Raising the Philippine flag at the Seoul International Invention Fair held in Seoul, South Korea, last November 29, 2024, Dr. Lilia M. Fernando-Corpuz was conferred the Best Inventor Award by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 

Dr. Fernando is a biochemist, professor, and former associate dean for research and extension of the College of Agriculture and Food Science. 

Her research work includes the synthesis, characterization, and utilization of biocompatible nanomaterials to improve crop productivity and safety studies of nanomaterials in plants and microorganisms.

She believes that her research team’s passion for “crazy ideas” leading to innovations gained her the award. 

“I was surprised to receive the special award as Best Inventor from the World Intellectual Property Organization on stage. It’s an honor to be included in the Seoul International Invention Fair through the support of the DOST-Technology Applications and Promotion Institute,” said Fernando.

Awards aside, she considers working with farmers the best part of her job. She said, “The most fulfilling part is working with farmers and our collaborators and partners. I always learn something new from them. Also, the mentoring part, being mentored by our seasoned professors, scientists and technology enthusiasts [and] being a mentor to our staff and students. Joy in service and giving what you have brings a smile to my heart.”

In the future, she plans to focus on the commercialization and adoption of UPLB technologies by stakeholders. “I will be focusing on partnerships with industry partners, as well as continuous promotion and marketing of the technology. Praying the technology goes beyond marketing it in the Philippines but to other countries as well, showcasing our “Tatak Pinoy” technologies,” she stated.

Fernando obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from UPLB and is the co-founder of MakilingTek Inc. This University spin-off aims to facilitate the commercialization of microbial inoculants and nanobiotechnologies developed by their team through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other granting agencies. 

She was also a DOST Scholar and recipient of the Overseas Sandwich Program, enabling her to conduct her PhD research at Michigan State University. She completed her postdoc studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she worked on phage- and yeast-display techniques for agricultural applications. (Allane Desiree Arganda)