DOrSU joins first Philippine-Czech Scientific Meeting in Prague
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) joined Filipino and Czech researchers in advancing scientific and academic cooperation during the first PH-CZ STARR (STrengthening Academic and Research Relations) Scientific Meeting, held on September 4 at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU).
Representing DOrSU on site was Assoc. Prof. Jhonnel P. Villegas, who is currently pursuing his PhD in Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management at CZU. Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Emily S. Antonio also participated virtually, joining representatives of partner institutions in the Philippines in the discussions.
Assoc. Prof. Villegas was among the Filipino researchers who presented during the scientific sessions, where he shared his work titled “This is Our EnDEERment: Conserving the Philippine Brown Deer Together.” His presentation formed part of a wider scientific program on wildlife conservation and ongoing research collaboration between Philippine and Czech institutions.
The PH-CZ STARR Scientific Meeting provided a platform for Filipino scholars studying and working in the Czech Republic and Czech researchers conducting work in the Philippines to share experiences, present research, and explore future collaboration. The program also brought together leaders from the academic, diplomatic, and scientific communities, including CZU Rector Prof. Ing. Michal Lošťák, Ph.D.; Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic H.E. Eduardo Martin R. Meñez; DOST-SEI Director Jayeel S. Cornelio, Ph.D.; and Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences Dean doc. Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D.
DOrSU’s participation in PH-CZ STARR also builds on its existing institutional partnership with CZU. The two universities formalized a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025 covering areas such as faculty exchange, joint research, academic conferences, and resource sharing.
Through PH-CZ STARR, the University further extends these connections beyond individual research projects toward broader opportunities for joint scientific work, academic mobility, and knowledge exchange, particularly in biodiversity and wildlife conservation—areas closely linked to DOrSU’s research agenda and the ecological resources of Davao Oriental.
