Quantum and Atomic Scale Materials Modeling in the Philippines: Status, Challenges, and Recommendations

Abstract

The computational materials modeling and simulation research landscape in the Philippines is explored to identify the problem areas and challenges faced by the experts in this field, thereby gaining insights for policy recommendations towards advancing this field in the country. The identified problem areas based on a survey administered to sixteen expert-respondents include the inadequate computational infrastructure, issues on funding, problems with students, administrative and teaching assignments, and lack of collaborations with the industry. Based on these results, policy recommendations were formulated, which include a proposed framework for an integrated computational and experimental approach in the national research and development agenda, enhancement of the national computing facility, amendment of the procurement law, dedicated funding for computational science, establishment of a junior research fellowship and an organized materials modeling community, and development of regional niches for computational materials science.