Mary Donnabelle L. Balela, PhD, a professor at the UP Diliman Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering, has been named by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) as a recipient of the 2024 NSTW [National Science and Technology Week] Outstanding Research and Development Award (2024 NSTW Award) for applied research.
According to the NAST PHL Recognition website, the award is given to a Filipino individual or to a research group with Filipinos as principal investigators “who have made outstanding contributions through research.”
Balela, as stated in The World Academy of Sciences website, “leads the Sustainable Electronic Materials Group, which develops low-cost advanced functional materials for applications in electronics, the environment, and energy.”
Among her numerous recognitions is the 2020 Encouragement Award of the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award for developing customizable sorbents based on kapok fibers.
Balela earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering from Kyoto University in 2011. Her fields of specialization include nanotechnology, materials science and engineering, electrochemistry, solid state physics, condensed matter physics, and electromagnetism.
As recipient of the outstanding research award, Balela was invited to present her entry paper at the ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth on Nov. 28 at the Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
NAST PHL Director Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo in her letter to Balela, said the symposium—which is expected to have more than 150 senior high participants—“aims to promote science and technology, bring scientists closer to the youth, and inspire and encourage students to pursue a career in science.”
Balela will also be featured in #PilipiNAST Kapehan (Kapihan) together with the other recipients of the 2024 NSTW Award and the Magsaysay Future Engineers/Technologists on Dec. 6. The Kapihan is a series of dialogues among NAST PHL, media, and science communicators on the organization’s programs, activities, awardees, members, and current national science and technology-related issues.