26-27 September 2019
Central Laboratory Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas

The Department of Chemistry, College of Science in cooperation with the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences will hold the 2019 University of Santo Tomas-Chung Yuan Christian University Joint Symposium on Chemical Sciences at the Central Laboratory Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas from 26-27 September 2019. With the theme, “Recent innovations in chemical sciences for a better life,” this scientific event is organized to bring together both experienced and young scientists from the two prestigious universities to present frontiers of chemistry and allied sciences.

The symposium is open to 100 participants from different academic, government and industry sectors to join in the said scientific event. No symposium fee is required, but interested participants must register online on or before August 15 or until we reach 100 registrants. This gathering will also include scientific poster exhibits, hence we encourage submission of abstracts from student participants (~250 words) via email.

Apply for a Travel Grant (USD 450) to present at the 1st ACS Asia‐Pacific International Chapters Conference (APICC) in Jeju, South Korea, November 5‐8, 2017

The conference is organized by 10 American Chemical Society (ACS) International Chemical Sciences Chapters in the Asia‐Pacific region: Australia, Beijing, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Shanghai, South Korea, Southwest China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The ACS APICC 2017 Student Travel Grant, administered by the ACS Thailand Chapter, aims to encourage student participation, by supporting 5 undergraduate and 5 graduate students (USD 450 per person) to showcase their research work, and network effectively. Selection will be based on the abstract submitted and student’s financial
need.

Who can apply: Undergraduate, M.Sc. and Ph.D students

How to apply:

• Register at the conference website (https://www.acskoreachapter.org/) and submit your research abstract
• Submit the following along with the completed application form (https://goo.gl/forms/eDDNs1Nc13mzVPlx2):
  1. Resume
  2. Complete college transcripts
  3. Letters of recommendation from 2 professors
  4. Copy of the abstract you submitted online (https://www.acskoreachapter.org/)
• E‐mail the required documents (1‐4) together with the application form to Dr. Siwaporn Meejoo Smith (siwaporn.smi@mahidol.edu)

Application Deadline: August 1, 2017
Results announced by August 31, 2017

1. The Technical Secretariat (hereinafter “the Secretariat”) wishes to inform Member States of its intention to hold the OPCW Associate Programme 2017 in The Hague, the Netherlands, and elsewhere from 28 July to 29 September 2017. The Programme aims to foster a better understanding of the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention (hereinafter “the Convention”) and to promote the peaceful uses of chemistry, with an emphasis on chemical safety.
2. The objectives of the Programme are to:
   1. facilitate national implementation of the Convention in relation to the chemical industry;
   2. enhance national capacities in Member States by offering training to personnel from industry, academic institutions, and government in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related areas;
   3. facilitate trade through the adoption of sound practices in the chemical industry; and
   4. broaden the talent pool for industry-related positions in the National Authorities, institutions, and economies of the Member States, as well as in the Secretariat.
3. The Programme is designed for chemists and chemical engineers, especially from Member States whose economies are either developing or in transition. It has been designed to give them access to the skills and experience required to operate effectively in the context of the modern chemical industry. The Programme for 2017 will accommodate 32 participants.
4. In order to attract highly qualified applicants, the Secretariat requests the assistance of National Authorities in disseminating this invitation to relevant organisations.
5. The provisional programme includes the following components:
   1. an induction segment at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague (approximately one week), aimed at offering an overview of the Convention and the various aspects of the work of the OPCW. This segment also includes lectures on the activities of National Authorities and other relevant Convention stakeholders (the European Chemical Industry Council, the European Association of Chemical Distributors, the European Chemicals Agency, the World Customs Organization, etc.) as well as study visits to the Delft University of Technology, the head office of the Dutch Customs Administration in Rotterdam, and the Port of Rotterdam. During the induction segment, participants will choose research projects and start working on them in pairs under the supervision of OPCW inspectors. Participants will also be trained on various safety and security aspects of operational environment in chemical plants;
   2. a university segment (three weeks), consisting of chemical engineering training at the University of Surrey in Guildford, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and comprising: a course aimed at developing skills in relation to chemical engineering (relevant areas include process operations, mass balancing, risk assessment, safety management, etc.); training on specific skills needed in the field of industrial management (communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving); and the application of the acquired skills and knowledge in a simulated company environment;
   3. an intermediate segment (one week) at OPCW Headquarters, including a two-day inspection table-top exercise and study visits to the OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. Time will also be allotted for working on the research projects selected during the induction segment;
   4. an industrial segment (three weeks), during which participants will be placed in chemical plants in Member States to gain exposure to modern practices in chemical industries, with a focus on chemical safety; and
   5. a final segment (one week) at OPCW Headquarters, which will include presentations of the industrial assignments, research projects, and a final review period.
6. Since English will be the language of instruction, it is essential that all participants be able to understand, read, and communicate proficiently in this language, both orally and in writing. Any candidate who is found, upon arrival in The Hague, not to meet this requirement may not be allowed to participate in the Programme.
7. The Secretariat invites applications from candidates who have a first degree (BSc or equivalent) in chemistry or in chemical or process engineering from a university or another recognised institution of higher learning, and a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience (for example, in the chemical industry, in process engineering, or in plant and production operations). In addition, a working background with a National Authority or other government agency involved in the implementation of either the Convention or a comparable international regulatory instrument would be an advantage.
8. The Secretariat can accept applications only from nationals of the OPCW Member States. Applicants will be carefully screened, and only those considered to be the most suitable will be interviewed. Selections are normally made several weeks after the application deadline.
9. Once candidates have been selected, they may be required to undergo a medical fitness test, which is designed to assess their ability to use chemical protection equipment and to work with hazardous materials. Any health condition that might affect a prospective participant’s fitness for this intensive programme should be declared in the medical history form that successful applicants will be required to fill out. These candidates will also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement with the OPCW. A copy of this document, along with an information note containing details of the arrangements regarding the Programme, will be made available only to those candidates who have been accepted for participation.
10. The OPCW will cover the costs of Programme-related travel, accommodation, meals, course fees, and medical and travel insurance for all participants while the Programme is being conducted.
11. It is mandatory for participants to attend all the activities scheduled under the Programme. Participants are expected to undergo the training at any location as determined and allocated by the OPCW.
12. Withdrawal from the Programme: In the event of a withdrawal at any stage, the Secretariat will notify the relevant Permanent Representations and National Authorities of the withdrawal of the candidate concerned. The candidate may, at the discretion of the OPCW, be liable for a partial or full refund of any associated financial loss incurred as a result of the withdrawal.
13. Break in the training: Breaks in the Programme are not allowed, except in the case of force majeure.
14. When making travel arrangements, the Secretariat will seek the most economical options, and will purchase tickets and send them to participants. Participants will be allowed to purchase tickets locally only if this leads to further savings for the Secretariat, and if the Secretariat authorises it. In order for the Secretariat to keep costs to a minimum, participants are expected to arrive no earlier than 27 July 2017 and to depart no later than 30 September 2017.
15. The agreement of the Secretariat is required for any changes to the arrival and departure dates of the participants. The Secretariat will not cover expenses unrelated to the Programme or that result from changes in travel arrangements it has not authorised. Participants must bear all costs resulting from changes that they make, including cancellations, once the Secretariat has purchased the tickets.
16. Candidates that have been accepted for participation are requested to obtain any necessary visas (including transit visas) before travelling to the Netherlands and to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Those requiring an entry visa for the Netherlands are advised to contact the nearest diplomatic/consular mission of the Netherlands as soon as they receive the invitation letter from OPCW. Participants who need further assistance may contact the Protocol and Visa Branch of the Secretariat by telephone (+31 (0)70 416 3777) or by email (visa@opcw.org).
17. Candidates are responsible for obtaining the required visas for the full period of their stays in Europe and other training locations.

How to apply for a place in the Programme

1. Candidates for the Programme must use the personal history form annexed hereto to apply for admission. The information provided under each item on the form must be complete and accurate. The form should be accompanied by a photocopy of the applicant’s valid passport. Candidates must also present a letter authenticating the fact that they are employed, together with a letter from their employer confirming their support of the application and willingness to grant permission to the candidate to attend the Programme in its entirety.
2. Incomplete or insufficiently detailed applications, including any that do not contain the one-page statement requested in item 17 of the personal history form annexed hereto (in regard to the aims of the course), will not be considered.
3. Interested National Authorities are requested to endorse the completed application forms of their national candidates. Completed forms should be submitted directly to the Secretariat (by email to icb@opcw.org) no later than 15 February 2017.Forms may also be sent to the following address:Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
   Attn: International Cooperation Branch
   Johan de Wittlaan 32
   2517 JR The Hague
   The Netherlands
4. Any queries regarding the Programme can be addressed to Mr Dawsar Drissi, International Cooperation Officer, who can be reached via email (icb@opcw.org).

Click here to download the invitation and personal history form.

Click here to download the CHED Endorsement.

The Short Course on Polymeric and Colloidal Materials was held last June 16, 2016 at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila. This one-day science event was attended by 120+ participants from the industry, government and the academe.

Chemistry professors Thomas AP Seery of the University of Connecticut (UCONN) and David P. Penaloza Jr. of DLSU delivered lectures on the basic principles, preparation and characterization of polymers and colloids, and how these concepts can be utilized in industrial and research settings. Professor Seery is the STRIDE Visiting US Professor at DLSU.

The course consisted of four sessions with Professor Seery giving lectures on polymer science, colloids and surface science and characterization and properties of polymers and colloids. Professor Penaloza, meanwhile, discussed the flow and mechanical behaviors of polymers and colloids.

The event was jointly organized by the DLSU Chemistry Department headed by Dr. Glenn V. Alea and the D&L Industries, Inc. represented by Mr. Henry C. Siy.

The Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) wil be holding a seminar-workshop on QA/QC in the Laboratory on June 30 to July 1 at the PIPAC building, Ateneo de Manila University Campus, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

The seminar fee is PHP 6000/person inclusive of training materials, lunch and snacks. Payment may be made upon registration or paid in advance to the account of Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry, BPI Loyola Heights with account number 3081 0451 85. Please fax/email the validated deposit.

We look forward to see you in the workshop. For more information, please contact

Eric A. Angeles
+632 4266072
pipac@admu.edu.ph
pipaclaboratory@gmail.com

DATE: 31 July 2015 (Friday)
TIME: 8AM to 12PM: Forum for Industry and Government
1PM to 5PM: Forum for Academe
VENUE: Multi-purpose Hall, PNP Camp Crame, EDSA, Quezon City

The Chemistry Profession Act (RA 10657) was signed into law on March 27, 2015. The Board of Chemistry, in cooperation with the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, is inviting chemistry-related institutions, such as chemical laboratories, universities, and commercial entities, to attend this Forum on the proposed IRR for RA 10657.

Registration, comments and suggestions should be emailed by July 28 to: integratedchemists@gmail.com.
Registration fee for each half-day session: PHP 300 (to be paid on-site)
(Note: snacks and handouts are included; lunch is not included)

Attachments
IRR (Draft 8)
Code of Ethics (Version 6)
Comment Form

By Jose M. Andaya

The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. or PACT, in cooperation with the Adamson University, celebrated Chemistry Week through a Seminar-Workshop entitled “Brightening-Up the Future of Chemistry Education” on February 21, 2015 at the Adamson University. The celebration was attended by 53 participants from Luzon to Visayas.

During the morning session, Dr. Marilou G. Nicolas of UP Manila, talked about “Global Education and ASEAN Integration 2015;” Dr. Ernesto J. Del Rosario of UPLB discussed the “Applications of Digital Image Analysis in Chemistry, “ and Dr. Fortunato Sevilla III of UST discussed “Light and Chemical Information” .

In the afternoon, the participants were made to choose to attend any of the following workshops:

1. Creative Chemistry: Light and Heat
2. Creative Chemistry: Light Emission (both workshops (1) and (2) were given by teachers from the University of Santo Tomas)
3. Different Shades of Chemistry by the Philippine Science High School Main Campus
4. Colorful Electrolysis by the University of the Philippines Manila.

Most participants were able to attend two of the four workshops, with all enjoying and learning as indicated in the evaluation forms they submitted afterwards. They agreed that this year’s Chemistry Week celebration surpassed their expectations.

Before the day ended, the new set of PACT officers for the school year 2014 – 2015 took their oath of office. The oath-taking was administered by Dr. Armando M. Guidote Jr., Pressident of the PFCS or the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies. These are the new PACT officers:

Dr. Myrna S. Rodriguez of UPLB – President
Dr. Jose M. Andaya of PSHSMC – Executive Vice President
Dr. Fideliz S. Tuy of SBCM – Vice President for External Affairs
Ma. Theresa B. Bonus of JRU – Vice President for Internal Affairs
Jasper Perez of OLFU – Asst. VP Internal
Digna T. Bal of MSHS – Executive Secretary
Mary Jane Apuada of PLM and Lorna D. Tamboong of MTC – Asst. Secretaries
Annabelle J. Monzon of SBCA – Treasurer
Florencia N. Male of RIS – Asst. Treasurer
Aleli V. Lozano of CEU – Auditor
Garry Galvez of THS – PRO
Jonathan P. Derez of AVVHS and Emil L. Escalante of LPUC – Junior PROs
Emmanuel V. Garcia of DLSU, Dr. Voltaire G. Organo of UPM, Rebecca S. De Borja of MC, Ruel Avila of PNU – Directors
Dr. Luciana V. Ilao of UPM, Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, Dr. Betty Lontoc of CEU and Nora Cordero – Consultants.

Young Scientists’ Forum
Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas – Division of Inorganic Chemistry and Allied Fields (KKP DICAF) and UP Institute of Chemistry (UPIC)

Dr. Hiyas Junio
Dr. Hiyas Junio has a PhD in Medicinal Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina. Her work involves metabolite profiling using LCMS,and synergy activity of secondary plant metabolites. While in graduate school, she joined the UNCG Photography Club and made a collection of photos of all the flowers growing on campus. She considers Dr. Mansukh Wani,discoverer of taxol, and Henri Cartier Bresson, a world renowned photographer, as her inspiration for doing research and photography, respectively. After a brief postdoc stint at Indiana University, she returned to UP in 2014.

Dr. Eiza Yu Roberto
Dr. Eizadora Yu Roberto obtained her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree in 2006, from the University of Maryland, at BC. Her research interests include proteomics and bioprospecting microorganisms for enzymes relevant to health and industry. She worked as a postdoc fellow at the Sandia National Labs, California, tailoring fungi based biofuels to meet the needs of current, advanced combustion engines.

Marlon Conato
Dr. Marlon Conato received his PhD in Chemistry,in 2012 from the University of Houston. He specializes in solid state chemistry and materials science, currently manages the Polymer Lab that provides services such as thermal!analysis (TGA, DSC, TMA), and materials property testing (UTM, ellipsometer, rheometer) to academic research and industrial samples. His research interests include preparation and characterization of crystalline microporous materials such as coordination polymers and zeolites and their applications in catalysis, gas storage, and separation.

Dr. Allan Yago
Dr. Allan C. Yago has a PhD in Chemistry obtained in 2014, from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. His research interests include preparation of chemical sensors for specific target molecules (pesticides, food contaminants, pollutants), electroactive conducting polymers (nanoparticle stabilizers, anticorrosion coating), as well as polymer composites for specific applications. He leads several government funded research projects such as pesticide sensor development for DOST/PCIEERD,conducting polymer composites for UPNSRI, and anticorrosion coatings for UPOVCRD.