Saint Louis University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD, and the Director of the University Research and Innovation Center (UNRIC), Richel L. Lamadrid, PhD, welcomed Danilo S. Alterado, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School and Director of Research Ethics at Panpacific University and former Associate Dean of SLU’s School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), during the benchmarking activity held on 17 September 2024. The said meeting focused on discussing various requirements related to the Research Ethics Review at the University Research and Innovation Center (V301), SLU Main Campus.
Alongside Dr. Lamadrid were Laarni B. Natividad, PhD, Research Services Officer; Gwendolyn S. Tadeo, PhD, Institutional Studies & Methods Support Officer & REC Administrative Support; Andrew G. Ducas, Innovation & Technology Transfer Officer; and Joshua D. Madongit, Office of the Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA) Staff.
The benchmarking centered around Dr. Alterado’s inquiries regarding the additional structure of Data Privacy, the Research Ethics Committee (REC), and the Manual of Operational Procedures and Guidelines (MOPG). In line with this, UNRIC stated that Data Privacy has become more structured, requiring strict implementation for the success of a research project. Moreover, Dr. Lamadrid and the UNRIC staff provided elaboration on the significance of establishing a good research framework for the whole university.
In talking about the role of research in society, Dr. Lamadrid said, “Research must have a higher standing than instruction because it contributes heavily to the body of knowledge.” She further emphasized that the research track must promote inter-collaboration, and universities must extend their web for partnerships, especially on research.
SLU-UNRIC expressed support for Dr. Alterado in his efforts on gathering information and sources for the improvement of Panpacific University’s research department. The insights on the aforementioned requirements will contribute to the benefit of the university’s research ethics and handbook.
Saint Louis University’s commitment to excellence in research and quality education plays a pivotal role in contributing to the development of high-quality material for students. This correlates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (4) and Partnership for the Goals (17), which establish a platform to promote knowledge creation and collaboration that drive meaningful educational advancements. (Article by Meann Sarah Henderson & Shane T. Gamboa, OGRAA Interns | Photos by Aletheia Macaraeg, OGRAA Intern)
