SU appoints an executive director for research, publications, and innovation

Silliman University (SU) has appointed Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II as Interim Executive Director for Research, Publication, and Innovation, underscoring the University’s commitment to advancing academic research and fostering innovation.

His key responsibilities include providing strategic direction and oversight, particularly in the development and implementation of research policies; enhancing scholarly publications that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and ensuring their dissemination through reputable journals, conferences, and other platforms. He will also spearhead initiatives to stimulate and support innovation and technology transfer among faculty and researchers, actively pursue external funding opportunities for research and innovation projects, and offer guidance to faculty and researchers in securing grants and funding.

Dr. Guino-o assumes a newly established position under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, created in response to the University’s strategic organizational development. This new role highlights SU’s commitment to amplifying its efforts in research, innovation, and publications, positioning the institution to further advance its academic and scholarly contributions. Specifically, he will streamline the research and innovation initiatives of the Research Development Center, TBI Sinergy, and SU Knowledge and Technology Transfer. He will also oversee all academic journals of the University, namely the Silliman Journal, The Educator, Convergence, and Graduate Currents; and its literary journal, Sands and Coral.

Dr. Guino-o graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of San Carlos, later earning a Master of Science in Environmental Studies (River Studies) from Miriam College in 2005. In 2010, he completed a post-graduate fellowship in water and soil management at Technische Universität Dresden in Germany. He went on to earn his PhD in Biology, specializing in Fish Systematics and DNA Barcoding, from the University of San Carlos Technological Center.

Dr. Guino-o is a distinguished natural scientist with a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and publication. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a technical researcher at an aquaculture facility, gaining valuable industry expertise. With over a decade experience in the academe, he currently holds the rank of full professor at SU. Aside from teaching, he has held several key administrative positions, including being former chairperson of the Biology Department and former chairperson of the University Research Ethics Committee. Concurrently, he serves as the director of the SU-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management.