DOrSU advances to THE Awards Asia 2026 finals with Macro- and Micro-Plastics Research
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) has made the shortlist for the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2026, advancing to the finals of the Research Project of the Year: STEM category.
In a January 20 press release, THE reported that this year’s awards attracted more than 500 submissions across 10 categories, later narrowed to 80 finalists representing 17 countries.
DOrSU’s maiden entry is its Macro- and Micro-Plastic Pollution (M2P2) Research Program, presented through SAAD— Science, Advocacy, Action and Direction— a framework inspired by the Cebuano word saad, meaning “promise.” Funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the program combines field sampling and laboratory analysis with community-oriented initiatives, including information drives, local engagements, and outreach to build awareness and translate research into solutions.
In the same category, DOrSU is among eight finalists, alongside Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Hiroshima University (Japan), IIMT University (India), Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan), Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan (Turkmenistan), Seoul National University (South Korea), and Suranaree University of Technology (Thailand).
THE editor Chris Havergal said the 2026 shortlist underscores the depth and range of work coming from universities across the region. “The 2026 shortlist is bursting with stories of great vision, innovation, and dedication across the full range of university activities,” he said, adding that it serves as a reminder that groundbreaking ideas and the seeds of best practice can flourish in institutions of all sizes and missions. Havergal also congratulated the finalists for reaching the final stage in another very competitive year, noting that the obvious quality across the shortlists means the eventual winners will be exceptional.
Winners of the THE Awards Asia 2026 will be announced in Hong Kong on April 22, the opening day of the THE Asia Universities Summit.
