Philippine Bioimaging


Strategic Planning

2026

February 23, 2026 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m. PHT)

MAIN agenda

“Develop clear strategies and priorities. Create a roadmap with stepping stones to achieve long-term goals. Learn from one another through collaboration” (iSEA)

  • Establish a sustainable research network–whose focus is on, but is not limited to, bioimaging–that will elevate our nation’s research capabilities even further
  • In pursuit of our long-term vision, we can also propose for the development of a collaborative, holistic and inclusive bioimaging infrastructure (i.e., core facilities to house equipment) that will cater to the needs of our domestic scientists
  • In the future, hopefully democratize access to expensive equipment at substantially lower costs (e.g., confocal laser-scanning microscopes (CLSM) to reconstruct specimens in 3D)
  • Emphasize our strengths as a Philippine community  
  • Recognize and hopefully address early on the logistical challenges of collaboration within an archipelagic nation
  • Discuss strategies for scheduling meetings and ensuring consistent progress.


Establish Working Groups

  • Based on our strengths and research thrusts, coordinate on what working groups we will need to create.
  • “Working groups are effective for assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and sharing progress. Recommended as a strategy to get things moving efficiently.” (iSEA)


Partner with Existing Networks and National Societies

  • Philippine Society of Cell Biology (PSCB)
  • Microanalysis and Imaging Society of the Philippines, Inc. (MICROSPHIL)
  • Community Outreach Strategy: “Establish a task force or working group dedicated to outreach and collaboration with biological societies and international chapters (e.g., neuro or cell biology chapters in the region). Early outreach efforts are crucial for building relationships and expanding awareness of microscopy’s value.” (iSEA)
  • “Ensure national microscopy/imaging societies are aware of and supportive of the initiative. [Also prevent potential overlaps/conflicts] by aligning with existing networks.” (iSEA)


Capacity Building

  • On hand-drawn figures. Provide access to high-quality imaging equipment so that researchers would not have to resort to hand-drawing observations  
  • Explore iPhone/smartphone/amateur camera options that can be attached to compound/dissecting microscopes
  • Preparing nitrogen-fixed specimens. Improve the quality of morphological observations. 
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise regarding ImageJ/Fiji.
  • As a community, find concrete ways to address disparities in access to funding opportunities and engagement of underrepresented groups.


Create a Series of Webinars and Workshops

  • Encourage participation in training workshops throughout the year to build momentum and accessibility.
  • Invite resource speakers within the community
  • “High-visibility workshops are key to boosting momentum and awareness for bioimaging initiatives. Engage broader audiences beyond microscopists, including local biological societies (e.g., cell biology, infectious disease) and biologists unfamiliar with microscopy’s potential.” (iSEA)
  • Because of the value of in-person meetings, we should also organize in-person events in and out of the country (in partnership with iSEA/GBI) to strengthen relationships within our community


Address Challenges in our Supply Chain and Enhancing After-Sales Support

  • How can we enact necessary changes and make conditions better and more efficient for researchers in the country (vis-à-vis the GPP Law and its oft subjective interpretation, issues in our industry-government-academia partnerships, etc.)?
  • (With a unified voice, put legitimate pressure) and coordinate with industry partners and government entities to streamline procurement


AcquirE Compound/Dissecting Microscopes to Support Educational and Research Initiatives

  • Explore cost-effective procurement options for microscopes
  • Increased availability of microscopes will significantly benefit students by providing more opportunities for practical, hands-on experience


SecurE Better International Funding for our Research Initiatives

  • Garner international support and generous funding that will encompass not only applied but also basic research (e.g., developing a comprehensive understanding of pathologies and virulence mechanisms in fish)
  • Initially market unique opportunities related to phytoplankton research (as it has more bearing on funding), while gradually finding ways to expand our focus to include zooplankton in the future.
  • Discuss with iSEA and Global Bioimaging Initiative (GBI) on how to effectively engage with stakeholders (senior management of institutions, government and funding bodies)


Establish and Widen Access to Biobanks and Repositories

  • Consult and coordinate with our museum curators and data managers to collect more data, standardize formats and possibly widen access to biobanks and repositories
    • UP Baguio museum display
    • National Museum of the Philippines
    • Marine Science Institute
    • etc.
  • Possible resources we can also use:


LeveraGE Bioimaging for Clinical and Biomedical Research

  • Support/complement research in genomics, clinical psychology, cellular neuroscience, etc.
  • Encourage dialogue between basic researchers, clinicians, and even patients


CooperatE with Engineers, Physicists, and Materials Scientists

  • Photonics and medical imaging devices
  • Contact MICROSPHIL and other organizations who might be interested in growing with our initiatives
  • Share opportunities to visit/cooperate with synchrotron facilities worldwide 

CreatE a Facebook Page to Showcase Excellent Filipino Bioimaging Research

  • Boost momentum and visibility by featuring images taken by our Filipino scientists every now and then
  • Showcasing the beauty and practical applications of microscopy in the biological sciences is a great way to do public outreach and science communication
  • Aside from FB, we can also create pages for Instagram and other social media sites
  • Social media manager/s and contributors
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
traditional outrigger boat in tropical waters