Covary Research Program

The Covary Research Program (CRP) is a remote, flexible, research-focused track designed for students and researchers who want to explore advanced computational approaches in biology. CRP extends the use of Covary, a machine learning–powered, alignment-free, translation-aware sequence analysis platform developed by a Filipino for Filipinos. Learn more about Covary here.

CRP aims to expand the research capacity of Filipino students, scholars, and professionals by providing access to modern AI-driven tools typically available only in advanced genomics and bioinformatics laboratories. Through guided, independent research, participants develop practical experience in computational biology, genomics, and phylogenetics while contributing to a growing ecosystem of innovation in the country.

Mission of CRP

The CRP was created to cultivate a new generation of Filipino researchers capable of applying machine learning and AI-powered tools in life science research. CRP is on a mission to raise national research competence by enabling the country to engage and compete in the rapidly advancing global scientific landscape.

CRP Objectives

1. Introduce researchers to modern AI-driven approaches in genomics, phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, metagenomics, and forensic genetics using Covary’s alignment-free, ML-based system.

2. Strengthen national research capacity by empowering students and researchers with tools, workflows, and hands-on experience that bridge local research gaps.

3. Support academic outputs, including theses, dissertations, research projects, and laboratory activities that benefit from computational sequence analysis.

4. Promote accessible, remote, flexible learning, enabling participation regardless of geographic or institutional limitations.

5. Develop real-world research skills by guiding participants through structured syllabi, exercises, and independent experimentation.

6. Advance the Philippines’ standing in STEM innovation, helping local researchers stay aligned with global trends in AI-powered biology and computational science.

7. Create a collaborative ecosystem where participants contribute insights, methods, and non-identifiable outputs that strengthen Covary’s research community.

Who can participate?

The Covary Research Program welcomes students, researchers, academicians, and lab personnel to apply.

1. Undergraduate students

• Who are working on theses, capstone projects, or special problems in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, forensic science, environmental science, pharmacy, agriculture, public health, or related fields.

• Who are interested in modern computational biology and genomics.

2. Graduate students

• Who are conducting research for MS/MA or PhD theses in life sciences, bioinformatics, or molecular biology.

• Who are seeking access to a modern, machine-learning driven analytical workflow.

3. Researchers and early-career scientists

• Individuals who are working in public or private laboratories, LGUs, academe, or research centers who want to incorporate alignment-free and AI-based approaches into their projects.

4. Faculty members and advisers

• Those who are looking for new tools for their research groups or to recommend a pipeline for their students’ thesis development.

5. Professionals transitioning to life science and AI

• Industry workers, analysts, or self-taught learners who want experience in computational biology without needing laboratory access.

Why you should apply?

The Covary Research Program offers a learning and research environment unavailable anywhere else in the Philippines. By joining, you gain the following:

1. Use your findings for your thesis or dissertation

• Outputs generated during the program can be used for: undergraduate theses, graduate theses, capstone or project requirements, independent studies, and lab-based publications (with proper attribution to Covary).

2. Unrestricted access to Covary

• Covary is a machine learning toolkit that is 'first of its kind' and no institutions in the country have been able to integrate and develop. You will get unrestricted permission and access to use Covary during your participation in the program.

3. Join remotely, at your own pace

• Study and conduct your analyses at home while keeping your work/school/life errands uninterrupted. You will receive coaching and feedback without a classroom structure, making the program accessible even to students with heavy workloads or full-time commitments.

4. Get mentorship from real practitioners of AI/ML in biological research

• Work directly with researchers who actively apply artificial intelligence and machine learning in genomics, phylogenetics, pathogen analysis, and computational biology. This provides you with practical insights, real-world problem-solving approaches, and guidance grounded in current scientific practice—not just textbook theory. Your mentors will help shape your research design, interpretation of results, and overall analytical maturity.

5. Build national capacity by training future AI/ML researchers in life science

• By joining the program, you become part of a movement to strengthen the Philippines’ scientific and technological capability. The program equips you with modern AI-driven biological research skills that are rare in local institutions, helping develop a new generation of researchers capable of contributing to national needs in genomics, public health, bioinformatics, and advanced computational science. Your participation supports long-term scientific progress for the country.

6. Join a unique national platform for genomic and AI literacy

• Become part of a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country that brings together genomics, machine learning, and computational biology in an accessible, practice-focused environment. The program exposes you to concepts and tools that are rarely taught in traditional academic settings—such as alignment-free analysis, phylogenomics powered by AI, and large-scale sequence computation. By participating, you help advance a collective effort to raise the national standard of scientific and technological literacy in the era of genome-scale data and artificial intelligence.

Program information

• To apply, please pre-register by December 14, 2025 here.

• Interview and screening: December 15 – 22, 2025.

• The program will run from January – April 2026.

• This is not an internship, job, employment, or classroom-type course. This is an independent research affiliation, where participants follow guided syllabi, exercises, and research tasks while working largely on their own schedule.

• Participation is remote, and you may work from anywhere with internet access.

• You must be comfortable working with research questions in one or more topics covered by Covary research, as presented here.

• Coaching/support is provided occasionally (mostly on weekends).

• The program structure is designed to allow you to study, work, or manage personal responsibilities alongside your research.

• This affiliation does not provide funding or sponsorship.

• Participants must purchase a Covary license to use Covary for their research.

• Research outputs generated during CRP may be used for your thesis or academic requirements, subject to your institution’s rules and approval by the program representative/s.

• You commit to academic integrity, including producing original work, avoiding falsification, and adhering to ethical research conduct.

Pre-register by December 14, 2025 here

Explore research topics here

Have questions? Contact us here

FAQs

Explore research topics here