MEDICAL researchers can now look forward to getting recognized for their work with the launch of the Geminiano T. de Ocampo Visionary Awards for Medical Research.
The award seeks to recognize clinician researchers who have created the vision for medical research in the country. It also aims to recognize those who have pioneered the trail for medical innovations and health research development.
The award is given in honor of the national scientist in the field of Opthalmology and the father of modern Philippine ophthalmology Dr. Geminiano de Ocampo.
Candidates can be nominated by individuals, scientific and technological societies, professional societies or association, research institutes, universities and colleges.
A nominee must be Filipino citizen, graduate of medicine, have an accomplishment in medical research and no proven administrative case.
Nominations will be screened by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) secretariat and will be evaluated by a board of judges. The winner will receive a gold medal, a plaque and a P100,000 cash prize.
In 1952, De Ocampo established the De Ocampo hospital, the first eye hospital in the Philippines. He was also the first Filipino to design a corneal dissector in 1956, and was the first Filipino to perform the first successful corneal transplant.
The award, held every two years, will take place during the birth anniversary of Dr. de Ocampo on Sept. 16.
Nomination forms are available for download at the NAST website www.nast.ph.