The DOST-PCHRD calls for the application of 2023 DOST-PCHRD for Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

The activity supports undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences who have thesis proposals on natural products utilizing indigenous plants in the region. The program aims to sustain the growing number of researchers in the country that propel advances to this field. It also encourages enhancement of Tuklas Lunas program (Drug Discovery and Development Program) of the DOST-PCHRD that gears towards safe, effective and affordable alternative drugs from the country’s natural resources.

Two (2) qualified proposals will be given thesis grant amounting to fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00) per region (subject to availability of funds).

Who can apply?

The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing and Health and Allied Sciences. Thesis projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2024.

How to apply?

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Health Research and Development Consortium XII:

1. Duly accomplished prescribed research proposal form with college seal;
2. Endorsement letter from the institution signed by the head of the University and College Dean;
3. Soft copy of the proposal (word and PDF format);
4. Certificate of plant authentication;
5. Appropriate clearances;

• Bureau of Animal Industry clearance for studies involving animal subjects
• Biosafety Clearance for studies involving genetic engineering and pathogenic organisms
• National Commission on Indigenous People Clearance for studies involving Indigenous Peoples
• Gratuitous Permit from Biodiversity Management Bureau for studies involving the collection of flora and fauna from DENR Protected Areas
• Ethical clearance for studies involving human subjects

6. Curriculum Vitae of the students and adviser.

Selection Criteria

The research proposals will be rated based on the following criteria:

1. Technical merit
2. Objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound;
3. The study design supports the objectives; and
4. The study sample and methodology are appropriate.
5. Data management
6. The plan for data collection is clearly described;
7. Quality control procedures for data collection are in place; and
8. Statistical analysis is well described.
9. Relevance/Significance
10. The study addresses an important health problem; and
11. The study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge
12. Proponent/Institution’s capacity
13. The investigators are qualified and appropriately trained to carry out the study;
14. The proposed study is appropriate to the experience level of the investigators; and
15. The implementing/cooperating institution is capable of carrying out the proposed study.

Thesis Grant

1. Two (2) thesis proposals will be selected in each region. Researchers will receive a grant amounting to a maximum of fifty thousand pesos (PHP 50,000.00).
2. The thesis grant will be deposited in the bank account of the thesis adviser and will be liquidated after the completion of the study.
3. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the students, adviser, head of the institution, and DOST-PCHRD.
4. The grant must be expended as allocated in the approved line-item budget.

Completion and Cash Awards

Six (6) grantees will be selected as finalists to present their studies during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration in August 2024. The top three (3) presenters will receive a certificate of recognition, and the following cash prizes:

Finalists will also receive certificates of participation.

Schedule of Activities