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NEMSU Benchmarks Research and Innovation Best Practices at the University of Mindanao
In a meaningful stride toward strengthening research quality and collaboration, the Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) conducted a benchmarking visit to the University of Mindanao – Research and Innovation Center (UM-RIC) today, November 6, 2025. The activity focused on Research Ethics, Journal Management, and other institutional best practices that support responsible and impactful research development.
Representing NEMSU were Dr. Erwin B. Berry, Director for Research and Innovation; Dr. Roxan E. Caray, Managing Editor of the Science and Management Research Journal (SMRJ); Dr. Giselle B. Ramos, Faculty Member; Mr. Mark Santing, OJS Support IT Personnel; and Ms. Melani Joy S. Gallardo, Journal Publication Staff. The team aimed to gain insights into UM’s effective frameworks for ensuring ethical research conduct, sustainable journal operations, and publication excellence.
The UM Research and Innovation Center Team, led by Dr. Maria Linda B. Arquiza, Vice President for Research and Innovation, warmly hosted the visiting delegation. She was joined by Dr. Joel B. Tan, Assistant Vice President for Business and Social Science Studies, and Mr. Conrado B. Panerio Jr., Director of the Institute of Social Welfare and Human Development and the Public Policy Center. The hosts shared UM’s integrated system of research management, journal publication processes, and the pivotal role of ethics review in maintaining research integrity and public trust.
The benchmarking activity highlighted UM’s best practices in journal operations, including the use of the new Journal Management System, editorial workflow management, and peer review protocols that ensure quality and transparency. Discussions also delved into Research Ethics Committee (REC) structures, policies on research integrity, and mechanisms that align with both national and international ethical standards.
Beyond technical insights, the engagement embodied the spirit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The activity reinforced the shared commitment of both universities to advance quality higher education through ethical, collaborative, and impactful research practices.
Through this collaboration, NEMSU and UM reaffirmed their mutual vision of cultivating a research culture grounded in ethics, innovation, and sustainable academic partnerships — advancing not only institutional growth but also contributing to the collective pursuit of knowledge for societal development.
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