The International Conference on Chemistry (IC2) was held at the University of Santo Tomas from February 15 to 17, 2023. Organized by the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (KKP) and the University of Santo Tomas, through the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation and the Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences.
The event, which marked the culmination of KKP’s 85th anniversary celebrations, aimed to emphasize the vital role of chemistry in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
With the theme, “Chemistry Innovations for World Needs”, the conference had six keynote lectures and 30 oral presentations grouped into parallel sessions, covering six different themes related to the UN SDGs: chemistry and food, chemistry and health, chemistry and education, chemistry and environment, chemistry and energy, and chemistry and innovation.
The four keynote speakers included Academician and National Scientist Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz, who discussed the importance of prioritizing research and development in chemistry for sustainable development and economic growth in the Philippines. University of Cambridge Professor of Analytical Biotechnology Dr. Lisa Hall, CBE, CChem, FRSC, presented an overview of integrating new genetic and molecular diagnostic technologies in low-resource nations, while Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Atomic Research Division Chief Dr. Lucille V. Abad talked about the role of nuclear science and technology in addressing global concerns. National Tsing Hua University Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences Chair Professor Dr. Ruey-An Doong shared insights into the potential of using agro-derived carbon nanocomposites for a range of applications.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in various workshops, walk through the poster sessions, and interact with presenters. Included among the workshops was “Smartphone-Based Colorimetry: Analytical Measurements Using Smartphones and Paper-Based Sensors” facilitated by
UST Department of Chemistry Chair Assoc. Prof. Alan Rodelle M. Salcedo, Ph.D., and Henley F. Galiga, Ph.D., from Romblon State University.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the first-ever 2023 KKP Emerging Researcher Award to Dr. Jordan F. Madrid of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute for his outstanding contributions to the development of functional composite polymeric materials from Philippine natural fibers using radiation-induced graft polymerization. The IC2 conference highlighted the importance of chemistry in addressing the challenges of sustainable development and brought together experts from different countries to share their research and expertise in various areas of chemistry.
