The 8th University Research Conference (URC 2024) on April 18 and 19, 2024 revolves around the theme “Sustainable Futures” and joins the continuing celebration of USC’s 75th jubilee.

URC 2024 will feature three keynote speakers, namely Maria Luz C. Vilches, Ph.D. (Vice President for Higher Education, Ateneo de Manila University), Michael Lochinvar S. Abundo, Ph.D. (CEO of OceanPixel Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), and Hon. Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento, Undersecretary, Department of Transportation.

Two plenary lectures also tackle issues related to sustainability and mobility, which will be delivered by Leena James, Ph.D., Jyothi Kumar, Ph.D., both from Christ University in Bangalore, India, and former School of Education Dean Richard R. Jugar, Ph.D.

Two panel discussions are also slated. The first panel will address Cebu’s outlook for the future with confirmed panelists including Melanic C. Ng (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Riella Mae Christa B. Guioguio (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.), and Hon. Jennifer C. Bretaña (National Economic Development Authority RO7).

The second panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities of a future with artificial intelligence (AI). Speakers for this panel include DICT Regional Office VII Director Hon. Frederick DC. Amores, AIM professor Michelle P. Banawan, Ohio University assistant professor Adonis Durado, Ray Business Technologies country manager Gregg Victor Gabison, and UP Diliman professor Prospero C. Naval Jr.

Registration is free and is open to students, faculty and staff, and the general public. Pre-registration is now closed. On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on April 18, 2024 at the Fr. Michael Richartz Conference Center. Visit the conference website for more details.