The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI, and ACIAR with the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program Scholars and International Marketing and Recruitment Officer at James Cook University, Douglas Campus, Townsville
[From left to right: Front row, from left to right: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD), Mr. Arvin Navarro (JCU), Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Ms. Kate Turner-Mann (ACIAR), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI). Back row: Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), Ms. Mara Faylon (ACIAR), Ms. Tara Abrina (Scholar), Ms. Emilia Lastica-Ternura (Scholar), Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), and Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD).] (Image credit: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)
In a bid to bolster international scientific collaboration, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) conducted a week-long mission to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and top Australian universities from May 5 to 11, 2025.
The visit was part of the ongoing PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program, which includes the John Allwright Fellowship – Philippines (JAF-Ph) and the International Graduate Research Education for Agriculture and Technology (iGREAT). These programs support Filipino doctoral scholars pursuing research at leading institutions such as James Cook University, Southern Cross University, the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and RMIT University.
Eight Filipino scholars presented their research contributions addressing key national issues—from agribusiness and food safety to marine ecosystem restoration and public health. Their work underscores the alignment of Philippine research priorities with global sustainability and innovation goals.
The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI, and ACIAR with the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program Scholars and Officials and Professors of the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability at the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Brisbane [From left to right: Front row: Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Ms. Kim Dianne Ligue (Scholar), Ms. Mara Faylon (ACIAR), Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD), Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI), Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Prof. Severine van Bommel (UQ), Prof. Jacquie Mitchell, Ms. Kate Turner-Mann (ACIAR), Prof. Sagadevan Mundree (UQ), and Prof. Rajendra Adhikari (UQ). Back row: Ms. Miko Mariz Castro (Scholar), Mr. Pee-Jay Rejuso (Scholar), Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD), Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Prof. Victor Galea (UQ), and Dr. Sangeeta Prakash (UQ)]. (Image credit: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)
“This mission goes beyond monitoring progress. It’s about reaffirming our commitment to scientific excellence, scholar support, and long-term institutional collaboration,” said Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD.
The delegation also held strategic discussions with faculty from James Cook University, UQ’s School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, and Queensland University of Technology, exploring future partnerships in agriculture, aquatic sciences, environmental management, and digital innovation.
The mission concluded with a wrap-up meeting to chart the future direction of the fellowships, further cementing the shared vision of DOST and ACIAR in developing globally competitive Filipino scientists and impactful, solutions-driven research.
The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI with the Officials and Professors of the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
[From left to right: First row: Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Mr. Ian McFadden (QUT), and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI),Second row: Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Ms Annie Liu (QUT), Ms Kelly Tomlinson (QUT), Prof. Beth Saggers (QUT), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), and Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD). Third row: Prof Alberto Bellocchi (QUT), Prof Alistair Barros (QUT), Dr Daniel Chin (QUT), and Prof Peter Prentis (QUT)].(image credits: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)