The UST College of Science mounted the inaugural Philippine Catholic Colleges and Universities Science Congress on April 15, bringing together scientists, educators and Church leaders to promote scientific inquiry rooted in Catholic values.
The first congress of its kind in the country sought to strengthen dialogue between faith and science, with speakers discussing how Catholic teaching and scientific research can coexist.
Science Dean Rey Donne Papa said the congress sought to establish a venue for collaboration among scientists from Catholic higher education institutions.
“It is our hope that this inaugural congress will inspire meaningful exchange, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to the formation of a distinctly Filipino scientific identity,” he said.
UST Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. said Catholic universities should promote free and rigorous academic inquiry while fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and reason.
“[This conference] affirms that science is guided by Catholic principles that emphasize principled reflection, care for the disadvantaged, and service to our community,” Ang said.
Faith and astronomy
Prof. Jonathan Lunine, chief scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, reflected on how decades of planetary research strengthened rather than diminished his Catholic faith.
Lunine said his role in the 2005 Cassini-Huygens probe mission to Saturn’s moon Titan became a defining moment in his spiritual journey.
“For about an hour and a half, we were the only humans to see the surface of Titan for the first time in human history, and that was an experience that went beyond science. It was, in many ways, a spiritual experience,” Lunine said.
To institutionalize the faith-science dialogue, Lunine co-founded The Society of Catholic Scientists in 2016, a global organization dedicated to fostering fellowship among Catholic scientists and to witness the harmony of science and faith.
He established the society alongside Thomasian priest-scientist Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, O.P., Harvard astronomer Karin Öberg, and retired physicist Stephen Barr.
“My goal for the rest of my life is to encourage others, especially young people, to follow not only their scientific dreams but to keep your faith strong and solid. Remember that our Catholic faith gives us a particular, special view of creation,” he said.
Philippine Space Agency Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez highlighted the role of the country’s growing space program in improving disaster resilience, environmental monitoring and national security.
She said PhilSA’s “space-to-Earth” framework seeks to convert satellite infrastructure into practical applications through a “Space Value Chain.”
Perez cited initiatives such as the PINAS Project, the PhilSA-BSP project and the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment or MULA, which use satellite data to monitor volcanic ashfall, assess financial risks and support large-scale land assessment.
“It’s only when we are able to bring this information to those who use it for decisions or for action that we truly get the value from space, realized and measured,” she said.
Faith and biology
Biologist Cecilia Moran discussed how Catholic teaching influences biodiversity research and conservation.
“In our Catholic tradition, naming creation is not just a scientific exercise. It is the first act of stewardship,” she said.
Drawing from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Moran discussed Project SAKALAM in Siargao, which combines biodiversity research with community participation and contributed to the area’s recognition as a Wetland of International Importance.
The project trains local residents as “community scientists” through workshops on mangrove identification and water-quality monitoring to help protect coastal ecosystems.
“We do science because we love the Creator, and we protect biodiversity because we love our neighbors who depend on it. Remember that your science is a profound act of care for our common good.”
The conference was held on April 15 at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building. With reports from Marielle F. Pesa
