Advanced Research & Innovation Center

As VSU continues to strengthen its position as a research-intensive and globally engaged university, it recognizes that world-class research must be supported not only by competent researchers but also by modern research infrastructure. To advance this vision, the University established the Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) in 2019 as a shared research facility that provides specialized laboratories, advanced scientific equipment, and technical services to support research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Advanced Research and Innovation (ARI) Center is an addition to the existing research centers of the Visayas State University under BOR Res. No. 235, series of 2019 approving the New Organizational Structure of VSU. Through BOR Res. No. 92, series of 2020, ARI was institutionalized as the VSU Innovation Center and was later renamed from ARI to Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) by BOR Res. No. 133-b, series of 2022. Formally inaugurated on April 27, 2021 as part of VSU’s 97th Anniversary Celebration, the Advanced Research and Innovation Center houses research on emerging technologies and is envisaged to further natural products research, omics research, health research, nanotechnology and material science, computational biotechnology and bioinformatics research.

R&D THRUST AND PROGRAM

Generation of Innovation

The Innovation Center Research Section as described below will be the generators of innovation. These are manned by regular faculty and researchers as well as affiliate researchers whose research programs are aligned with the goals of the center.

Technology Demonstration

The Center’s Safety and Quality Assurance Section (SQAS) and Knowledge Capacity Development Section

(KCDS) together with the Office of the Directors for Research, Extension and Innovation will focus on moving innovative technologies from research and development to the demonstration phase in coordination with linkage agencies and stakeholders. It shall also conduct pilot/model/special projects in selected areas where the product, services or technology has potential for adoption and shall be properly documented, monitored and evaluated before recommending for wider dissemination and adoption.

Capability Enhancement

The Center’s KCDS shall update the knowledge as well as enrich the attitudes, skills, behavior, leadership, and culture of stakeholders and target clientele through capability building and training. It shall also plan and implement capability building projects for various groups particularly for national government employees, farmers, women, youth, entrepreneurs, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and other clients. The concentration of the training program shall be based on the needs and interests of target groups of clienteles.

Information Support Services

The Center’s Information Support Services (ISS) shall involve the provision and dissemination of technology information to clients in various multi-media formats. It shall also make IEC materials for various clientele groups. The use of local/national radio stations and television to promote technologies shall also be explored, and when deemed possible, work out a MOA between the Center and the radio/TV station. Technologies can be popularized in various forms like print (leaflet, primers, posters, flyers, newspapers), videotapes, and CDs. Techno fora, press media conference, and other strategies that can create greater awareness and interest in the technologies shall also be used.

Industry Partnership and Fund Sourcing (IPFS)

The Center’s IPFS is tasked to ensure relevant and sustainable linkages of the industry and university. It shall work in coordination with the University Academe and Industry Council. It shall also guarantee to bring science-based information and innovative technology services to end-users as well as link technology generators, technology service providers with stakeholders and end-users. Likewise, to ensure continuity of programs and projects, the center shall apply and develop proposals for funding from the government and private sectors.

Resource Sharing

The Center shall aim to share and complement resources of government organizations, local government units, rural-based organizations, public schools and private agencies.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

To promote the optimal use of the specialized equipment, facilities, and technical expertise of the Center in support of the University’s research, extension, and innovation functions. ARIC is in the process of proposing the implementation of the following fee-based laboratory services and equipment utilization charges to be offered to both internal and external clients.