The 2026 University Scholarly Work Awards (USWA) are a defining milestone for the Ateneo de Manila University community, marking the silver anniversary of a long-standing celebration of excellence capped by international recognition as the Philippines’ top university.
Each year, the USWA brings into focus the many forms of research excellence undertaken by the Ateneo community. It is a space where research, creativity, and inquiry are feted in equal measure. But most of all, the Awards highlight research, creative work, and innovation that challenge the status quo, touch lives, and respond to real-world issues. This year's awards were held on May 6 at The Loft at the Areté.
The USWA’s Silver Anniversary this 2026 celebrates a total of 584 publications across all categories, with 238 student and research assistant awardees and 271 faculty and other researcher awardees.
Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto Yap SJ, Vice President for Education Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, and Assistant Vice President Dr Filomeno Aguilar Jr (center) are flanked by (L-R) Ateneo School of Government Dean Dr Jennifer Oreta, School of Science and Engineering Dean Dr Raphael Guerrero, John Gokongwei School of Management Dean Dr Roberto Martin Galang, Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences Dean Dr Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, School of Humanities Dean Dr Patricia Lambino, and Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design Dean Dr Maria Isabel Martin at the 2026 University Scholarly Work Awards.
"There is nothing modest about the contributions you have made," Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto Yap SJ said to the gathered honorees. "You embody the spirit of inquiry, innovation, and engagement that defines our academic community. Your dedication knows no bounds, your generosity unwavering, inspiring us all."
"It used to be the case that doing research is something that had to be encouraged, but now it is more willingly and more eagerly embraced. It has become part of our university culture, part of the joy of being a member of the Ateneo community," added outgoing Ateneo de Manila University Vice President for Higher Education Dr Maria Luz C. Vilches, who received a special citation for her scholarly and administrative work and was met by a standing ovation from the audience.
This breadth of excellence is reflected on the global stage, where the Ateneo de Manila University has consistently dominated the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings of Philippine schools since joining the roster in 2022. The Ateneo continues to keep its lead this year, placing in the 1001-1200th bracket of the 2026 THE World University Rankings and in the 501-600th bracket of the 2026 THE Asia University Rankings.
In honoring 25 years of scholarly excellence, the 2026 University Scholarly Work Awards uphold the quiet patience of inquiry, the courage of creation, the discipline of innovation, and the resolve to place knowledge at the service of the nation and the world. As the Ateneo continues to grow in visibility, impact, and global standing, the USWA stand as a living testament to what research can become when guided by truth, compassion, and purpose—now and in the years to come.
"It is my prayer that you keep your minds and hearts open and curious as you explore the profound questions that stir within you. May you have the imagination and creativity to envision new possibilities and chart new pathways for knowledge creation. Ateneo de Manila will stand by you, offering support, encouragement, and inspiration as we work together towards a more just, sustainable, equitable, and human world for all," Fr Yap concluded.
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