UP Institute of Biology

The Institute of Biology announces the schedule for the Second Batch of the Graduate Placement Examination for the incoming First Semester of Academic Year 2026-2027. The examination is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2026 (Wednesday) at exactly 7:00 AM in IB Room 250. Aspiring graduate students are reminded that qualified applicants from the morning examination will immediately proceed to the screening interview at 1:00 PM on the same day. We encourage all applicants to properly prepare for this crucial step and to stay updated on further announcements.

The Institute of Biology proudly extends its warmest congratulations to alumnus Gian Kerwin Dellosa (MS Biology, Class of 2019) for winning the Outstanding Talk Prize at EUROPIC 2026. This international recognition was awarded at the virology conference held in Brno, Czech Republic, from May 31 to June 4, 2026. This incredible achievement highlights the caliber of our graduates and their continuing contributions to global scientific advancement.

The Institute of Biology proudly extends its warmest congratulations to our TROPIMUNDO students for successfully completing their semester here in the Philippines! As part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO), these international scholars from all over the world joined us to master advanced ecology in the classroom and gain invaluable, hands-on field experience exploring the rich forests and vibrant coasts of Palanan, Isabela during their field school. The University of the Philippines Diliman takes great pride in serving as a trusted partner institution, hosting global cohorts and cultivating deep expertise in tropical rainforests, woodlands, and coastal ecosystems like mangrove forests and coral reefs. We deeply thank these students for choosing UP and the Philippines as their home in the tropics, and we wish them the absolute best as they carry these memories and vital skills forward into the next chapter of their Master's program!

The Institute of Biology proudly celebrates and extends its warmest congratulations to Cris Francis C. Barbosa, Dr. Leny C. Galvez, and Dr. Daisy May C. Santos for securing the 1st Place Winner award for Best Paper (Upstream Category) at the 56th Crop Science Society of the Philippines Scientific Conference. Their award-winning study, titled "Comparative Genomics Reveal Signatures of Species Divergence in Abaca (Musa textilis Née) as Genetic Drivers Towards Superior Fiber Quality," showcases outstanding scientific excellence and innovative agricultural research. The prestigious recognition was presented during the conference held from June 9–11, 2026, at the Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of our researchers to advancing local science and uncovering critical genetic insights that elevate Philippine crops, inspiring the entire institute community with their success.

The Institute of Biology extends its warmest congratulations to the research team behind the study titled "Acceptability and Preference of Self-Collected Vaginal Samples for Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing Compared with Clinician-Collected Pap Smear" for winning 1st Place in the Scientific Poster Competition (Professional Category). This stellar achievement was recognized during the 11th Asian Congress of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, held in conjunction with the 96th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society of Parasitology from June 10–11, 2026, in Boracay. We proudly celebrate the brilliant authors representing our community, including Amina C. Kunting, Mikayla Francesca N. de Guzman, and Dr. Ian Kim B. Tabios from the Public Health Biology Laboratory here at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman, alongside their esteemed co-authors, Dr. Sheriah Laine M. de Paz-Silava from the UP Manila College of Public Health, Dr. Michele H. Diwa from the UP Diliman College of Medicine, and Dr. Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco from the University of Texas Medical Branch. This remarkable milestone highlights the institute's dedication to impactful, collaborative scientific research that addresses vital health concerns, and we join the entire community in honoring this prestigious recognition.

The Institute of Biology proudly introduces the outstanding finalists and their advisers from the 2026 Best Undergraduate Thesis Competition, which was successfully held yesterday, June 10. Captured from left to right are the minds behind this year's competition: Jullian Greg R. Agustin, Emmanuel Luis C. Balocating, Dr. Davin Edric V. Adao, Dr. Ahmad Reza F. Mazahery, Jon Marie Yñigo C. Tetangco, Aaron Christopher C. Felizardo, Dr. Jay C. Delfin, and Eunice F. Lenon. The results of this academic competition will be officially announced during the upcoming IB Recognition Program and IBA Induction Ceremony on July 4, 2026. Please join us in congratulating our finalists for their dedication to scientific inquiry, as we prepare to honor their incredible achievements next month.

The Institute of Biology, together with the Institute of Biology Alumni, Inc., cordially invites the graduating class and newly incoming alumni to the 2026 IB Recognition Program & IBA Induction Ceremony. This milestone will take place on July 4, 2026, at 7:30 AM at the IB Auditorium, with registration strictly beginning at 6:30 AM. Attendees are reminded to come in their designated formal attire with the UP Sablay worn over a formal dress or Barong. Due to severe venue capacity limitations, a strict guest policy is in place allowing each student a maximum of two (2) guest seats; your utmost cooperation is highly appreciated to ensure a safe, organized, and memorable celebration for the entire community.

The Institute of Biology warmly invites students, faculty, alumni, and the university community to a special seminar entitled, “Exploring The Use of Machine Learning to Connect Microbial Community Assembly Processes to Water Resource Recovery Facility Performance.” Presented by Dr. Francis de los Reyes III, a distinguished Professor from North Carolina State University, this lecture will dive into how advanced data science can decode the complex, dynamic behaviors of wastewater microbiomes to optimize engineering outcomes. Join us for this insightful discussion on June 29 at 10:00 AM in Room 250.

The Institute of Biology extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Severino G. Salmo III, Kenneth Angelo Bagay, and Dr. Marie Christine M. Obusan on the publication of their study, "Metabarcoding of Sediment eDNA Uncovers Ecological Gradients and Biodiversity in Philippine Mangroves," published this May 2026! Focusing on the mangrove ecosystems of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, their innovative research utilizes sediment environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to uncover crucial ecological gradients and biodiversity patterns across natural, restored, and recolonized mangrove stands.

Read the full paper here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/edn3.70304