The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) discussed potential partnerships and collaborations with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) on 30 January 2025 at the UPOU headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Dr. Anna Cristina Pierterra, Associate Dean (Research) and Executive for the Faculty of Design, Architecture, and Building of UTS, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, who was joined by other UPOU officials. Attending in person were Asst. Prof. Luisa Gelisan, University Registrar; Dr. Diego Maranan, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS); and Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto, Director of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO). Dr. Roberto Figuerroa, Director of UPOU Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP), and Dr. Ria Borromeo from the UPOU Office of Student Affairs (OSA) joined virtually.
The discussion revolved around the potential for extending collaboration to the doctoral program, focusing on the offer of the institution for a flexible PhD degree in interdisciplinary programs. Dr. Pertierra presented on UTS’s interdisciplinary approach and its research across both traditional and emerging disciplines. She highlighted UTS as an international university committed to collaboration and partnerships with industries, communities, and institutions worldwide. The meeting also covered UTS’s campus facilities, describing them as a vibrant hub of innovation with a strong focus on technology and creative industries.
During the discussion, Dean Maranan inquired about the possibility of accessing research facilities, as faculty members enrolling in the doctoral programs would be in a remote setup with occasional campus visits. Chancellor Bandalaria expressed hope for further exploration beyond the doctoral programs, aiming to extend the partnership to the post-doctoral level in alignment with the University President’s commitment to funding these programs.
Various PhD models were offered by UTS, including a classic PhD with a written thesis, a creative work, a software algorithm, a PhD that generates policy, and an entrepreneurial PhD. The institution also offers a flexible PhD program where the form of research can vary depending on the size of the problem, full-time or part-time study options, mentorship, partnerships, the chosen research approach, and the student’s location. The institution meets Australian standards for PhDs, which require a contribution to knowledge in an identified field.
The courtesy call ended with an expression of optimism from both institutions in providing higher study opportunities for the faculties, forging further collaborations in the future. After the meeting, Dr. Pertierra, Dean Maranan, and Dr. Ria visited the UPOU World Class Multimedia Production Building to explore its innovative maker space.
Written by Marinela Hernandez ♦ Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
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