What does research mean to me? (A keynote speech for Don Bosco College Canlubang Research Symposium)

[not a complete transcript] What is research for me? I will not answer this directly, but I will offer keywords, that might aid you to understand my concept of research. 1) First, we do research based on context of our life or career – kung ano ang balak mo sa buhay or ano ang ginagawa mo sa buhay. Research does not always mean formal research like writing your thesis. If you are an academic, then of course we are very much familiar with writing thesis or publishing journal articles. But if you are not, then I suggest that we equate research to innovation. Whether you are a high school or college student, a professional, or a leader -- Innovate -- create something novel, especially to improve lives of people and solve pressing issues in the community. We can create new theories, new methods or algorithms, new systems, new apps, or new practices. 2) Second, research is a result of creativity. Research and innovation are not just about technical know-how, but it is about creativity and imagination. Of course, if we want to create something new, then be creative. If we want to make an impact, we need to think outside the box. Creativity is the key to unlocking new ideas and pushing boundaries. Ako, my research expertise is on mathematical biology, I apply mathematics to solve complex problems in the biological sciences. 3) Third keyword is share, share your research output. What's the difference between a teacher and a researcher? a researcher creates new knowledge, a teacher shares the existing knowledge. We can be both. Sharing of knowledge is part of our evolution as humans --- the development of science, technology and society. If we are not going to share our innovations, how are we going to develop and improve? Share your knowledge, spark discussions, and inspire others to innovate. 4) Fourth, learn, learn, learn. For some, they think that they can survive life by being street smart (diska-diskarte lang). I definitely agree! But if you want to go to the very technical like quantum computing, engineering design, chemical and molecular experiments, to create new technologies -- then we need to study further such as take advance courses, microcredentials, or graduate degrees. The gadgets like smartphones, the buildings around us, the satellites in space, the internet, the medicines to cure diseases -- these are all products of research. But yes, graduate studies are not for all, however, taking Master's and PhD degrees can be one of the pathways for a country to increase the number of scientists and innovators that can bring new science and technology. So that in the future we will not just be copycats of technologies, but we can become leaders in the tech industry resulting in desirable economic growth. 5. Fifth, when we do research, don't forget that we are humans. Let's always go back to the basics that we are humans who are part of nature. So when we do innovations, always consider the sustainable development goals. We cannot sacrifice our environment for the sake of innovation. We cannot sacrifice our community, our ethics and principles, our culture and identity for the sake of technological progress. We need to find balance --- sustainable balance. 6. Sixth, help the society not just ourselves or our immediate family. Of course, our personal life and family are our priorities, but as we succeed and have bountiful benefits, we should not also forget that we are part of a bigger community. We make research and innovations as tools for us to also develop and improve the status of our community, and uplift those who need help. Research is not intended to be self-serving, rather let's be generous to help our local community, the Philippines, and the world. Anyway, we are all citizens of the world. In conclusion, research and innovation are not just academic pursuits. Research is problem solving, it is answering questions using organized techniques. Research is making a difference in our sphere of influence… Let’s embrace research: this is a pathway to personal and societal growth.