By: Janine Balageo
The Research Proposal Pitching and Mentorship Session, conducted on January 23, 2026, at the InTTO, UC–Legarda Campus, was organized through the Rights2LIFE Project in coordination with the InTTO Team. The activity brought together faculty members from the College of Criminal Justice Education and the College of Arts and Sciences to present and refine their research proposals in a structured academic setting. The session aimed to strengthen research design, enhance methodological rigor, and align proposed studies with justice-oriented and rights-based frameworks that promote meaningful social impact.
The session was guided by evaluator-mentors Prof. Dr. Christophe Vandeviver and Prof. Dr. Tom Vander Beken of Ghent University, whose expertise in criminology and criminal justice research significantly enriched the discussions. They provided comprehensive and constructive feedback on the conceptual frameworks, research methodologies, feasibility, and scholarly contributions of each proposal, offering practical recommendations to enhance clarity, coherence, and publication potential.
Research proposals were presented by Ms. Jessa Dulnuan, Ms. Kyshelle Jude Rafael, Ms. Zara Dyle Puguon, Ms. Nathalie Esteban, and Mr. Placido III Abuan. Each presenter articulated the background, objectives, and proposed methods of their respective studies. The evaluators’ insights fostered dynamic academic dialogue and critical reflection, enabling presenters to further refine their research directions. The activity was likewise attended by other faculty members from the participating colleges, who benefited from the shared best practices and expert guidance on research development and implementation.
Faculty Members from CCJE and CAS pitching their Research Proposals
Overall, the session successfully advanced the objectives of the Rights2LIFE Project by promoting research excellence and strengthening international academic collaboration. Selected presenters may engage in continued mentoring through potential research internships, opening pathways for sustained scholarly engagement and collaborative initiatives. The activity reinforced institutional commitments to advancing research grounded in justice, human rights, and transformative social impact.
Ghent University Professors as Panel Members during the Pitching of Research Proposals
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the activity directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing research skills and academic mentorship, as well as SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting rights-based research that supports transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutions, and finally SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through sustained international collaboration between the Rights2LIFE Project and Ghent University. Through this initiative, the program reinforced the vital role of research in advancing human rights, social development, and evidence-informed governance.
CCJE and CAS Faculty with Ghent University Professors
