Six Pinoy scientists make it to this year's Asian Scientist 100 list
Six Filipino scientists were among those who were honored at this year's Asian Scientist 100 list.
The Asian Scientist 100 honors some of the region’s most distinguished scientists, highlighting achievements across a wide range of scientific fields. To be selected for the list, honorees must have either received a national or international award in the previous year, made a significant scientific breakthrough, or demonstrated leadership in academia or industry.
In its eighth edition, the list features Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela and Dr. Aurelio de los Reyes V from UP Diliman; National Scientist Romulo Davide and Marcela Navasero from UP Los Baños; Dr. May Anne Mata from UP Mindanao; and Gary Benico from Central Luzon State University.
Balela, a faculty member of the UP Diliman Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering, received the 2024 National Science and Technology Week Outstanding Research and Development Award for her study on using biodegradable kapok fibers to help address oil spills.
Benico was recognized by the National Academy of Science and Technology as a 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist for his work in aquatic biosciences, focusing on the taxonomy and systematics of microalgae and harmful dinoflagellates that impact marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture.
De los Reyes was also a 2024 NSTW awardee for Outstanding Research and Development in Basic Research. He was recognized for his work in mathematical biology, particularly on hormone-based contraceptive dosing strategies.
Agricultural scientists Davide and Navasero were both honored for their contributions to natural pest control. Davide, known as the “Father of Plant Nematology,” pioneered the country’s first biological control product targeting plant-parasitic nematodes. He was conferred the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award and was named the 44th National Scientist of the Philippines in 2024.
Navasero meanwhile received the 2024 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award for her expertise in detecting and managing invasive plant pests and diseases.
Mata, a professor at the UP Mindanao Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, was recognized for applying mathematical models to public health challenges such as rabies and COVID-19. She was named among the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientists by the National Academy of Science and Technology.
UP said it is "proud to have five of its scientists and faculty" part of the list.
CLSU also recognized Benico, a member of its faculty. "His recognition brings pride to CLSU and affirms the University’s growing contribution to scientific research in Asia and beyond."
