A UNIVERSITY scientist and Microbiology professor at the College of Science won the Tom Bergan Memorial Award in the 24th International Congress of Chemotherapy (ICC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last June 4 to 6.
Microbiology Laboratory researcher Dr. Edward Quinto’s poster for his research paper, “Novel Biotherapeutics from Lactobacillus Acidophilus USTCMS 1073 Exhibiting Potent Inhibitory Activity against Bacteria, Filamentous Fungi and Candida Albicans,” was chosen as one of the 15 finalists among 100 entries and later bagged one of the two Tom Bergan Memorial Awards.
“I was only there to participate and I wasn’t even aware of the award. I was so surprised when Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases president Dr. Evelina Lagamayo informed me that I should attend the awarding ceremony,” Quinto said.
The Tom Bergan Memorial Award was established two years ago by the International Society of Chemotherapy in memory of Tom Bergan. Bergan, who passed away last 2001, spearheaded the establishment of the official ISC Journal and also the congress’ secretariat.
The award is given to two young scientists who have contributed to the science of chemotherapy in countries with limited resources. For this year, it was given to the Philippines and Croatia.
The Tom Bergan Memorial Award committee was composed of a seven-member panel, with two members from the Philippines.
Attended by European and Japanese scientists, the ICC also presented plenary talks and pattern sessions on malaria tuberculosis and avian flu.
“The main objective of the convention was to uplift the quality of life, to declare war against different illnesses and infections, and to find remedies for them,” Quinto told the Varsitarian.
