The identification of the University Research Agenda was anchored on established commodity-based research thrusts, through which Isabela State University (ISU) developed expertise and gained recognition in research. In addition, the University identified ten (10) thematic research thrusts in response to emerging international and national research trends.
These commodity-based and thematic research thrusts serve as simultaneous considerations in identifying potential researchable areas. The formulation of the University Research Agenda also takes into account the opportunities and threats in the external environment and the strengths and weaknesses within ISU.
With its built-in flexibility and dynamism, the University Research Agenda serves as a guide in the formulation of research proposals and provides the basis for the evaluation and approval of research support by the University.
1. Precision (Smart) Agriculture
The application of digital technologies, sensors, data analytics, automation, and smart farming practices to improve agricultural productivity, resource efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making.
a. Rice and Corn
Research and development focused on improving the production, productivity, quality, and profitability of rice and corn through precision farming, improved varieties, smart irrigation, nutrient management, pest and disease monitoring, mechanization, and data-driven farm management.
b. Aerobic and Upland Rice
Research on rice production systems that require less standing water or are cultivated in non-flooded upland environments, focusing on water-saving technologies, drought-tolerant varieties, soil management, and climate-resilient production practices.
c. Industrial Crops (Rubber, Sugarcane, Cacao)
Research aimed at improving the production, processing, quality, value-adding, and sustainability of industrial crops that serve as important raw materials for food, manufacturing, and other industries.
d. Tropical Fruits
Research and development on the production, management, postharvest handling, processing, and value-adding of tropical fruit crops, with emphasis on productivity, quality, marketability, and climate resilience.
2. Organic Agriculture
An agricultural production system that promotes ecological processes, biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and the use of natural inputs while minimizing dependence on synthetic chemicals and environmentally harmful practices.
a. Banana
Research on organic banana production, including soil fertility management, biological pest and disease control, sustainable production practices, postharvest management, processing, and value-adding.
b. Rice, Corn, Legumes and Indigenous Vegetables
Research on sustainable and organic production systems for major food crops and indigenous vegetables, focusing on natural soil fertility management, biological pest control, crop diversification, seed systems, nutrition, and food security.
c. Root Crops (Cassava, Sweet Potato, Yam)
Research on sustainable production, propagation, processing, storage, and value-adding of root crops to improve food security, farmer income, and utilization of locally available agricultural resources.
d. Indigenous Plants for Health and Wellness
Research on locally available medicinal, nutritional, and wellness plants, including their cultivation, traditional uses, phytochemical properties, processing, product development, and potential applications for health and wellness.
e. Native Animals (Chicken, Pig)
Research on the sustainable production, breeding, nutrition, health management, conservation, processing, and value-adding of native livestock and poultry breeds.
3. Integrated Precision & Organic Agriculture
Integrates smart technologies with organic and sustainable agricultural practices to improve productivity while protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impacts.
a. Dryland Crops
Research on crops adapted to areas with limited water availability, focusing on drought tolerance, soil and water conservation, organic production, smart crop monitoring, and climate-resilient farming systems.
b. Small Ruminants (Goat, Sheep)
Research on sustainable and smart production of goats and sheep, including breeding, nutrition, health management, housing, forage development, precision monitoring, and value-adding.
c. Large Ruminants (Dairy Cattle, Carabao)
Research on sustainable and technology-assisted production of dairy cattle and carabao, focusing on breeding, nutrition, milk production, animal health, reproductive management, waste utilization, and farm productivity.
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture
Research focused on the sustainable production, management, conservation, processing, and value-adding of aquatic organisms while ensuring food security, livelihood opportunities, and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
a. Tilapia, Hito and Ulang
Research on the culture, breeding, nutrition, disease management, water-quality monitoring, production technologies, postharvest handling, and value-adding of tilapia, catfish (hito), and freshwater prawn (ulang).
5. Farm Machinery, Electronics & Engineering
Research and development involving agricultural machinery, fabrication, automation, electronics, embedded systems, and semiconductor technologies that can support agriculture, manufacturing, industry, and community needs.
6. Environment, Watershed & Biodiversity
Research focused on the protection, conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems, watersheds, forests, wildlife, and biological resources.
7. Higher Education & Social Sciences
Research concerning higher education systems, teaching and learning, institutional development, governance, community development, social behavior, culture, economics, and social issues.
8. Climate Change & DRRM
Research focused on understanding climate change impacts, reducing disaster risks, strengthening community resilience, and developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
a. Hydrometeorological Hazards
Research on floods, typhoons, droughts, landslides, storm surges, and weather events affecting the Cagayan River Basin and island communities.
b. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
Practical strategies enabling communities, agriculture, ecosystems, and institutions to adjust to climate change impacts.
c. Governance & Policy for CCA & DRRM
Research on governance, policies, political systems, and community participation in implementing effective DRRM programs.
9. Renewable Energy & Biofuels
Research and development of clean, sustainable, and locally available energy technologies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
a. Microhydro Systems
Small-scale hydropower systems generating electricity from flowing water for rural and remote communities.
b. Solar and Wind Energy
Development and application of solar PV, thermal, and wind energy technologies for households, industries, and communities.
c. Biomass and Biofuel
Converting agricultural residues, animal waste, and organic materials into useful energy, fuels, and value-added products.
10. Smart City R&D Program
Initiatives using ICT, data analytics, IoT, automation, AI, and innovative governance to create resilient and citizen-centered communities.
a. Delivery of Basic Services
Smart technologies improving healthcare, education, water, transportation, emergency response, and public safety.
b. Smarter Economic Development
Technology-driven approaches promoting local economic growth, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and tourism.
c. Smarter Environmental & Disaster Solutions
Solutions for environmental monitoring, waste management, pollution control, and early warning systems.
d. Smarter Governance
Digital technologies, data analytics, e-governance, and citizen participation to improve government transparency and accountability.