Episode 1: Researching Extra Virgin Coconut Oil with Dr. Toby Dayrit

"Plants are probably the best chemists around."
Dr. Toby Dayrit shares how his initial fascination with medicinal plants led to his ground breaking research on extra virgin coconut oil.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁
Dr. Fabian Antonio “Toby” Dayrit is a luminary in the world of chemistry, who has been a beacon of knowledge at the Ateneo de Manila University since 1983. His journey is a testament to his commitment to education, research, and the pursuit of scientific excellence. From his early years as a student at Ateneo de Manila University to obtaining his M.A. and PhD degrees in Chemistry from Princeton University, Dr. Dayrit's academic prowess laid the foundation for a career that has spanned decades. Not only has he been an educator, but he's also been at the forefront of establishing critical institutions that have significantly advanced the capabilities of scientific research in the Philippines.

Dr. Dayrit's influence extends beyond the academic realm. As the president of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) since 1995, he has been a driving force in advancing the Chemistry profession in the country. His involvement in various organizations, including the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research & Development and the Department of Health, highlights his dedication to the broader scientific community.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁
What drives invention and innovation?
Imbento Lang! is an audio podcast series in interview form. Listen to the experiences of inventors and glimpse Filipino creativity and innovation at work. Join the host Steve Chaves as he interrogates the creative processes that underlie invention. Each podcast presents the background context of an inventor, the process undertaken, and the challenges encountered in the development of their inventions.

Meet the inventors and get to know their creative process and approaches to problem solving. Discover how creativity requires a spirit of adventure, a willingness to play, and the courage to work through disappointments and setbacks.

A collaboration between the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Multimedia Communication, and Areté, Imbento Lang! invites listeners to relate what they hear to their own creative process, and encourages them to innovate something in their milieu.