by Arlyn VCD Romualdo
On January 16, 2008, 2:00 p.m., the University of the Philippines will honor Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera, a UP alumnus and Harvard Foundation 2007 Scientist of the Year, by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. The event will be held at the UP Film Center, where he will also deliver a lecture as part of the UP Centennial celebrations.
Because of his contributions to biochemistry, particularly his breakthrough research on toxins found in venomous cone snails from the Philippines, Olivera is acknowledged and recognized by the international scientific community. His research led to a ground-breaking medical discovery—a drug which is a thousand times more potent than morphine but has none of its drawbacks.