The strength of ARISE comes from the diverse experience, perspectives, and abilities of our 40 principal investigators and over 100 researchers. With this capacity, ARISE is able to focus on facilitating multidisciplinary approaches in fundamental and applied research. Furthermore, this enables us to acquire a fresh perspective in addressing local and global challenges we face in the 21st century.
ARISE accommodates a wide range of researches, but is primarily focused on the following priority research areas: , Disaster Science and Resilience, Emerging Fields and Technologies, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health and Wellness and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Education. These serve as focal points for research programmes, activities, and initiatives of the School of Science and Engineering.
In responding to the needs of the society, ARISE has begun establishing hubs for interdisciplinary research focusing on these priority areas. In the midst of the pandemic, ARISE has established the Ateneo Molecular Pathology Laboratory, or AMPLify. AMPLify serves as the Ateneo de Manila University’s contribution to the national and global efforts to stem the spread of Covid-19. In the long term, it also aims to contribute to the improvement of the healthcare and diagnostics in the country.
More hubs for interdisciplinary research are being planned and will be added in the future.
Laboratories Under ARISE
AMPLify: Ateneo Molecular Pathology Laboratory
The Ateneo Molecular Pathology Laboratory (AMPLify) is Ateneo’s contribution to the national efforts to stem the spread of Covid-19. It is ARISE’s first laboratory and is fully under the supervision and management of ARISE. AMPLify also serves as ARISE’s laboratory that focuses on providing high quality and cost-effective molecular diagnostic services to members of the public.
With its state-of-the-art testing facilities, AMPLify ensures accurate and efficient delivery of its services. Its highly qualified team also conducts innovative research and excellent training programs that produces competent healthcare and research professionals. These programmes are conducted in accordance with international standards to ensure the well- being of the communities that we serve.
Guided by our Jesuit and Catholic tradition, AMPLify aims to make a positive impact in healthcare especially to the poor and marginalised sectors of the country. AMPLify dreams to become a leader and trusted partner in the national public health network providing quality molecular diagnostic services.
AMPLify is headed by its Director, Gregorio B. Cortez III, MD, FPSP and Operations Manager, Don Ashley O. Malabana.
Blue Swab Covid-19 Testing Center
Blue Swab Covid-19 Testing Center, or simply “Blue Swab” is a specimen collection facility of AMPLify for the detection of SARS-CoV2 virus (the causative agent of Covid-19).
The Blue Swab exemplifies the magis tradition of excellence through patient-centered care by providing reliable and affordable molecular (Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction assay, RT-PCR) testing services to aid in the diagnosis of Covid-19. Guided by the tenet of cura personalis, the Blue Swab provides excellent patient- service quality marked by efficient and safe specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 testing with reasonable turnaround time.
This Laboratory is align to support SDG 6 ( Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 ( Climate Action), SDG14 ( Life Below Water and SDG 15 ( Life on Land)
Climate and Disaster Resilience Laboratory
The Climate and Disaster Resilience Laboratory (CDR) of ARISE is SOSE’s latest hub for inter- and multidisciplinary research in the priority area of disaster science and mitigation. The CDR Lab aims to provide excellent opportunities for experts coming from various disciplines to work together and solve complex (technical, economic, social, etc.) issues afflicting the country. It also aims to contribute to the global efforts to address different challenges brought about by climate change, man-made, and natural disasters. The CDR Lab is a result of the partnership between the School of Science and Engineering and the Coastal Cities at Risk Philippines (CCARPH) Program with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.
Some of the current research outputs in the CDR Lab examine the interplay between geohazards (such as flooding) and the health risks by COVID-19 thereby affecting the susceptibility of the exposed communities. This enables the understanding of the potential effect of external natural perturbations on the forecasting of the spread of COVID-19 confounded by the consequences of rapid urbanization and various human interventions in the Marikina Valley Basin. A wide range of data was utilized to track the temporal changes in the river channel morphology that includes aerial photographs, topographic maps, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) and Google Earth images. The results of the study can serve as valuable information for the city’s flood disaster management strategies in order to make them more science-based and more resilient in addressing what can be considered as a “double jeopardy” crisis situation.
The CDR Lab serves as a hub for all CDR-related research collaborations among the different SOSE departments, the Ateneo Innovation Center, and various stakeholders outside of the university. It is hoped that these collaborations and researches translate to policy formulation, delivery of training and information-education programs, and providing technical assistance to adopted communities through technology transfer on climate and disaster resilience.