Allan B. I. Bernardo
https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2026.6358
Abstract
Using the database developed by scientists from Stanford University and Elsevier Science, the study explored patterns of the scientific production of Filipino and other ASEAN scientists listed in the top 2% of scientists in the world across disciplines. The number of Filipinos in the list of top scientists was much lower compared to more developed ASEAN countries, and Philippine universities hosted a smaller percentage of top scientists compared to those in other countries. An overwhelming majority of the publications of the top ASEAN scientists involve international collaborations published in top-tier (top decile, top quartile) journals. The top 1% were also identified as having fewer national collaborations and publications in lower-tier journals. Two factors that might be associated with the low scientific impact of Filipino researchers relative to their ASEAN counterparts were discussed: a weak, isolated research ecosystem and low research skills of the university faculty. The identifiers of high scientific impact were discussed as possible indicators for supporting research of faculty researchers in Philippine universities.