Mainz, Germany — In a remarkable achievement for the Philippines, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the University of San Carlos (USC), Cebu City, have earned the Top 10 spot in the globally renowned Nature Awards for the Science in Shorts filmmaking competition. The recognition places the SEARCA x USC entry among the world's best, having competed against 250 submissions from international research teams.
The winning entry, "Unusually sustainable - bioplastics from shrimp shells plus mango waste!", highlights a groundbreaking solution to plastic pollution, turning discarded shrimp shells and mango waste into bioplastic, an eco-friendly, low-carbon alternative to conventional plastics. The video encapsulates how scientists led by Dr. Francis Siacor from USC, through the support of the SEARCA Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS), are driving circular agriculture by creating biodegradable materials.
SEARCA GRAINS program provides seed funding to boost translational research and community knowledge transfer, aiming to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and products through strategic partnerships within the agri-innovation ecosystem. Managed by the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department, GRAINS supports potential startups driving agricultural and rural development.
The Science in Shorts achievement was announced at the Curious2024 Future Insight Conference held in Mainz, Germany, where the winning video premiered, showcasing the collaboration's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The competition highlighted and rewarded creative, concise science storytelling, encouraging researchers to communicate complex ideas in a language anyone can understand.
Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Director of SEARCA, expressed pride in their research partnership with USC. He said this recognition emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions in addressing global issues like plastic pollution. He added that this work aligns with SEARCA's goal to promote innovations that benefit both the environment and society.
The Nature Awards for Science in Shorts is a highly competitive global platform that recognizes and rewards scientists and researchers who can effectively communicate their work through short, engaging videos. The award champions the transformational power of outstanding science and its potential to make positive change in the world.
"By earning the Top 10 distinction, SEARCA and USC demonstrated together the power of local science on the global communication stage," Atty Eric Reynoso, Emerging Innovation for Growth Department Program Head, concluded.
The Top 10 videos, including the winning entry from SEARCA and USC, can be viewed on the official platform for Science in Shorts - Nature Awards.