Research Mandates as The National Engineering University

As mandated by Republic Act 11694, the Batangas State University as the National Engineering University shall: 

• Serve as a research university in engineering and other related fields of specialization by conducting basic and applied research and development, promoting research collaboration with various colleges and universities in the country, and contributing to the  dissemination and application of knowledge;

• Create, develop, and implement a functional research program that is relevant to the research agenda of the University and supports research programs for sustainable development;

• Intensify scientific, innovative, and technological research and development that would lead to the development of high-impact research, startups, and spinoffs, and technology transfer of products and services in specific areas such as electronic systems, environment, information and computing technology, material science and testing, and advanced manufacturing through the established research centers under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment Research (STEER) Hub, recognized by the Regional Development Council (RDC) as the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment Research in the CALABARZON Region; and

• Lead in the protection, conservation, and strategic management of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) that separated the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, and was described as the “center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity in the world” by developing biodiversity experts, conducting collaborative research, marine exploration, community education, and training, and establishment of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS) by the Regional Development Council Region IV-A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon Region) as the National Center for Marine Biodiversity in VIP.

Objectives

As a National Engineering University, BatStateU is mandated by Republic Act 11694 to serve as a research university in engineering and related fields, create and implement relevant research programs for sustainable development, intensify scientific, innovative, and technological research and development, and lead in the protection and strategic management of the Verde Island Passage through the establishment of the VIP CORALS as the National Center for Marine Biodiversity in VIP.

To foster R&D and Innovation in the University, the BatStateU-The NEU’s Research Framework focuses on the following objectives:

• Foster research- and innovation-conducive environment. Provide faculty and students with assistance and support in creating an environment that is conducive to innovation, which will eventually create avenues for high-impact research, technology transfer, and commercialization of their research.

• Disseminate research-based solutions. Ensure effective dissemination and application of research output through oral and/or poster presentations and publication of results in refereed journals, and when appropriate, research output commercialization to foster innovative and creative research thinking among faculty, students and stakeholders. 

• Immerse BatStateU The NEU community in research culture. Develop a culture of research among faculty, students, and stakeholders by involving them in research activities through multidisciplinary and collaborative research, seminar workshops, training, research fora, research assistantships, and other research interactions and engagement. 

• Strengthen collaborative research networks. Strengthening research consortia, linkages, collaborative research, mentorship, and research skills development can augment research funding of the University.  

• Optimize research outputs for tech transfer and business incubation. Optimize the utilization of research outputs for technology transfer and possible income generating projects related to research and development and strengthen product development and technology business incubation.

• Strengthen industry-related research for addressing gaps. Strengthen industry-related research projects to address the gaps and challenges faced by its stakeholders. 

• Transform the national economy through KIST Park. Contribute to national economic growth, jobs creation, domestic and foreign investment, and community well-being through the university-based Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park, it also aims to promote industrial R&D, attract foreign investments in higher value-labored activities, and accelerate the country’s transition from an intensive economy to a knowledge-intensive one designated as a Special Economic Zone by Presidential Proclamation No. 947, dated May 22, 2020.

• Increase quality research and productivity for impactful utilization. Deliver quality, high-impact research and increase productivity of the university in terms of capacitating its people, and producing publications and Intellectual Property (IP) assets. Generate high impact research outputs for the utilization of the educational, communal, and industrial sectors.

• Promote industry-academe collaboration. Leads in the pioneering initiatives of establishing a technopreneurship program and a university-based Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that aims to promote industry collaboration through active research and innovation.

• Create research focused on specific thematic areas. Develop quality research projects in the following key areas such as Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research (IEETR), Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR), Integrated Basic and Applied Research (IBAR), and Disaster Risk Management and Health Research (DRMHR).

• Enhance research capabilities. Enhance the research capabilities of the faculty and student researchers through human and physical resources development and the creation of an environment that fosters research.

Research Agenda

Hewing closely to the Harmonized National Research & Development Agenda, the BatStateU Research Agenda focuses on the following areas and interstices:

• Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research (IEETR); 

• Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR); 

• Integrated Basic and Applied Research (IBAR); and 

• Disaster Risk Management and Health Research (DRMHR).

Engineering Research Agenda

BatStateU The NEU has established the Engineering Research Agenda which aims to address various cutting-edge domains: 

• Digital Transformation

• Semiconductor and Electronics Design and Product Development

• Machine Design, Instrumentation and Automation

• Additive Manufacturing

• Innovative Methods and Materials for Construction

• Creative Industries

• Transportation Engineering and Logistics Management

• Renewable Energy Systems

• Health and Wellness Engineering Solutions

• Building Research and Innovation Developmental Goals for Engineering Schools (BRIDGES)

In 2020, the Engineering Research Agenda and Engineering Extension Services Agenda were presented among line agencies, industries, and other stakeholders to ensure the relevance of the research and extension activities with the needs of the industries and communities.

• Engineering Extension Services Agenda

• Agriculture and Aquaculture

• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

• Food Innovations

• GIS-Based Decision Support Systems

• Edutech

Strategies of Implementation

The University adopted a range of strategies to implement its Research Agenda, leveraging its expertise, partnerships, and resources to promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and community engagement.

• Networking and Collaboration. Develop a networking system among the colleges that will facilitate planning, packaging of research proposals, implementation and monitoring, evaluation, documentation, dissemination, utilization, and commercialization of research outputs. 

• Investment in Human Capital. Provide a continuing program of upgrading the human capabilities in research training programs, giving incentives to researchers, developing a pool of research experts, practicing the mentor system, and others. Be active in supporting institutionally and externally funded research of faculty members and students in the undergraduate and graduate programs. 

• Resource and Fund Generation. Source out funds from external sources for upgrading physical facilities and equipment and implementation of other research undertakings.  

• High Impact and Relevant Research Programs. Undertake quality research in line with the University Research Agenda which can be utilized by the community and industries. Intensify scientific, innovative and technological research and development leading to high impact research. Spearhead innovative programs and policies to support its faculty, personnel, and students. 

• Linkages and Cooperation. Establish and maintain linkages with local and foreign research organizations, universities, non-government organizations, and other private or government agencies. 

• Establishment of Niche Research Centers. Establish niche research centers focusing on collaborative and innovative research programs/projects and addressing the immediate need of community and industries. 

• Incorporation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Research Undertakings. Incorporate the sustainable development goals in the conduct of research programs, projects, and activities.