College of Science Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research

ABOUT CENSER

CENSER was created in AY 1999-2000 from the merging of then two existing College of Science Facilities: the Environmental Research Center (ERC) and the Marine Biological Station (MBS) with a mandate of redefining the College of Science research infrastructure so that a sustainable critical mass of researches can be attained. 

CENSER was originally structured with six units but only five became operational: the Shields Marine Station (SMS), Molecular Science Unit Laboratory (MSUL), High Performance Computing Laboratory (HPCL), Materials Science Unit (MSU), and Biodiversity Unit (BU). The SMS was attached to the newly created Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research (SHORE) Center in 2013.  CENSER continues to operate with a mandate from the University to manage externally funded researches and is under the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI). 

VISION AND MISSION

VISION STATEMENT

“CENSER is a dynamic conduit and resource for excellent scholarship in the natural sciences and mathematics.  Envisioned as initiator and promoter, the Center will continually challenge itself for innovation and leadership in advancing the frontiers of scientific knowledge. With tradition rooted in Christian ethics and imbued with deep sense of moral responsibility, the Center would be a catalyst for socially-relevant researches that extend into the wider horizon of human exigencies.”  

MISSION STATEMENT

  • Promote a culture of relevant, advanced, multi-and inter-disciplinary research in the College of Science (COS).
  • Facilitate the dissemination of research outputs and transfer of technology.
  • Foster intellectual exchange of ideas.
  • Encourage critical discussion on the social and cultural implications of research activities.
  • Strengthen linkages with other research institutions and agencies.
  • Uphold the virtue of intellectual integrity and honesty in research.
  • Provide the appropriate venue, support, and incentives to COS faculty and colleagues involved in research.
  • Inspire and deepen camaraderie among S&T researchers.

OBJECTIVES OF CENSER

  1. To host externally funded research projects of COS faculty to which it will provide basic administrative and clerical services;
  2. To make representation to the Facilities Management Office in negotiating the provision of research space and amenities for externally funded researches;
  3. To maintain shared research laboratories/facilities that are intended to be utilized by faculty researchers and are primarily (but not exclusively) for their and their apprentices use.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Council will set the direction and formulate policies and guidelines aimed at encouraging research activities. The Governing Council comprises the COS Dean, CENSER Director, two representatives each from the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics Departments, and the Deputy Director (MBS), Graduate Studies Director, Manila Journal of Science Editor-in-Chief, and the URCO Director as ex-officio members. An elected member chosen among departmental representatives chairs the council. The term of office of the Chair is valid for one school year. The CENSER Governing council will perform the duties of the College Research Council (i.e. research proposal evaluation and other relevant functions).