Upgrading research outputs through free access on Elsevier’s Science Direct and Scopus Databases

DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director Alexander Madrigal 
gives a short message to the participants.

The Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) hosted the Orientation and Author Writeshop on Elsevier’s Science Direct and Scopus Databases for DOST-MIMAROPA, DOST-V, and DOST-CALABARZON last April 12 held at RFSQAC Multipurpose Hall, DOST-CALABARZON Regional Office, Los Baños, Laguna.

With more than 80 participants, this event was attended by researchers, research directors, principals, professors, librarians, and teachers. It aims to support the researchers in the regions by providing free access to millions of publications through Science Direct and Scopus Databases. The subscription to Elsevier references was funded by DOST-PCIEERD.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Lydia Manguiat, DOST-CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, hoped this will be a step to increase the number of published researches in the country. Dr. Alexander Madrigal, DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director, also gave a message and encouraged the participants to maximize the use of the databases in conducting R&D works.

Ms. Faith Geelein David of DOST-PCIEERD gave a rationale of the activity followed by the orientation and training on the use of Elsevier’s Science Direct and Scopus databases by Mr. Pio Salvador Ramon Omana of Elsevier Philippines. Mr. Omana mentioned that the recipients will have a remote access to all the database collection which covers 24 subject areas.

Dr. Lydia Manguiat, ARD for TO, welcomes the participants
of the orientation and author writeshop.

DOST-PCIEERD’s subscription to Elsevier is also in support to DOST’s Science for Change Program (S4CP) which will further encourage our researchers. This program seeks to level up the science and technology in the country and contribute to the economic development.

Mr. Gilbert Poralan Jr. and Ms. Reira Kris Villalina from the DOST Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development first gave a background on the status of the Philippines in Global Competitiveness. According to the study, the Philippines ranked 52^nd among 140 economies last 2016. This low ranking is due to the weakness in human capital and research and development.

They also presented and announced the call for proposals for the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program, R&D Leadership (RDLead) Program, Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program, and Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program which are under the Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness of the S4CP.

Through the Elsevier assistance and S4CP, DOST is hoping to improve the number of quality of research outputs especially in publications.

DOST-PCIEERD and Elsevier will also be conducting this orientation in the different regions in the country. (Rochelle L. Cruz)