Student Research Summit 2026

Published | April 20, 2026

On April 16, 2026, the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), through its University Research Center (URC), proudly hosted the Student Research Summit 2026. The event took place at the University of Nueva Caceres, in the New Building, Room 301, gathering bright young minds and esteemed academic leaders to celebrate and showcase innovative student research.

The summit commenced with welcoming remarks from UNC President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, who emphasized the vital role of research in academic and community development. She encouraged students to build upon the work of previous graduate and undergraduate researchers, highlighting the importance of continuity in scholarly efforts. Dr. Lauraya also underscored that with dedication and passion, research outputs from the university can compete at the regional, national, and even global levels. She further stressed that meaningful research has the power to create tangible improvements in society, generating impactful outcomes that can be felt within the community.

The highlight of the morning was the plenary talk delivered by Dr. Rey-Mark Basagre, LPT, PhD, titled “The Work of Discovery: Shaping Futures through Sustainable Insight.” In his inspiring presentation, he challenged attendees to view research not merely as an academic requirement but as a powerful tool for driving meaningful and positive societal change. He emphasized the growing importance of green skills and noted the Philippines' relatively limited participation in sustainability research. Through practical examples, he illustrated how even simple research initiatives can lead to significant innovations—such as the development of products like kangkong chips, which have evolved into commercially viable ventures. Dr. Basagre underscored that no research is insignificant, affirming that every study, regardless of scale, can yield impactful discoveries and advancements.

Following the plenary session, the summit transitioned into dynamic student parallel sessions, thoughtfully organized into four thematic tracks aligned with the theme “The Work of Discovery: Shaping Futures through Sustainable Insight.” These included: Track 1 – Sustainable Technology and Innovations; Track 2 – Dynamic Business Models and Economic Growth for Sustainability; Track 3 – Integrative Health, Community Well-being, and Social Sciences; and Track 4 – Inclusive Quality Education for Sustainable Development and Leadership.

The hallways featured research posters, while classrooms hosted live presentations by student researchers who passionately shared their studies with both expert panels and their peers. These sessions showcased the students’ creativity, dedication, and innovative approaches as they addressed pressing global sustainability challenges through their research.

The summit culminated in closing remarks from University Research Center Director Claze Therese Lasala, followed by an award ceremony celebrating outstanding student achievements. Winners were recognized across all tracks, with prizes awarded to the top three best paper presentations and the best research poster. These recognitions not only honored academic excellence but also encouraged future student leaders to continue pursuing impactful research.