Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) received a Php 4.3 million research grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program.

Dr. Bernadeth Ticar’s research project entitled, “Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid from heads of Silver-Banded Whiting for Nutraceutical Use,” received the funding under the Collaborative Applied Research with Industry (CARWIN) grant of USAID-STRIDE.

The CARWIN grant provides opportunities for Philippine universities to increase their capacity to work with industry on a joint university-industry research.

Dr. Ticar’s research deals with Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid, a chemical found on the heads of silver-banded whiting fish, which can be used in cosmetics as anti-aging and anti-oxidant; pharmaceutical and medical.

“The heads of the fish which are usually thrown away will be utilized,” said Dr. Ticar.

Dr. Ticar is also looking forward to the commercialization of the university’s science and technology researches.

She also plans to conduct researches on agriculture and to further incorporate her present study on cosmetics.

As part of the agreement between the university and USAID- STRIDE and Research Triangle Institute (RTI), almost half of the budget will be used to acquire high-end equipment for the soon to be constructed University Science Hub building.

Dr. Ticar received the award in the presence of Dr. Raul Muyong, University President, and Dr. Carmelo Ambut, VP for Research and Extension, on June 18, 2015 at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City.

The duration of the project is from June 2015- May 2016.

Other universities that became recipients of the CARWIN grant are Xavier University and Greenergy Development, Ateneo de Davao University and Subasta Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology and Xinyx Design Consultancy, Xavier University and Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council- Northern Mindanao, Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. and Plentex Philippines Inc., Western Visayas College of Science and Technology and Unifish, Inc., UP Diliman and Apex Mining Company, De la Salle University and NYFTI Inc., and UP Los Baños Foundation and Phil. Asian Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation.