Joining an elite gathering of Nobel Laureates, Turing Award winners, Millennium Technology Prize winners, and distinguished scientists, Dr. Pearl Aphrodite Bobon-Carnice of Eastern Visayas State University proudly represented the Philippines as part of the PH delegation at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2026 held January 4–10, 2026 at the National University of Singapore.
Over the five-day program, young scientists engaged in high-impact plenary lectures led by Nobel Laureates, whose groundbreaking work have shaped modern science. In attendance were Nobel Laureates: David Baker, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2024); Duncan Haldane, Nobel Prize in Physics (2016); Donna Strickland, Nobel Prize in Physics (2018); Richard Roberts, Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine (1993); and Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2004). Plenary lectures and off-session interactions with the Nobel laureates provided participants with valuable insights on navigating the complexities of their scientific careers to their personal life journey beyond work.
After series of talks, quickfire pitches, and networking sessions, the participants also visited Singapore’s leading research institutions and universities. Dr. Carnice personally visited the Environmental Research Institute of the National University of Singapore, where ongoing research on electrochemical reactors for industrial effluent water treatment and peat soil experiments on CO₂–microbial interactions were showcased. These areas closely aligned with Dr. Carnice’s research interests on environment and Leyte Sab-A Peatland studies.
The Philippine delegation were comprised of top young scientists from Eastern Visayas State University, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, UP Manila, UP Visayas, UP Los Baños, Cebu Technological University, University of Southeastern Philippines–Mindanao, Angeles University Foundation, Department of Science and Technology–PCAARRD, and the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).
For over 10 years, this is a first for the University to send a nominee to the said global summit, in support of the institution’s agenda for research excellence, faculty development, and international engagement.
Every year the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opens application for 15 young scientists to be part of the country’s delegation to the summit. Nominations are carefully reviewed and selected based on education, awards/recognitions received, research milieu and experience.
Held annually, the GYSS started in 2013 and is organized by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore.
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
