University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute (UP - MSI) - Philippines - contributions to address the Ocean Decade Challenges
The UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) is one of seven academic institutes of the University of the Philippines College of Science. It is housed in its own building complex within the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City. UP MSI was originally established as the Marine Sciences Center (MSC) with the approval of its charter by the Board of Regents on 28 March 1974.

MARINE SCIENCE FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
The UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) is one of seven academic institutes of the University of the Philippines College of Science. It is housed in its own building complex within the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City. UP MSI was originally established as the Marine Sciences Center (MSC) with the approval of its charter by the Board of Regents on 28 March 1974.

THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR
In June 1974, the first Advisory Executive Council of the Center was formed with the appointment of Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez as acting Director. As a National Scientist, Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez pioneered coral research in the Philippines, the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs which led to widespread public awareness and conservation efforts around the world. He was a prominent researcher, scientist, conservation advocate, and mentor who specialized in giant clam restoration, coral reef assessment, and marine conservation.
The founding director of MSI also contributed to the baseline mapping of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, laying the foundation of the UP System’s Archipelagic Studies Program.

VISION
MSI: A global center of excellence in marine science research, education, and development; Highest quality graduate programs providing advanced scientific training and an excellent learning experience in interdisciplinary research and development;
Institutionalized hub for national or global interdisciplinary scientific research and forms on coastal and marine concerns;
Recognized expertise in applications of science-based knowledge in technology development, resources and environmental management, and manpower development.

MISSION & MANDATE
The Marine Science Institute shall serve as a center of excellence for the advancement, dissemination, and application of knowledge in the marine sciences. It shall undertake the three-fold mission of research and development, and public service and extension in the marine sciences and related disciplines. The institute intends:

To generate basic information necessary for optimal and sustained utilization, management, and conservation of the marine environment and its resources;
To provide graduate-level training and extension services to develop human resource requirements in the marine sciences;
To develop appropriate and environmentally sound marine-based technologies for industrial and economic development.

OUR FOCUS
We are all scientists in our own right. The UP MSI aims to cultivate the culture of science and education through its Teaching and Research branches. By offering courses and supporting research in marine physical sciences, marine biology, and marine biotechnology, the UP MSI plays a big role in shaping the discourse on the Philippine waters.

RESEARCH
Research in the UPMSI focuses on producing scientific results that promote the sustained utilization, management, and conservation of marine and coastal environments. Research groups and collaborators work on emerging and contemporary marine science issues in biology, biotechnology, and the physical sciences.

TEACHING
The UPMSI offers master’s, doctorate, and professional master’s programs to train future marine scientists, policymakers, and professionals in the private sector. Students may choose to specialize in Marine Biology, Marine Physical Sciences, or Marine Biotechnology.

EXTENSION
The UPMSI regularly hosts workshops, conferences, and training courses on survey and monitoring techniques, coastal zone management, habitat restoration, mariculture, and science-based decision support systems. Public and private agencies can also consult the UP MSI for projects related to marine protection and management, biotechnology, and product development.

MARINE BIOLOGY
Marine biology not only examines organisms individually, but also considers their interactions with the other members of their ecosystems.

MARINE PHYSICAL SCIENCES
The physical sciences branch of marine science attempts to understand the physical, chemical and geological patterns and processes of the coastal and open oceans.

MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
Through marine biotechnology, molecular biological approaches are used to understand the phylogeny of marine organisms, and identify and develop natural products for various applications.

OUR OBJECTIVES
The Marine Science Institute values the conduct of science to harness knowledge for the development of the environment and humanity.

It seeks to achieve the following:

To generate basic information necessary for optimal and sustained utilization, management, and conservation of the marine environment and its resources.
To provide graduate-level training and extension services to develop human resource requirements in the marine sciences.
To develop appropriate and environmentally-sound marine-based technologies for industrial and economic development.

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