People outside the science community may understand and appreciate research and development projects better if told in language understood by most. Common, familiar language bridges the gap between science and the public.
The Department of Science and Technology, for the first time in its history, produced a coffee table book featuring stories on research and development (R&D) written by the researchers themselves. Called “Bridge”, the book will be launched on the 30th anniversary celebration of DOST- Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) on February 27, 2017 at the Manila Hotel.
STII, established in 1987 through EO 128, is the information and marketing arm of the DOST.
Said coffee table book contains 83 stories culled from R&D projects funded by DOST from 2010 to 2015, particularly in the areas of agriculture and aquaculture; health and nutrition; and industry and emerging technologies. As researchers wrote their own articles, they were able to share significant insights as they worked on their respective R&D projects.
“’Bridge’ would not only serve as very useful information resource but also as an inspiration and motivation to our scientists, engineers, and researchers as we pursue our purpose – “Science For The People,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.
Meanwhile, former DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, who laid out the idea of this book back in 2015 said, “We owe it to the citizens of the Philippines to bring these products of scientific inquiry to the public, written in laymanized language that they could understand.
By publishing “Bridge”, we hope we could help raise awareness and appreciation on how hard and conscientious our researchers work, and how the fruit of their scientific inquiry could help us have a better life, he said.
Aside from DOST’s R &D projects, articles on some of the most successful beneficiaries under DOST’s
Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, as well as stories of former DOST scholars are also included in said coffee table book.
Produced by the Department of Science and Technology- Science and Technology Information Institute, Bridgefeatures 82 inspiring stories on researches and their researchers, as well as scholars and entrepreneurs. The coffee table book will be launched on Feb. 27 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel during the Institute’s celebration of its 30th Anniversary. (Allan Mauro V. Marfal, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)