Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2024 Sparks Collaborative Vision for a Symbiotic Society

Under the theme “Beyond Borders: Uniting Perspectives for a Symbiotic Society,” The Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines (HIC PH) 2024 – co-organized with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) through the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO)–successfully convened 162 participants from academia, research, private institutions, startups, and government agencies, at the Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University. This landmark event underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, sparking meaningful dialogue and partnerships geared toward biomedicine, public health, environmental resilience, and the integration of traditional herbal medicine practices.

A defining moment of the conference was the keynote session entitled “Bridging Gaps: Collaborative Efforts in Biomedicine and Public Health,” which was led by Dr. Raul V. Destura, a renowned infectious disease specialist and scientist. Emphasizing the need to foster inclusive partnerships in healthcare, Dr. Destura challenged participants with a forward-thinking perspective, stating that “It is best to shift from interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary approaches.” By advocating for a transdisciplinary shift, Dr. Destura underscored the importance of breaking traditional boundaries between fields, fostering collaborative efforts that integrate multiple disciplines to address healthcare challenges holistically.

Complementing the keynote, two pivotal panel sessions further enriched the conference discussions. The first panel, “Crafting Solutions for Environmental Resilience,” was presented in partnership with ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd., and focused on strategies to strengthen climate resilience and environmental protection. The second panel, “The Growing Role of Traditional Herbal Medicine in the Philippines,” partnered with Rohto Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the resurgence of traditional herbal medicine and the value of integrating indigenous practices with modern healthcare.

In addition, the conference saw an enthusiastic response to its Research Splash and Poster Sessions, where participants presented cutting-edge research and innovative ideas. With 18 Research Splash presentations and 28 poster submissions, these sessions showcased diverse projects across biomedical science, public health, and environmental studies, enriching discussions with data-driven insights. From these presenters, two exceptional projects were selected in each category for their ingenuity and potential impact, recognizing the significant contributions of these researchers in advancing knowledge and fostering solutions in their fields.

Poster Awardee	Mary Stephanie Carranza	BIOMATS PH INC.
	Research Title: Shaping the Future of Tissue Engineering in the Philippines: Democratizing Access to Bioprinters and Bioinks

 

Poster Awardee	Nicole Kirsten Co	Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science
	Research Title: The Utilization of EcoPeel as a Renewable Source of Energy

 

Research Splash Awardee	Roland Gilbert Remenyi, Ph.D.	The Medical City
	Research Title: 3D-printed patient-specific mold for cranioplasty using PMMA bone cement: the local cost and cosmetic outcome

 

Research Splash Awardee	Maria Salvacion Esmalla, MSc.	Department of Biochemistry, University of Santo Tomas
	Research Title: in silico and in vitro Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Investigation of Citrate-Capped Gold Nanoparticles on Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Lung Cancer Cells

Marking a first in the Philippines, the conference introduced the Ignition Session, an interactive platform sponsored by Focus Systems Corporation, where early-stage innovators presented their ideas and received feedback from expert panelists. The session sparked potential collaborations, aligning with the conference’s mission.

Among the 12 teams that pitched during the session, two teams were recognized for their outstanding potential: one was awarded the Focus Systems Ignition Award, and another received the LVNS Ignition Award. These honors celebrated the teams' innovative approaches and highlighted their projects as promising contributions toward addressing real-world challenges.

Focus Systems Ignition Awardee	Proposal title: Elderly Monitoring using BLE Technology

LVNS Ignition Awardee	Proposal title: Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Chitosan-derived Beads: Removal of Heavy Metals on Contained Waters

 

Contributing to the conference’s impact were booth partners Instalimb Solutions Philippines, Inc., and Medical Test Systems, Inc., which showcased pioneering solutions in healthcare technology. Their participation further emphasized the value of diverse industry involvement in tackling pressing societal challenges.

On the other hand, Hiroshima and Ibaraki prefectures played significant roles in fostering international collaboration and business expansion. Representatives from Ibaraki attended the conference with a mission to connect with startups interested in establishing a foothold in Japan, particularly by developing their businesses within Ibaraki. Meanwhile, Hiroshima introduced its Hiroshima Project, an initiative aimed at supporting businesses in expanding their operations. As part of this project, Hiroshima's delegation—including Urabe—visited the Philippines to explore partnerships, focusing on opportunities for testing and importing products, particularly in the agricultural sector, as well as gaining insights into the importation of fertilizers. Their participation underscored the prefectures' commitment to building strategic connections and promoting cross-border business development between Japan and the Philippines.

The success of the HIC PH 2024 lies in its ability to foster a collaborative community that spans across industries, creating a foundation for real-world impact. With the collective insights and connections formed, the conference has paved the way for future initiatives that promise to enhance the resilience and well-being of Philippine society.

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