Centre for Molecular and Materials Science

Centre for Molecular and Materials Science
Name	Centre for Molecular and Materials Science
Established	1998
Type	Interdisciplinary research centre
Parent	University of the Philippines
Director	Dr. Maria Angela B. Faustino
Location	Quezon City, Philippines
Campus	University of the Philippines Diliman

Centre for Molecular and Materials Science is a premier interdisciplinary research institution in the Philippines, operating under the University of the Philippines System and based at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Established to advance fundamental and applied research at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science, it serves as a national hub for cutting-edge scientific investigation and human resource development. The centre fosters a collaborative environment for scientists and students to address complex challenges in energy, health, and environmental sustainability.

History and establishment

The centre was formally established in 1998 through a strategic initiative by the University of the Philippines to consolidate and strengthen the nation's capabilities in molecular and materials research. Its creation was supported by key government agencies including the Department of Science and Technology and received initial funding and endorsement from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. The founding vision was championed by prominent Filipino scientists like Caesar Saloma and Fortunato Sevilla III, who recognized the critical need for a dedicated facility to propel the Philippines into the global arena of advanced materials and nanotechnology. Early development was significantly aided by international partnerships with institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics.

Research focus and scientific programs

The centre's research is organized into several core scientific programs targeting both fundamental science and technological applications. A primary focus is on the development of novel functional materials, including organic semiconductors, nanomaterials, and biomaterials for medical applications. Another major program investigates renewable energy technologies, specializing in photovoltaics, fuel cells, and advanced battery systems. Research in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy supports environmental monitoring and the detection of pollutants, while a strong program in computational materials science utilizes high-performance computing for molecular modeling and drug discovery. These programs are designed to address national priorities outlined by the National Academy of Science and Technology (Philippines) and contribute to global scientific discourse.

Key facilities and infrastructure

The centre houses a suite of advanced, centralized facilities that are critical for modern materials research. Its core infrastructure includes a comprehensive Materials Characterization Laboratory equipped with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy systems. The Synthesis and Fabrication Laboratory provides capabilities for chemical vapor deposition, spin coating, and nanofabrication. For spectroscopic analysis, the centre operates specialized laboratories for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Computational research is supported by a dedicated high-performance computer cluster, and a Class 1000 cleanroom is available for sensitive device fabrication. These facilities are registered with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute for handling regulated materials.

Notable achievements and discoveries

Researchers at the centre have produced significant scientific contributions recognized both nationally and internationally. A landmark achievement was the development of a novel, cost-effective dye-sensitized solar cell using locally sourced natural pigments, a project led by Dr. Lydia Roleda that earned the National Research Council of the Philippines award. The centre's team also pioneered a groundbreaking biosensor for the early detection of dengue fever, which received a patent from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. In fundamental science, work published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on the electronic structure of metal-organic frameworks has been highly cited. The centre's scientists have also been honored with prestigious awards such as the Gregorio Y. Zara Award and the TWAS Prize for young scientists.

Organizational structure and leadership

The centre operates as an autonomous unit under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines System. It is governed by an executive committee and advised by a scientific advisory board comprising experts from institutions like the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University. The day-to-day operations and scientific direction are managed by a director, a position held by Dr. Maria Angela B. Faustino, and assisted by deputy directors overseeing research, facilities, and administration. Research is conducted by a core group of tenure-track faculty scientists, alongside postdoctoral fellows from programs like the ASEAN Fellowship, and graduate students enrolled in the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science.

Collaborations and partnerships

The centre maintains an extensive network of domestic and international collaborations to amplify its research impact. Domestically, it works closely with other units of the University of the Philippines including the National Institute of Physics and the Institute of Chemistry, as well as with agencies like the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Key international partners include the University of Tokyo, the National University of Singapore, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under various student and faculty exchange agreements. The centre is also an active member of regional networks such as the ASEAN University Network and participates in consortium projects funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe framework and the United States Agency for International Development.

Category:Research institutes in the Philippines Category:University of the Philippines Category:Materials science organizations Category:Science and technology in the Philippines