๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐: ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ถ๐น๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ณ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ธ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐๐โ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐
๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
How do researchers turn ambition into fruition with global impact?
In the forum, โFrom Proposals to Happily Ever After: Balik Scientistsโ Journeys to Excellenceโ, DOST Balik Scientists Dr. Lawrence David and Dr. Gerard Bryan Gonzales shared personal and professional experiences with DOST-FNRI researchers and graduate students under the supervision of said scientists on February 14, 2025, at DOST-FNRI Meeting Room 2.
Dr. David, now an Associate Professor at Duke University, reflected on his academic journeyโfrom Columbia University to earning a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He emphasized the critical role of mentorship and the importance of identifying oneโs unique niche in research.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gonzales discussed his transition from a Science Research Specialist at DOST to earning a dual masterโs and Ph.D. degree in Europe, leading to significant roles at the World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders, and now as an Associate Professor at Ghent University. He underscored that opportunities do not simply comeโthey emerge when one consistently strives for excellence.
The event reinforced the importance of mentorship, resilience, and taking strategic risks in research careers, inspiring early-career scientists to navigate paths toward global impact.
