MOLECULAR scientist and priest Fr. Nicanor Austriaco urged young scientists to be steadfast in their chosen profession, adding science has the power to change lives.
“There will be many obstacles, but it is enormously fulfilling to know that the science you do will change the lives of millions of your kababayans (countrymen). And science can be done in service of your country,” Austriaco said after receiving the 2024 Gabay Award from the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday.
The event was part of NRCP’s 91st Founding Anniversary celebration this year.
NRCP has more than 7,000 researchers and scientists from different disciplines under its command.
Austriaco, a Filipino American, is a professor of Biological Sciences and Sacred Theology at the University of Santo Tomas.
As a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council and the OCTA Research Group that studied Covid-19 case trends, he has been at the forefront of research during the pandemic.
The Gabay award is conferred to any active NRCP member, including retired member-researchers, whose works have resulted in or translated to policies or adopted as commercialized technologies.
Austriaco was recognized for creating a model that optimized vaccine distribution in the Philippines during the pandemic.
Austriaco added that his work as a scientist and priest allowed him to see the spiritual dimension of science.
“You get to see the beauty of God’s creation, and just like in the painting in The Louvre, if you see the painter behind the painting, and as a scientist, I have the opportunity to see the Lord who created the world,” he said.
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