The UP Visayas Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension together with the UP Los Baños National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology and the UP Visayas Regional Research Center conducted a three-day Seminar and Hands-On Workshop on Electron Microscopy and Various Chemical Analyses last August 1-3, 2023 at UP Visayas. 

Representatives from the University of the Philippines Los Baños-National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology were resource speakers in the said training. They were Dr. Jeffrey P. Tamayo of the Training Services Program (TSP) and Mr. Lorenzo M. Fabro, Jr. of Central Analytical Services Laboratory (CASL); Dr. Lorele C. Trinidad and Mr. Emil C. Lat of Electron Microscopy Services Laboratory (EMSL). 

Furthermore, Mr. Abner Caber of Katrin Field Incorporated and Ms. Ma. Wennie Pauline Caelian of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Inc. also shared their expertise in various topics covered including the hands-on workshop. 

A total of 42 faculty- researchers, researchers, and students participated in the said training. In hands-on training on Biology, 12 participants attended the Freshwater Aquaculture Station where the scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the university was located while 30 participants attended the lectures on Chemistry at the RRC. The participants were taught how to prepare biological and chemical samples that will be analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). They also had a chance to operate the equipment and scrutinize their prepared samples. 

This seminar-workshop is part of the extension services of the UPLB NIMBB, which aims to guide institutions, researchers, students, and other customers on the protocols and requirements of various chemical testing parameters prior to analyses. Partnerships like this with constituent units of the university are beneficial in giving a venue for our researchers to exchange ideas and expertise and provide better services to our stakeholders and constituents.