Filipinnovation Forum Explores Filipino Contributions to Life and Environmental Science Research and their Impact on Communities
CAMBRIDGE, MA, 06 November 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Saliksikan 3.0 Organizing Committee based in the Greater Boston Area, hosted a forum entitled “Saliksikan sa Boston: Filipinnovation through Research Beyond Borders” at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The event highlighted the contributions of Filipino and Filipino-American researchers and scientists in the life and environmental science sector and its impact to communities both in the Philippines and the United States.
In his welcome remarks, Acting Head of Post and Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo highlighted how the Filipinnovation series, which initially served as the Consulate’s platform for engagement with young Filipino professionals, has evolved into a broader initiative that showcases Filipino talent and expertise across various sectors.
Thereafter, the forum transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Janice Isabelle Lao, PhD, Environmental Scientist and Development Economist and Global Head – Regulatory, Sustainability & Governance, Helen of Troy.
The forum featured Dr. Ricardo del Rosario, PhD, Senior Computational Biologist at Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Dr. Janine Patricia G. Robredo, MD, MBA, MSC, Research Scientist at Ariadne Labs, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Glen Andrew de Vera, PHD, Research Scientist at MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Mr. Jahmaine Renzo O. Yambing, Paleoclimate PhD Student at MIT- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program in Oceanography.
The panellists shared insights into their respective research in computational biology, healthcare, environmental science, and paleoclimatology, including studies on water quality and potential toxic contaminants in Laguna Lake in the Philippines, as well as the analysis of cave formations in the Philippines and Vietnam to understand historical monsoon rainfall patterns, among others.
The panellists also reflected on how Filipino culture, history, and identity have influenced their career paths and perspectives as researchers.
During the open forum, participants discussed opportunities for Filipino scientists abroad to contribute to the Philippines through research collaborations, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, particularly with state universities. They emphasized the potential of the Filipino youth, the importance of resilience, and the impact of individual contributions.
Participants likewise explored how the Philippines could develop a stronger innovation ecosystem, similar to that of Greater Boston, while fostering local research capacity and avoiding overdependence on external support.
The forum marked the eleventh installment of Filipinnovation since the series was institutionalized in 2024 and its first to take place outside of New York City.
Through the Filipinnovation Series, the Philippine Consulate General in New York continues to provide a platform for Filipino professionals, researchers, and innovators to share their expertise, foster connections, and inspire the next generation of Filipinos to pursue careers in science, technology, and other fields of innovation. END
