NEUST RET OFFICE HOLDS THREE-DAY RECALIBRATION SEMINAR: PIONEERING RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND GLOBAL EXCELLENCE

By: Jiezel V. Alcantara

Guided by a resolute vision for global competitiveness, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) just held a breakthrough three-day recalibration seminar led by its Research, Extension, and Training (RET) Office. More than a simple academic activity, the seminar was a landmark moment in NEUST's pursuit of research excellence, industry partnership, and educational excellence, cementing its thrust towards conformity with global standards and best practices.
The seminar started with an inspiring opening address from the University President, Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo, putting forward the tone of NEUST's bold recalibration drive. She highlighted the importance of conforming to international standards, stating:
"The reason why there is such an event is because of the direction of the university, which is aligning to the global standard."
This statement highlighted NEUST's commitment to advancing its research capacity. In addition, she was optimistic about substantially augmenting SCOPUS-indexed research publications, a key indicator in the international academe.
After this, the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, Dr. Jean N. Guillasper presented an inspiring address, reiterating the necessity of expanding research programs, consolidating programs, and further developing capacity-building projects. "This requires us to expand our research programs, improve our programs, and build our capacity to international standards and best practices. By so doing, we position ourselves not only as contributors but as leaders in innovation, collaboration, and impactful change," the VPRET said. Dr. Julius Ceasar Sicat, CESO IV, subsequently laid out a visionary development roadmap for research and development with focus areas of faculty specialization in new Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Industry 4.0 fields. His discourse also focused on strengthening university governance and industry links to establish NEUST as a research giant. He also emphasized the importance of capturing funding opportunities and focusing on strategic R&D niches to make NEUST a technological innovation front-runner.
The momentum continued into day two as the discussions went deeper into NEUST's research ambitions. President Jugo urged teachers and researchers to welcome the recalibration process in earnest, saying:
"Banking on the various insights and information that we've received from our speakers, these are insights and eye-openers for all of us. There is a need for us to give justice to the name of the university as Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology."
She also urged the participants to conduct research, extension, and training seriously since they play a critical role in the university's future.
One of the notable highlights of the second day was the presentation of the Recalibration Process for RET by Mr. Teddy S. Dizon, who conducted a thought-provoking workshop. His session offered a formal framework for upgrading research, extension, and training programs, including formulating a clear research agenda aligned with national and international priorities, enhancing collaboration among academia, industry, and government agencies, and optimizing research impact through innovation-driven extension programs.
The last day of the seminar consisted of an intense workshop, once again facilitated by Mr. Dizon, during which participants developed strategic plans to include the recalibrated RET framework within NEUST's institutional development plan. Topics covered included setting up sustainable research and development centers at NEUST, interdisciplinary collaborations to close the gap between research and application in the real world, and implementing policies and support systems to generate high-impact research and foreign publications. The perspectives presented by Dr. Sicat on global competitiveness, research funding, and faculty development still echoed among attendees, reaffirming the value of developing a strong research culture for academic excellence and social relevance.
The NEUST Three-Day Recalibration Seminar was not simply an academic exercise but a watershed moment for the university's quest for excellence. By recommitting to research, extension, and training, NEUST is boldly stepping toward becoming a technology innovation leader, industrialization trendsetter, and global academic frontline. This recalibration exercise will catalyze earth-shaking discoveries, far-reaching outreach programs, and life-changing learning experiences. With a steadfast vision, hard work, and teamwork, NEUST is destined to mold the future of research and innovation—no longer confined to the Philippines but also on the world stage.