The Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, Her Excellency Annika Thunborg, Ph.D. and her delegation paid a visit to the University of San Carlos on October 20, 2022, at the Schotel Function Room, USC Downtown Campus.
USC President Fr. Narciso A. Cellan, Jr., SVD, D.Comm. expressed his gratitude for the Swedish ambassador’s effort to visit USC to explore ways and possibilities of future collaborations.
“We have a long history of collaboration with foreign governments. Some of our research projects are funded by the U.S., the U.K., and the European Union. USC, being a university managed by the Society of Divine Word (SVD), has German roots and we had SVDs from Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands who started many of the academic programs and research centers of USC,” Fr Cellan shared.
Meanwhile, Dr. Thunborg reminisced about her academic background and conveyed her interest in making contact with universities like USC for possible academic exchanges and collaborations.
According to the ambassador, “The Embassy is focused on trade and Sweden promotion and these always include innovation and making close contacts with the academe.” Dr. Thunborg went on and shared how Sweden focuses on research as well as multi- and cross-disciplinary studies, particularly in financial technology, engineering, science and technology, pharmaceutical, as well as architecture.
In relation to the discussion about research, USC’s Director for Research, Development, Extension, and Publication Office (RDEPO), Dr Patrick John Y. Lim, shared the University’s current projects such as 3D printing of bone tissues using carrageenan; formulation of herbal products from indigenous plants; promoting clean renewable energy by providing solar panels and microgrid systems to remote islands; studying seaweed as a carbon sink as well as a source of high-value products; and mapping flood risk areas in Region 7 through remote sensing.
Ar. Margret D. Rosario, Dean of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design (SAFAD) also shared the School’s project of designing modular houses that can be easily constructed after disasters. In fact, SAFAD already signed an agreement with an energy company to build sustainable post-typhoon shelters for the latter’s employees.
Also at the meeting were representatives of a Swedish software company, Avensia, that is based in Cebu. According to Rasmus Bodin Lofgren, Director of Operations of Avensia Philippines, Inc., their company is always looking to hire qualified software engineers to develop platforms for online sellers.
The Swedish delegation’s visit comes at an opportune time now that the University is in the process of crafting a seven-year plan to elevate USC from a teaching university into a research-intensive institution. Hence, the University looks for opportunities for collaboration and is focused on improving USC’s human resources, facilities and research engagements.
According to Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. in his closing remarks, “We aspire to become a leading research university in the country and we are looking at ways of collaborating in terms of research, curriculum, programs, and exchanges such as collaborations with academic heads of Swedish universities.”
After the discussion, the ambassador and her party were given a tour of the University Museum and the Arcenas Gallery by curator Ma. Regina E. Yoma.