Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza is currently the President- Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST-PHL) and Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD). She now leads the PHILCOAST, the Philippine Component of the Belmont Forum Global Project entitled : “ Coast and Ocean Assessment for Transformation and Sustainability- COAST Card”. The DOST commissioned NAST project entitled “ Pagtanaw 2050: Philippine Science, Technology and Innovation Foresight 2050” was headed by Academician Azanza. The Philippine focal point for Marine science and Technology , she is the chairperson of the ASEAN- Sub-Committee on Marine Science and Technology of the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation ( ASEAN-COSTI-SCMST) from 2021 to 2023.
To date, Prof. Azanza has 108 scientific publications in international books and journals on the biology and culture of economically important seaweeds and on the biology, ecology and management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), blue economy and marine sustainability. Dr. Azanza has a number of recognition and awards which include the 2013 UP Alumni Association” Centennial Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award in Environmental Science” and the 2015 Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Research (DOST-PCAARRD) “ Pantas Award for Most Outstanding Researcher/Scientist”. She received her PhD degree in Botany from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and post- doctoral / specialization trainings in the United States and Japan.