The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is stepping up efforts to strengthen the nation’s analysis capabilities in materials science, deploying a returning Filipino knowledgeable to assist handle gaps in skinny movie improvement essential to the semiconductor business.
DOST “Balik Scientist” Janella Mae R. Salamania has been working to improve native analysis and improvement (R&D) capability in skinny movies, a key element in electronics manufacturing.
The sector is a serious driver of Philippine exports, with the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries within the Philippines Foundation Inc. reporting that semiconductors accounted for 60.52% of the nation’s digital exports in 2025.
Despite robust demand, native manufacturing and R&D for high-quality and cost-efficient skinny movies stay restricted, highlighting the necessity for deeper technical functionality and infrastructure.
“By bringing home globally trained Filipino scientists, we accelerate technology development, strengthen regional research ecosystems, and ensure that innovation directly benefits Filipino communities and industries,” mentioned DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Salamania mentioned whereas analysis exercise in materials science and skinny movies is rising within the Philippines, it’s nonetheless at an early stage in contrast to main international analysis hubs.
During her month-long engagement underneath the Balik Scientist Program, she performed coaching classes and launched superior ideas in skinny movie science to college students and researchers at Central Mindanao University, her host establishment.
She additionally initiated collaborations with Linköping University and opened discussions with Uppsala University, each based mostly in Sweden, increasing the college’s worldwide analysis linkages.
DOST officers mentioned the engagement displays broader efforts to strengthen regional analysis ecosystems and construct experience exterior main city facilities.
“The engagement of Dr. Salamania reflects the sustained growth of the BSP in reaching regional universities and empowering them with specialized expertise,” mentioned Dr. Buendia.
“We are seeing stronger research outputs, enhanced laboratory capabilities, and more confident young researchers because of these engagements.”
For its half, the Philippine Council for Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development mentioned Balik Scientists play a key function in strengthening the nation’s Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (IEET) sector.
“Our Balik Scientists are catalysts for institutional transformation. In the IEET sector, their contributions go beyond research outputs — they build systems, mentor future innovators, and establish global linkages that elevate our competitiveness,” mentioned Niñaliza H. Escorial, deputy govt director and officer-in-charge of the Office of the Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD.
As of newest information, the Balik Scientist Program has supported 709 returning Filipino scientists throughout 956 engagements, forming a part of the federal government’s push to construct a stronger innovation ecosystem aligned with industrial development.