In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, the National Academy of Science and Technology conducted the 9th Future Science Leaders Program on Thursday and Friday at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang Muntinlupa City.

The two-day forum invited 60 youth scientists from different regions and universities in the country. Dr. Carmencita Padilla, chairperson of the FSLP Steering Committee, stressed the importance of shaping future science leaders.

"We need to look at the succession of leadership. We may have a group of science leaders right now, but we have to prepare the next generation of science leaders, and this workshop fulfills that goal of making sure that we will have generations of science leaders," Padilla said.

Among the invited speakers at the forum was former DoST Secretary William G. Padolina, who reminded the students that developing future science leaders has a big role in changing the world.

"In the new century, society needs to do a better job of deciding what kind of world it wants to make with the opportunities science offers rather than just letting things happen," Padolina said during his keynote speech.