The College of Life Sciences of Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) welcomed three distinguished scholars from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Philippines, Prof. Christina A. Binag, Prof. Bernard John V. Tongol, and Prof. Felicidad Christina R. Peñafiel, on August 21st, 2026. The delegation was received by Dean Sodio C. N. Hsu of the College of Life Sciences and Department Chair Wei-Yu Lin of the Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry. The visit included campus tours, laboratory visits, academic presentations, and discussions on future institutional collaboration.
As part of the visit, the three scholars delivered a special lecture highlighting recent advances in materials chemistry, energy technologies, and sensing applications. Prof. Christina A. Binag presented research related to conducting polymers, chemical sensors, and biosensors. Prof. Bernard John V. Tongol shared his work on electrocatalysis, direct ethanol fuel cells, and nanomaterials. Prof. Felicidad Christina R. Peñafiel discussed the preparation and characterization of composite materials for supercapacitor electrodes and energy-storage devices. Their research contributes significantly to the development of sustainable energy systems and advanced functional materials.
The lecture topics focused on the preparation, characterization, and performance of composite materials for supercapacitor electrodes; synthesis and evaluation of anode and cathode materials for direct ethanol fuel cells; and the fabrication of conducting polymer-based chemical and biosensors. Faculty members, researchers, and students from KMU actively participated in the event and engaged in fruitful discussions with the speakers.
In addition to academic exchanges, both institutions explored opportunities for future collaboration, including joint research projects, student mobility programs, and the establishment of dual degree pathways. Dean Hsu emphasized KMU’s commitment to internationalization and interdisciplinary research, expressing hope that stronger ties with UST will create broader opportunities for students and faculty while enhancing collaborative research in chemistry, materials science, and life sciences. The visit marks an important step toward developing long-term academic partnerships between the two universities.
