The UP Marine Science Institute opened the first metallomics facility in the Philippines last Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Led by Balik Scientist Dr. Irene B. Rodriguez, the establishment of the metallomics facility will help advance research on trace metals, macronutrients, and their interactive effects on marine biogeochemical cycles.
This followed Dr. Rodriguez’s Balik Scientist Exit Report Presentation, “From Concept to Capability: Navigating Metallomics in the Philippines”, which showcased the recent research outputs of the Inorganic Biogeochemistry and Biotechnology Research laboratory at the UP Marine Science Institute. The metallomics facility is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
“The goal is to use metals and metalloenzymes as environmental cues,” said Dr. Rodriguez. In her talk, she explained how studying metals in marine environments can help further our understanding of ocean health and chemical cycles.
Metallomics is the study of metals within cells and their role in biological systems. The presence of metals in the marine environment can be greatly influential, especially on microorganisms. This includes the dinoflagellates that give corals their color, the phytoplankton that cause harmful algal blooms, and the cyanobacteria that drive major chemical processes in the ocean. Aside from their role in photosynthesis and providing oxygen, cyanobacteria also convert atmospheric nitrogen and carbon dioxide into forms that
can be used by living cells and organisms.
“The new metallomics facility now provides the foundation for sustained, high-impact research,” said Dr. Fezoil Decena, Institution Development Division Director of DOST-PCAARRD.
Dr. Rodriguez already has plans for using the metallomics facility for future projects with DOST.
