We are pleased to announce that the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has opened the applications for the 2026 DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products.

This initiative is part of the commitment of DOST-PCHRD to explore the country’s rich biodiversity through research and innovation in the Philippines. The program also supports undergraduate students whose research focuses on natural products that are derived from indigenous plants, marine resources, or microorganisms.

🔬 WHAT IS THE PROGRAM ABOUT?

The Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products is anchored under the Drug Discovery and Development (Tuklas Lunas) Program. It aims to develop safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic products that come from our country’s natural resources. The program is set on investing in early-stage researchers and seeks to encourage the local researchers to utilize indigenous resources and natural products.

It also hopes to cultivate the next generation of scientists and experts in pharmacognosy, medical chemistry, and other related fields in order to contribute to the Philippines’ national health priorities and build our self-reliance in developing drugs. 

💰 AWARDS AND GRANTS

Qualified thesis proposals may receive funding of up to:

• Php 75,000.00 per project
• Up to four (4) grantees per region

Upon completion, grantees will present their research in an Oral Research Presentation Competition, where the top three (3) finalists will be awarded the following cash prizes (net of tax):

• 🥇 Php 50,000.00 – First Prize
• 🥈 Php 30,000.00 – Second Prize
• 🥉 Php 22,000.00 – Third Prize

👩‍🔬 ELIGIBILITY

Proposal

• The undergraduate thesis must use natural products from terrestrial or marine plants and/or microorganisms indigenous to the Philippines, with applications in human health. (Refer to the provided link to confirm plant eligibility: https://www.philippineplants.org)
• Projects must start by August 2026 and be completed by May 2027. Ongoing projects are not eligible.

Student

• Open to 3rd or 4th year undergraduate students in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Health and Allied Sciences (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.) with thesis proposals on natural products for human health.
• Students in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dental Medicine are not eligible.
• Students who may not graduate on time may still apply if they can complete their thesis within the grant period.

Thesis Adviser

• Must have a strong academic or professional background in natural products, preferably in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacognosy, or medicinal chemistry.
• Advisers who previously mentored grantees must have fulfilled all DOST-PCHRD requirements, including timely submission of technical and financial reports. Any unresolved accountability disqualifies participation.
• Each adviser may supervise a maximum of two (2) teams or individuals at a time.

📄 DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

1. Submit applications via email to the appropriate Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC). Submissions sent directly to the PCHRD Awards Secretariat will not be considered.
   • E-signatures and seals are only required in the PDF version.
   • Duly accomplished research proposal form with college seal (Word and PDF formats).
2. Proposed Line-Item Budget (LIB) with detailed expenses, signed by applicants and adviser.
3. Endorsement letter signed by the university head and college dean.
4. Certificate of plant authentication from a recognized authority or herbarium.
5. Applicable clearances:
   • Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) clearance (for studies involving live animals)
   • Institutional Biosafety Committee clearance (for hazardous chemicals or pathogens)
   • DOST-National Biosafety Committee clearance (for genetic engineering/GMOs)
   • National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) clearance (if involving Indigenous Peoples)
   • Gratuitous Permit from DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (for collection in protected areas; not required outside these areas)
   • Ethical clearance from a PHREB-accredited Research Ethics Committee (for studies involving human subjects)
6. Full curriculum vitae of each student and adviser
   • Applications with incomplete documents will not be considered.

Thesis proposal applications must be submitted through the MMHRDC on or before April 30, 2026.

📅 SUBMISSION DETAILS

All applications must be submitted through the appropriate Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (RHRDC).

MMHRDC member institutions must submit their applications through our dedicated Google Form:

🔗 Submission link:  https://forms.gle/qq8gahwjb2jk1tLV7

📅 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: April 30, 2026 (3:00 PM)

🔗 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬: bit.ly/NatProdGrant2026_1stcall

*Check the google form to know if your institution is a member of MMHRDC!

For inquiries or additional information, please contact the MMHDRC Secretariat through the following channels:

Email address: mmhrdc.slmc.2026symposium@gmail.com