Six Filipino scientists listed among Asia Scientist Magazine’s top 100 researchers for 2026

Six Filipino scientists and innovators have been named in Asia Scientist Magazine’s list of the top 100 researchers for 2026.

Now in its eighth edition, the Asia Scientist 100 list was established in 2016 to recognize outstanding prize-winning scientists, academicians, innovators, and business leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to a report of the Philippine News Agency, an honoree must have received a national or international prize in the preceding year for their research, or have made a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia or industry.

The honorees include:

1. Romulo Davide and Marcela Navasero from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),

• Mary Donnabelle Balela and Aurelio De Los Reyes V from UP Diliman,

• Garry Benico from Central Luzon State University, and

• May Anne Mata from UP Mindanao.

Davide was named the 44th National Scientist of the Philippines in 2024. He is renowned for his pioneering work in plant pathology and nematology.

The PNA report said Davide is recognized for his research on plant-parasitic nematodes and is often referred to as the “Father of Philippine Nematology.”

He also founded the Farmer-Scientist Training Program, an initiative that has empowered approximately 70,000 Filipino farmers nationwide.

Navasero was previously honored with the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award.

She was recognized in The Asian Scientist’s 2026 list for her leadership in natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity.

The publication specifically highlighted her work with the National Crop Protection Center’s Quick Response Team, noting her role in strengthening long-term, cost-effective pest management systems that safeguard national food security.

Balela was honored with the Outstanding Research and Development Award at the 2024 Department of Science and Technology (DOST) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

Balela was recognized for developing modular Kapok booms designed for marine oil spills.

This innovation utilizes biodegradable, locally sourced Kapok fibers to create reusable oil sorbents capable of absorbing several times their weight in oil.

This work offers a sustainable, low-waste solution for oil spill mitigation and the protection of marine environments.

Reyes was recognized with the 2024 NSTW Outstanding Research and Development Award for his mathematical modeling of optimal contraception dosing strategies for reproductive health.

He was named the 2025 National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Achievement Awardee for Mathematical Sciences.

Benico, a leading expert in aquatic biosciences, has been named a 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology.

The recognition honors his significant research on the taxonomy and diversity of harmful microalgae in the Philippines.

Benico is presently building capacity for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on red tide monitoring. He also serves as a reviewer for several international journals.

Lastly, Mata received the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines.

She was honored for her research in infectious disease modeling and analysis, applied mathematics, mathematical biology, and operations research.

Meanwhile, this year’s Asia Scientist 100 list also includes three Nobel Prize laureates Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University and Shimon Sakaguchi of the University of Osaka.

-Paraluman News