Dr. Mayzonee Ligaray, faculty member of the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), University of the Philippines Diliman and head of the Environmental Hydrology Laboratory, has been named as one of the national finalists for the UL Research Institutes (ULRI) ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women 2025.

In addition, Dr. Rhonalyn Macalalad, an alumna of IESM, has also been selected as a national finalist in the Senior Scientist Category (46 years old and older), representing the Philippines.

Now in its eleventh year, the Science Prize for Women is organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), in partnership with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Google, UL Research Institutes (ULRI), and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE). The award recognizes the contributions of women scientists across Southeast Asia in advancing innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

This year’s theme, “Generative AI for Smart Water Management,” highlights the use of artificial intelligence in addressing urgent water-related challenges, such as improving water quality, enhancing water efficiency, and developing climate-resilient solutions for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Ligaray is among the Mid-Career Scientist finalists (45 years old and younger), while Dr. Macalalad is part of the Senior Scientist finalists, both representing the Philippines alongside other outstanding women scientists from across ASEAN.

The next stage of the competition will involve finalists preparing a three-minute video to present their research and its community impact. Regional finalists will be selected later this year and recognized in October 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, where winners will be officially announced.

For more details, read the official announcement from ASEAN here: ASEAN.org – ASEAN National Finalists Compete in Generative AI Solutions for Smart Water Management in Science Prize for Women