THE leadership of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEACA) urged scientists and biologists to communicate, engage in friendly competition and collaborate because diversifying learners' skillsets increasingly becomes the status quo.
During the recently held Fireside Chat for Alumni titled "Transcending to greater heights toward scientific progress in a Vuca society," Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEACA director, said there is a need to provide motivation, mentorship and guidance "as we maneuver in a fast-paced environment."
Vuca stands for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambivalent.
During the event, Dr. Vachel Gay Paller, University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) director, also emphasized that the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) has engaged alumni as part of its 40th anniversary.
Through the alumni's success stories, Paller gave assurance and explained to the participants that the chats are the institute's way of inspiring students.
Gregorio said he decided to pursue a career in plant breeding because of his love for plants and dream of becoming a genetic engineer and this led him to study and deepen his knowledge on manipulating plant species for human needs.
Earning from UPLB his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Master of Science in Plant Breeding, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Genetics in 1997, Gregorio's extensive work and research interests include the development of micronutrient-dense rice varieties for human health and climate change-ready saline- and flood-tolerant rice varieties.
He noted that to produce high-quality research publications, the faculty members of IBS must collaborate and engage their PhD students in instruction and research experience with advanced research institutions and universities.
"It is in these small and personal avenues apart from their coursework where these young scientists can learn the beauty and science of biology more than the four walls of the classroom," Gregorio said.
Citing three Cs, he added that a Vuca-driven society must also equip its learners and educators with communication, friendly competition, and collaboration.
Gregorio also urged the institute to step up and step out of its comfort zones and immerse students with the alumni and altogether make a conducive space such as lounges or pocket garden hubs for knowledge sharing and exchange.
"At the end of the day, we need to steer the discussions on relevant issues and matters to expose our students, faculty, staff and alumni to the cutting-edge developments in the fields of biology and even business," he added.
The Fireside Chat was also joined by Dr. Romeo Batacan Jr. (BS Biology '96), Dr. Jonathan Cabrera (BS Biology '97), and Dr. Arvin Diesmos (BS Biology '92 and MS Wildlife Studies '98).