UP NSRI Laboratory Animal Workshop 

October 17, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at NSRI Conference Hall, Miranda Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/LAWS25Oct

The technologies developed by the Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL) of UPD-NSRI have been invited for an exhibition at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8's Regional Science and Technology Week in Tacloban City last September 3-5, 2025.

The integration of smart and sustainable community frameworks necessitates robust, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tools to manage health threats across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Dr. Joy Ann Santos presented the pitch "Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics: A Cornerstone for Smart and Sustainable Community Health and Environmental Monitoring," highlighting the development and application of nucleic acid-based diagnostic technologies by the Biological Research and Services Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman (BRSL-NSRI UPD), designed to address critical needs in human and animal health. 

These advanced molecular diagnostic tools provide a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to pathogen surveillance, offering a blueprint for building resilient, healthy, and sustainable communities by safeguarding human well-being, food supply chains, and environmental integrity.

Two of our research entries have been named finalists at the recently concluded 2025 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (ClusteRICE) in NCR!

A huge congratulations to the BRSL researchers involved in these projects, whose hard work and innovative spirit have brought them to this stage. Their research projects were under the Creative Research (Likha) - Government Funded Category:

1. "LAMP-LFA: Rapid Vibrio Detection for Healthy Fish Farms" This study presents a rapid and user-friendly method for detecting Vibrio bacteria, a common pathogen that can harm fish. This technology is a game-changer for the aquaculture industry, as it will help maintain healthy fish farms and ensure food safety.

2. "QUASR-LAMP Technology for rapid detection of enteric human adenoviruses" This research introduces a cutting-edge technology for the quick and accurate detection of enteric human adenoviruses. This innovation is crucial for public health, as it can help in the rapid diagnosis and management of waterborne diseases.

Our recent finalists at ClusteRICE show that ideas have a place on the regional stage. They prove that with dedication and a little bit of innovation, you can create technologies that make a real difference.

Congratulations to Dr. Joy Ann P. Santos (University Researcher I and Career Scientist I) and Ms. Donnabel C. Sena (University Research Associate I), newly recognized Registered Microbiologists of BRSL, certified by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. (PAM). Dr. Santos was conferred the title of Registered Microbiologist without examination, as granted to PhD holders with sufficient units and research in microbiology, while Ms. Sena successfully passed the certification exam for Registered Microbiologists held on January 18–19, 2025. Both Dr. Santos and Ms. Sena took part in the mass oathtaking for Registered and Specialist Microbiologists on July 26, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center.

Microalgae Workshop 

September 5, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at NSRI Conference Hall, Miranda Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/microalgae-2025

Plant Chromosome Preparation Workshop May 30, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at NSRI Conference Hall, Miranda Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/PlantChrom2025

Advanced Molecular Biology Workshop 

March 3 to April 2, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Conference Room of Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman. 

In partnership with ITS Science (Phils.)

Register here:

https://forms.gle/wubShvRhBEYn3wgm6 

Microalgae workshop for students of Davao Oriental State University (DorSU). This workshop is supported by the Office of Extension Coordination (OEC) of UP Diliman.

Laboratory Animal Workshop 

April 25, 2025, 8 AM to 5 PM at the NSRI Conference Hall, Miranda Hall, UP Diliman. 

Register here: http://tinyurl.com/LAWS25Apr

Last workshop for year 2024! We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our participants and partner - Noveaulab Asia Corp. for making this workshop successful! Cheers and here's to more productive workshops next year! #ELISAworkshop2024 

Congratulations Dr. Pierangeli Vital, on being honored as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2024 REPS CHAIR Awards! This well-deserved recognition is a testament to your outstanding scientific contributions. 

Your dedication to your work has inspired many in the scientific community. This award highlights not just your achievements but also your unwavering commitment to excellence. 

We celebrate this significant milestone in your career and look forward to seeing the continued brilliance and influence your work will bring.

Once again, congratulations! Your BRSL family is so proud of you!  

BRSL Laboratory Head Dr. Pierangeli G. Vital conferred as Fellow - the highest level of certification of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM). PAM is a collegial body composed of highly qualified microbiologists who have been selected based on their academic qualifications and experience. 

After being conferred as Diplomate in the year 2018, Dr. Vital is now one of the youngest scientists who was conferred the Fellow status. 

A Career Scientist II and now a PAM Fellow, Dr. Vital exemplifies excellence in microbiology research. This means more research opportunities for her associates not just in BRSL, but also for other aspiring young scientists who collaborate with her. Indeed, a milestone to be celebrated. Warmest congratulations, Dr. Pie! 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - the esteemed scientists of BRSL, Dr. Pierangeli Vital and Ms. Joy Ann Santos successfully presented their research findings during the ASM Microbe 2024, the largest annual scientific meeting globally, which is organized by the American Society for Microbiology.

 This year's ASM Microbe was held on June 13 to 17, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Vital presented her latest findings on the overall status of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface waters, while Ms. Santos shared their latest progress in detection kits development for enteric virus.

 BRSL extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Vital and Ms. Santos. This feat is certainly an inspiration to the rest of the BRSL and other aspiring researchers to do more studies addressing relevant issues in the field of microbiology.

The BRSL researchers and support staff gathered last January 5, 2024 for workshop planning and evaluation of the workshops conducted last year. The meeting focused on revisiting the relevance of the lectures and hands-on activities in the current workshops offered by the BRSL in relation to the needs of its clients which commonly comprise of undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and private laboratory professionals. Various ways to further improve workshop delivery were also discussed. Towards the end of the meeting, the researchers outlined the tentative schedule of workshops to be offered this year. This includes workshops on basic and advanced molecular biology, laboratory animal science, and microalgae. Two webinars will also be conducted. 

Another successful laboratory animal workshop! The BRSL would like to congratulate and thank our participants for actively participating during the lectures and hands-on lab activities. 

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to our collaborators from the Bureau of Animal Industry and UPD IACUC; and to our resource speakers - Dr. Marie Shiella Ordinario, Dr. Elena Catap, Dr. Josefa Pante, and Dr. Amelita Estacio for imparting their knowledge and expertise and for making this workshop possible. 

The workshop was held last November 10, 2023 in Miranda Hall, NSRI UP Diliman.

 #LabAnimalWorkshop2023 

             Celebrating a Successful 

             Molecular Biology Workshop! 

The DOST-PCHRD funded project lead by Ms. Joy Ann P. Santos of Biological Research and Services Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute of UP Diliman, are thrilled to look back on a remarkable journey of discovery and collaboration during the Molecular Biology Workshop Held on October 12-13, 2023 at the University of the Philippines Tacloban, made possible through the incredible support and expertise of our collaborating agencies, esteemed invited guests, and distinguished lecturers.