Alabang, Muntinlupa — Gilbert D. Bernardino Jr. of the College of Nursing, University of the Cordilleras, represented the University at the Future Science Leaders Forum organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on October 9–10, 2025, at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang.

The two-day forum gathered exceptional young researchers and educators under the age of forty who were nominated by their respective institutions for their potential to become future leaders in science, research, and innovation.

Distinguished academicians of NAST—many of whom have received advanced training abroad and introduced pioneering work in the Philippines—shared valuable insights on leadership, research culture, and scientific collaboration.

Speakers underscored that effective leaders “praise in public and correct in private,” that collaboration is essential to meaningful advocacy, and that true leadership requires both boldness and humility. They further emphasized that a culture of research must be deliberately built and protected, as it thrives through shared commitment rather than by chance.

Participants were reminded to guard against “contaminated mindwares,” where personal belief outweighs scientific evidence, and to recognize that consensus does not always equate to truth.

The NAST Future Science Leaders Forum serves as a platform for emerging Filipino scholars to pursue excellence, uphold integrity in research, and contribute meaningfully to national progress—echoing the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through this participation, the University of the Cordilleras reaffirms its commitment to nurturing globally competent professionals and advancing research that drives inclusive and sustainable development.