The University of the Cordilleras (UC) proudly celebrates a remarkable achievement: Dr. Leah M. Donato, a faculty member of the College of Criminal Justice Education, is officially a new Associate Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) under Division VIII—Social Sciences. She will be inducted during the NCRP’s Annual General Membership Assembly, held every March.
To qualify for the Social Science category, applicants must meet several criteria, including at least two (2) peer-reviewed research articles—one as principal author in a reputable journal, or authorship in textbooks with copyright and ISBN. During Dr. Donato’s application, she met these standards by submitting: her newly published research article in a Scopus/ISI-indexed journal and three co-authored books in Criminology, all with registered copyrights and ISBNs.
As part of the NRCP, she will gain access to valuable opportunities, including:
a. 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
Apply for grants to pursue basic research projects and programs
b. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Join trainings, conferences, and capacity-building activities
c. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Be tapped as an NRCP expert for knowledge-sharing and advisory services
d. 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 & 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Get recognized for contributions to research and national progress
The NRCP, an agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is the country’s premier body of scientists, researchers, and artists across disciplines. It serves as the national advisory and policy-making body on science and technology, promoting basic research that contributes to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Dr. Donato’s inclusion in the NRCP also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By engaging in high-quality, peer-reviewed research and contributing to the academic body of knowledge in criminology and the social sciences, her work helps elevate the standards of education and professional practice. Moreover, through participation in NRCP-funded projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives, she is positioned to drive innovation and inform policy, aligning with national and global development priorities. This milestone strengthens the role of educators as changemakers in achieving inclusive and sustainable progress.
This achievement reflects UC’s commitment to research excellence, public service, and nation-building through science and innovation.
