The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), through its School of Computer Studies (SCS), has strengthened its commitment to research excellence by formalizing a collaborative partnership with Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) and Saint Michael College of Laguna (SMCL) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The agreement establishes a framework for advancing collaborative research, innovation, academic engagement, and institutional development. The partnership reflects the three institutions' shared commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, faculty development, student engagement, and institutional cooperation. It provides a structured framework for future collaborations while ensuring that each institution maintains its independence and upholds established standards on intellectual property, confidentiality, research ethics, and regulatory compliance.
Under the agreement, the partner institutions may undertake a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including joint and interdisciplinary research projects, co-authored publications, conference participation, faculty and researcher exchange programs, student research and thesis collaboration, capability-building workshops and training, as well as the sharing of laboratories, equipment, databases, and other academic resources. The collaboration also creates opportunities for joint grant applications, innovation and technology transfer, commercialization initiatives, and community-based research projects.
During the signing, USJ-R President Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr., OAR, underscored the significance of the partnership, emphasizing that it reflects the participating institutions' shared commitment to advancing research and innovation through collaboration. He also expressed his gratitude to the partner institutions for joining USJ-R in pursuing initiatives that contribute to academic excellence and societal development.
The agreement also outlines mechanisms for implementing future projects through separate implementing agreements that will define the scope, funding arrangements, intellectual property ownership, publication rights, project leadership, and other operational details of specific collaborative initiatives. By forging this partnership, USJ-R continues to expand its research networks, foster innovation, and create meaningful opportunities for collaborative scholarship that will benefit faculty members, researchers, students, partner institutions, and the communities they serve.
