Academician Professor Maribel G. Nonato, PhD, the country’s pioneer in research on the pandanus species, is the 2020 Outstanding Professional in Chemistry, as confirmed in a September 18, 2020 letter from Professional Regulation Commissioner Yolanda D. Reyes.
Nonato is UST’s first-ever Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and is a former Dean of the College of Science. Trained both in UST and the University of Wollongong, she pioneered researches into the chemical properties of the pandanus species endemic to the Philippines, opening a research area that other scientists have since explored.
According to PRC, the “Outstanding Professional of the Year is the highest award bestowed by the Commission upon a professional as recommended by his/her peers for having sufficiently demonstrated professional competence of the highest degree and conducted himself/herself with integrity in the exercise of his/her profession, meaningfully participated in professional activities through the professional organization; significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession; and sincerely and effectively discharged personal and professional social responsibility through meaningful contribution/participation in socio-related activities.”
Conferment ceremonies will take place on December 4, 2020.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year award is Nonato’s second nationwide recognition this year. She was named an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology earlier this year, in recognition of her invaluable contributions to scientific research.
