Applicants should submit the following documents to their respective Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC):

1. Duly accomplished prescribed research proposal form with college seal;
2. Endorsement letter from the institution signed by the head of the university and the college dean;
3. Soft copy of the proposal (word and PDF format);
4. Certificate of plant authentication;
5. Appropriate clearances;
   • Bureau of Animal Industry clearance for studies involving animal subjects
   • Biosafety Clearance for studies involving genetic engineering and pathogenic organisms
   • National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Clearance for studies involving Indigenous Peoples
   • Gratuitous Permit from Biodiversity Management Bureau for studies involving the collection of flora and fauna from DENR Protected Areas
   • Ethical clearance for studies involving human subjects
6. Curriculum vitae of the students and adviser.

Selection Criteria

The research proposals will be rated based on the following criteria:

1. Technical merit
   1. Objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound;
   2. The study design supports the objectives; and
   3. The study sample and methodology are appropriate.
2.  Data management
   1. The plan for data collection is clearly described;
   2. Quality control procedures for data collection are in place; and
   3. Statistical analysis is well described.
3.  Relevance/Significance
   1. The study addresses an important health problem; and
   2. The study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
4. Proponent/institution’s capacity
   1. The investigators are qualified and appropriately trained to carry out the study;
   2. The proposed study is appropriate to the experience level of the investigators; and
   3. The implementing/cooperating institution is capable of carrying out the proposed study.

Thesis Grant 

1. Two (2) thesis proposals will be selected in each region. Researchers will receive a grant amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00).
2. The thesis grant will be deposited in the bank account of the thesis adviser and will be liquidated after the completion of the study.
3. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the students, adviser, head of the institution, and DOST-PCHRD.
4. The grant must be expended as allocated in the approved line-item budget.

Competition and Cash Awards

Six (6) grantees will be selected as finalists to present their studies during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2024. The top three (3) presenters will receive a certificate of recognition, and the following cash prizes:

Finalists will also receive certificates of participation.

Schedule of Activities

For inquiries, please email awards@pchrd.dost.gov.ph.