Research
The CHE-IHNF Research and Extension functions in compliance with the UP Mandate, under its Charter of 2008 (RA 9500), which states that the University of the Philippines shall serve as a research university in various fields of expertise and specialization by conducting basic and applied research, promoting research and development, and contributing to the dissemination and application of knowledge; and to lead as a public service university by providing various forms of community, public and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of excellence.
One of the most significant and longest running research project in IHNF conducted was on rice production and consumption headed by Prof. Angelita del Mundo who was at the same time the IHNF Director (1991-1994). The Rice Grain Quality (RGQ) project emanated from the study on cooking and eating/ sensory characteristics of rice and corn under the UPCA Rice and Corn Program in the late 1950s. In the early 1980s, quality evaluation at IHNF was focused on rice but expanded to include other quality parameters such as milling potentials, physical attributes and physicochemical properties, aside from cooking and sensory qualities. As part of the UPLB Rice Varietal Improvement Program, the RGQ project represents IHNF and UPLB at large, in an interdisciplinary, inter-agency effort to ensure food security (specifically of rice-the staple food) in the Philippines.
By 1988, IHNF was recognized as the leading institution on rice quality assessment in the country. Aside from its involvement in the national program, the project in the succeeding years also forged research collaboration with other local agency like National Postharvest Research Institute (NAPHIRE) and the National Food Authority (NFA) as well as international research institutions like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the country’s rice research agency.
UPLB CHE-IHNF RESEARCH LABORATORY
The IHNF Research and Extension Room at the CHE-REC Building may be used for R&E activities. Equipment such as computers and printers may also be used provided that the project will use its own supplies. The Bio-Assay Building may be used for experimental research and food product development. The rules on the use of the IHNF facilities for instruction will likewise apply for R&E activities. In case of breakage, the project funds will cover repairs and/or replacement.