Ki Ni Naru Project 2025 Set to Unfold Students’ Curiosity through Scientific Exploration

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Ki Ni Naru Project 2025 will officially launch with its kick-off event on 15 November 2025. By making science and research more accessible, Ki Ni Naru has always aimed to inspire young people to explore the world around them with a fresh perspective. This year is no exception. Through this 4 month-long research training program, students will be equipped with the fundamentals of research by nurturing their curiosity through student-led projects and exposure to core scientific concepts. 

This year’s theme invites students to “unravel nature’s mysteries and secrets” by reconnecting with the environment and exploring natural phenomena across various branches of knowledge. The project will kick-off with a Pugad Agham science experiment workshop that will be held at the TOMASInno Center (TIC) Mezzanine, University of Santo Tomas (UST). In this workshop, students will uncover the “hidden” abilities of the potato — examining the adaptations that make it a resilient and successful species, including the tiny features that help it survive and thrive.

Later, during the afternoon, participants will embark on a museum exploration at the National Museum of Natural History, where they can engage with exhibits on biodiversity and ecosystems that may deepen their appreciation of nature and inspire future research interests. This year, we welcome participants from Morong National High School, Jose C. Payumo Memorial High School, Mariveles National High School – Poblacion, Pagalanggang National High School, and Quirino National High School.

We are honored to have Dr. Gizelle Batomalaque, a researcher from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), as our Keynote Speaker. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Batomalaque will share her journey as a malacologist, artist, and storyteller to inspire students to unleash their scientific curiosity.

Keynote Speaker

Gizelle is a researcher at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines, Diliman (UP-MSI). She received her training in molluscan taxonomy and museum curation from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Her research revolves around Philippine mollusks, both terrestrial and marine. She has described new species of land snails and has published in scientific journals; she also aims to communicate science in a non-intimidating manner through children’s books and has since published four storybooks on mollusks. She currently manages the invertebrate collections of the Marine Biodiversity Resources and Information System (MBRIS) in UP MSI.

 

Bringing such experiences to life is made possible through the invaluable support of our partners. This implementation of Ki Ni Naru Project 2025 is powered by their shared commitment to advancing science and research education in the Philippines. As our main partner, Lockheed Martin demonstrates its dedication to fostering Philippine education in the name of national security and to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals. Through this initiative, Lockheed Martin is also providing a scholarship to one participating team to support the development of fundamental research competencies among Filipino students in need (Read more here: https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2025/08/28/lvns-lm-scholarship/).

Main Partner

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that solves complex challenges, advances scientific discovery, and delivers transformative solutions to help our customers stay ahead of emerging threats.  For over a century, we have delivered advanced systems and services that enable growth, resilience, and the security of global communities. Our all-domain mission focus and 21st Century Security® vision accelerates the delivery of transformative technologies that deliver solutions for a complex world.  By partnering with the local industry, we continue to aid deterrence and defense against threats at sea and support the strategic security of the region and strengthen the quality of life where we too live and work.

 

We also extend our gratitude to our supporting partners, who will provide aid to enrich students’ learning experiences. Nama Urban Farm Inc. will offer Microgreen Starter Kits, giving students first-hand experience in growing their own food and reconnecting with where it comes from. In addition, Jeremake Innovation Inc. will contribute Make-roscope Laboratory Kits, featuring their original portable keychain microscope that transforms the exploration of the microscopic world into a more accessible and personal experience for students. Finally, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) TOMASInno Center will provide the venue and space for curiosity to thrive, once again demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the local science and technology ecosystem through its numerous collaborations with us.

Supporting Partners
	Nama Urban Farm Inc. is an urban agriculture social enterprise that grows fresh, sustainable crops right in the heart of the city. By utilizing innovative farming techniques, we produce high-quality microgreens, edible flowers, and herbs that reduce food miles, promote local sourcing, and support healthier communities. Our mission is to make fresh, nutritious food accessible while transforming underused urban spaces into thriving green hubs for the city.
	Jeremake Innovations Inc. is an edtech startup, aiming to democratize STEM education for everyone by providing affordable tools. Its flagship product, the “Make-roscope,” is a portable, mobile-compatible microscope, reflecting the company's dedication to accessible, innovative learning solutions.
	The TOMASInno Center (TIC) is the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Established in August 2019 by UST with the support of a grant from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), TIC serves as a hub for innovation and technopreneurship within and beyond the university ecosystem.

 

The kick-off for Ki Ni Naru 2025 is fast approaching, and Leave a Nest Philippines looks forward to fostering curiosity among future researchers. We continue to welcome partners who share our vision of providing young minds with the resources and opportunities to transform curiosity into meaningful discovery.

For more information about Ki Ni Naru 2025, you may send your emails at [email protected] with special attention to either Mr. Edriel Lee or Ms. Jewel Santos.