PNRI 2020 Annual Report

Living up to our mission of fostering Science for the People is best tested in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, almost unprecedented in our generation, has certainly highlighted the role of science and technology not only in facing the disease but, almost as important, in shoring up the country's economic and social pillars through innovative solutions. In this light, the DOST Philippine Nuclear Research Institute did not disappoint, as it continues to harness the Atom not only in contributing towards the Department's efforts and response towards COVID-19, but also in its longstanding mandate to improve our agriculture, industry, medicine and the environment through nuclear science. Perhaps the most immediate example is its radiation processing technologies. PNRI helped in the research on using irradiation to sterilize much-needed medical and personal protective equipment, which at some point faced severe shortages. At the same time, PNRI has not let up in the development of radiation-processed novel materials, such as the grafted abaca fabrics which can absorb toxic metal pollutants. An award-winning utility model at our DOST National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) 2020, this is a testament to the wide variety of radiationbased innovations, but also the excellence of our researchers and scientists. 2020 is also a special year for nuclear energy, with the issuance of Executive Order 116 charging DOST as vice-chair of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), of which PNRI is an indispensable member. The NEPIAC, which is chaired by the Department of Energy, spearheads the study towards the country's decision to once again consider the inclusion of nuclear power in the energy mix. As with her sister agencies, PNRI also remained steadfast in rendering its services and enforcing its regulations. In line with community quarantine guidelines, best efforts were given by our civil servants to make things more convenient for clients and customers availing of the unique advantages of nuclear and radiation-based technologies, and in ensuring the safety of workers occupationally exposed to radiation as well as the general public. All in all, PNRI has remained productive and capable of advancing the nuclear field in the country despite the challenges posed by the global crisis. Its excellence in research is demonstrated again by its highest number of international publications in DOST.