Is heritage conservation really possible in Manila? It seems like the pursuit is made possible at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex. Here we stand before a hub of knowledge. It fosters innovation at the University of Santo Tomas. This is the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex.
The Thomas Aquinas Research Complex is often called TARC. It is the primary research venue at the University of Santo Tomas. Since its inauguration on November 15 2001 TARC has been vital to UST. It was designed by Yolanda Reyes. She was a former Dean of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts.
But what makes the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex so special? Let’s delve deeper.
Even way back in 1992 UST already planned a research complex. Groundbreaking occurred on June 28 1999. This marked the beginning of TARC. The Thomas Aquinas Research Complex is a four-story building. Inside are laboratories an auditorium and seminar rooms. The auditorium seats 216 people.
Look closely at the building’s design. The Thomas Aquinas Research Complex incorporates elements from the UST Main Building. Its columns feature the same capital and base. The building also has parapets. These overhanging walls cover its sloping roof.
Within the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex are many research centers. They include The Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics. It advances heritage conservation. It also promotes sustainable development. This center was established in 2003.
Also find the Center for Theology Religious Studies and Ethics here. The Research Center for the Natural Sciences and Applied Sciences is also significant. This center houses UST Analytical Services Laboratory. It provides physicochemical analytical services. UST became the first Philippine university with a certificate of authority in 2019.
Another important unit is the UST Collection of Microbial Strains. It maintains various microbial strains. These include marine luminous bacteria and clinical bacterial isolates. The UST Herbarium is also housed here. It offers curation of plant specimens. It also provides training in herbarium management.
The Thomasian Angiosperm Phylogeny and Barcoding Group studies Philippine Rubiaceae. They also study medicinal plants.
The Innovation and Technology Support Office is also located in TARC. These centers show the diverse research conducted here.
Notably a statue of Justo Takayama stands at the entrance. Takayama was a Japanese samurai-saint. The statue honors his Catholic devotion. A marker was unveiled in March 2017 after his beatification.
The Thomas Aquinas Research Complex uses a semi-centralized system. This encourages the exchange of ideas. Researchers from various fields work together. These fields include Science and Technology. They also include Social Sciences Education Arts Humanities and Ecclesiastical Sciences. Faculty and students collaborate here. They generate new knowledge. They develop new technologies.
The Thomas Aquinas Research Complex at the University of Santo Tomas is more than a building. It is a symbol of UST’s commitment to research. It fosters collaboration across disciplines. As we leave the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex we carry an appreciation. It drives innovation and discovery in the Philippines.