University of the Philippines Diliman scientist Dr. Joey Ocon is the lone Filipino awardee among the 27 winners of Green Talents 2015.
The 27 winners selected from over 500 candidates from around the world were recognized by the International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development competition of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Dr. Ocon, an assistant professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering in UP Diliman, was cited for his efforts in improving the quality of life through his researches in chemistry that may lead to more environment-friendly and efficient batteries. His dissertation focused on developing a novel battery chemistry of germanium-air battery.
The Green Talents website states, “The jury valued Joey’s innovative approach to this important area of research. They believe the Green Talents Forum will help him broaden his understanding on a variety of issues and not just in his circle of competence.”
Ocon is an Outstanding Young Scientist awarded by the National Academy of Science and Technology in the Philippines. At 29 years old, Ocon already has published 25 papers and is involved in studies for the conversion of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to more valuable chemicals and in the development of novel non-noble metal-based catalysts for fuel cells and water electrolyzers.
Green Talents quotes the Filipino scientist as believing that “research efforts should be put towards enabling these vulnerable communities to become disaster resilient. Research should also help these communities in applying sustainable methods for making their livelihood with low environmental impact.”
The UP professor is currently building a research laboratory in Electrochemical Engineering, developing technologies using electrochemistry and catalysis in practical applications.
