From the ridge-to-reef ecosystems of Caramoan, Philippines, to the global innovation stage in Germany, Partido State University (ParSU) has brought its locally grounded research and community-engaged science to an international audience through the 3rd WURI Global Conference, held on September 23โ25, 2026, at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
The presentation comes following ParSUโs 26th-place global ranking in the WURI 2026 under C1 โ Representative Research Project, recognizing the value and innovation of the initiative on an international platform.
Representing ParSU at the conference is Dr. Michael A. Clores, Vice President for Academic Affairs and concurrent Dean of the College of Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems, Caramoan Campus, who presented on September 23 the Universityโs WURI 2026-recognized research initiative, โR2R HERPS: Caramoan Ridge-to-Reef Habitat, Engagement, Research, Protection, and Sustainability Megatransect for Long-term Biodiversity Study and Community Collaboration in the Philippines.โ
Dr. Clores serves as project champion and lead proponent of the initiative, which brings together ParSU-Goa, ParSU-Caramoan, and the University of Kansas in a collaborative research effort focused on documenting herpetofaunal biodiversity, supporting species discovery, training students, generating long-term ecological data, and advancing conservation-oriented research through community participation.
Through joint fieldwork, student training, and scholarly exchange, R2R HERPS demonstrates how research rooted in local ecosystems can contribute to broader conversations on biodiversity, sustainability, and resilient communities. Its work also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 โ Quality Education through experiential learning and student research training; SDG 15 โ Life on Land through biodiversity documentation and conservation-oriented research; and SDG 17 โ Partnerships for the Goals through sustained international research collaboration.
Beyond the recognition, the WURI Global Conference provides ParSU an opportunity to share knowledge, learn from global innovators, exchange ideas, and connect with researchers and institutions whose work can open further avenues for collaboration. It also brings the Universityโs research strengths and the biodiversity of the Partido region into wider global conversations on sustainability and innovation.
As R2R HERPS takes its place on the international research stage, ParSU demonstrates how knowledge developed from local ecosystems and communities can find relevance beyond the University and contribute to wider efforts in biodiversity conservation, education, and sustainable development.
Congratulations, Dr. Michael A. Clores, and the entire R2R HERPS research team and partners, for representing Partido State University on the global innovation stage.
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See more: tinyurl.com/497rnuv2
