QCU Successfully Hosts IRISE 2025
By Lorraine Acaylar
The International Research and Innovation for Sustainable Education (I-RISE) 2025 opened on November 28, 2025 at the Quezon City University (QCU) San Bartolome Campus, gathering educators, researchers, stakeholders, and local and international organizations and partners for a full-day hybrid conference running from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Spearheaded by QCU in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Consortium of Researchers and Educators (APCORE), this year’s conference carries the theme “Reimagining Local Innovation and Global Futures through Sustainable Education Practices.” It features more than 80 research presentations from over 40 local and international institutions focusing on advancing sustainable and technology-driven education.
The program began with opening remarks from QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, who emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in driving innovative and sustainable learning systems.
“Progress rests on the dedication of our educators, researchers, students, and community partners, whose commitment ensures that innovation remains grounded in integrity and relevance,” Dr. Atienza said.
She also delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, highlighting CHED’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacities through research-driven initiatives.
This was followed by a welcome message from APCORE Executive Director Dr. Witawat Jangiam, together with messages of support from international partners, including Dr. Syamsurizal, S.E., M.M., Director of Politeknik Negeri Jakarta in Indonesia, and Prof. Jose Crisologo of Universidade Estadual de Alagoas in Brazil.
A major highlight of the morning was the HEIx Roundtable Discussion on “Status, Challenges, and Prospects of Research and Extension in Higher Education.” Moderated by Dr. Ma. Junithesmer Rosales of APCORE and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the discussion brought together distinguished university leaders: Dr. Atienza of QCU, Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria, President of Universidad De Manila, and Dr. Glicerio M. Maningas, President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. The panel examined pressing issues affecting research and extension initiatives in higher education institutions, including structural constraints, the evolving role of technology, and the growing need for stronger inter-university collaboration.
Afterwards, a plenary session featured an engaging presentation from Dr. Ahmed Bourghida, Regional Lead for Research and Analytics for Academics & Governments (South East Asia & India) at Clarivate Singapore. His talk, titled “The Future of Web of Science in the Age of AI,” showcased advanced features of the Web of Science platform and underscored how artificial intelligence is reshaping global research ecosystems, enhancing scholarly visibility, and redefining academic impact.
In the afternoon, the conference transitioned into a series of parallel research sessions, with eight held onsite and nine conducted online. These sessions showcased diverse studies on educational innovation, sustainability initiatives, technology integration, community development, and emerging pedagogical frameworks. Presenters and attendees engaged in rigorous academic exchange, reinforcing I-RISE as a vital platform for knowledge dissemination and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The conference concluded with the awarding of the Best Research Presentation and the distribution of certificates to presenters, partners, and participating institutions.
Through the conference, QCU, APCORE, academic partners, and participating institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing sustainable educational practices and strengthening global networks that support research-driven transformation in higher education—living up to QCU’s spirit that “In QCU, we rise together.”
Photo Credits: Bia Dilig
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