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HRDCR IV-A holds Research Methods Workshop

The Health Research and Development Consortium Region IV-A (HRDCR IV-A) conducted a Research Methods Workshop on February 5-8, 2013 at the Retreat and Conference Center De La Salle University-Dasmarinas. Dr. Melchor Victor G. Frias, IV, HRDCR IV-A Convenor, challenged the participants in his welcome address to come up with their respective proposals after the workshop for funding, he also emphasized that the research should be directed to the priorities identified in the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA). The activity was spearheaded by the consortium’s subcommittee on capacity building headed by Dr. Rommel L. Salazar. Consortium members Cavite State University, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Department of Health-Center for Health and Development Region IV-A, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, De La Salle Lipa, Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center, Batangas Regional Hospital and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas were all represented.

The workshop introduced participants to basic concepts on conducting health research. Lectures were given on topics such as: selecting research topics, formulating research objectives, designing a research and analyzing and interpreting research results. The seminar was structured in three activities: 1.) lecture-discussion; 2.) workshop and 3.) plenary sessions. The speakers were Dr. Carmen Tolabing and Prof. Kim Cochon of the University of the Philippines, College of Public Health. Dr. Frias also helped facilitate the discussions.

At the end of the workshop, the participants who were grouped according to their institutions were able to come up with draft proposals on disability among school-aged children, threatened abortion, health risk factors among adolescents, leptospira infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The groups will work on their proposals and literature review before the second capacity building activity which is a Research Protocol Writeshop. This will guide them in drafting and fine-tuning their final research proposals.*

DOST-PCHRD-GRUPPO MEDICA Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine

GUIDELINES

PURPOSE

The DOST-PCHRD- Gruppo Medica Award gives recognition to relevant and innovative research work on herbal medicine undertaken by undergraduate students. The Award emphasizes research that can lead to practical and/or commercial applications. The Award expects to provide the motivation for students with the technical guidance of their faculty advisers, to view undergraduate thesis not merely as an academic exercise, but as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interests.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

1. Who can participate
The Award is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Arts and Sciences who have completed thesis projects on medicinal plants. The projects must have been completed within the current school year.

2. Who can nominate
Nominations must be made by the students’ faculty adviser and should be endorsed by the College Dean and the region-based Health Research and Development Consortium to DOST-PCHRD. Each school/college can endorse a maximum of three thesis projects.

3. How to nominate
Nominations should be made in a prescribed nomination form. Entries should include a copy of the completed thesis report and the nomination form stamped with the college seal.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria for the selection include the following:

1. Relevance (20%)

Addresses a nationwide health problem or top 10 cause of morbidity or mortality

Scientifically validates that the plant drug material is effective and safe to use

Adds information to what is already known in the literature

Contributes to the promotion of proper and wise use of Philippine medicinal plants

2. Potential for practical application or commercialization of results (25%)

The herbal medicine is less costly than commercial preparations. Projected cost of the drug product is competitive with available drugs in the market

Commercial use of the plant material will not contribute to the destruction of the plant and is environment friendly.

Plant material is readily available and easy to propagate

Results of the study showed continuity of previous researches such that practical application is evaluated further

Research has the potential for present and future utilization by health service.

3. Creativity and originality of research work (20%)

The research process design is new and innovative

A new and effective drug product is reported

A novel bioactive plant constituent has been identified chemically and pharmacologically

A novel use of the plant material is advanced.

4. Scientific quality (30%)

Experimental design is scientifically* sound and valid for the objectives formulated

Presentation of results is clear and concise

Review of literature is extensive and updated

Report is well written and convincing

*should also include authentication of plant/s by authority and with approval of animal ethics if animals are involved

5. Number of researchers (5%)

SELECTION/EVALUATION PROCESS:

Pre-screening and evaluation by the consortium

Endorsement to DOST-PCHRD

Checking for completeness of documents by DOST-PCHRD

Selection of finalists by Gruppo Medica Inc. (GMI)

Grading of finalists by the screening/evaluation committee

Oral presentation of the top 5 qualifiers/ finalists to the screening committee and final deliberation/evaluation of finalists

Deliberation of winners will be based on the grading and/or rating of the oral presentation

SCREENING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Regional Health Research and Development Consortium - for prescreening

UP Institute of Chemistry

UST Research Center for the Natural Sciences

DLSHSI Center for Biopharmaceutical Research

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Gruppo Medica Inc. (GMI)

DOST-PCHRD

CASH AWARD

Prizes will be distributed as follows:
First prize P 60,000 = P 42,000 for the student
12,000 for the mentor
6,000 for the school

Second prize P 40,000 = P 28,000 for the student
8,000 for the mentor
4,000 for the school

Third prize P 20,000 = P 14,000 for the student
4,000 for the mentor
2,000 for the school

Each finalist will also receive a certificate of merit and recognition

TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES

Dissemination - October to December (current year)

Deadline of submission to the consortium - end of March (succeeding year)

Deadline of submission to PCHRD - end of April (succeeding year)

Selection of Finalists - May to June (succeeding year)

Oral Presentation of top finalists to the Committee and final deliberation - 1st Week of July (succeeding year)

Announcement of winners - To be announced

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION TO THE CONSORTIUM: MARCH 29, 2013