About Us
The Inorganic Biogeochemistry and Biotechnology Laboratory (IBR Lab) of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman was established under the leadership of Dr. Irene B. Rodriguez on October 15, 2020.
We focus on metal biogeochemistry—understanding the role and behavior of trace metals in marine ecosystems and how they shape the productivity, physiology, and interactions of marine microorganisms.
Our research spans inorganic biogeochemistry and biotechnology, focusing on how trace metals shape marine ecosystems and how this knowledge can drive sustainable innovation. We study metal dynamics in microbial symbioses—particularly within coral holobionts—and their influence on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and phytoplankton physiology, to better understand nutrient cycling and ecosystem resilience. Complementing this, our work in algal and cyanobacterial biotechnology harnesses marine photosynthetic microorganisms for biomass production and bioresource utilization, , linking ecological insight with practical applications for circular and low-impact technologies.
Inorganic Biogeochemistry & Biotechnology Research Lab
The IBR Lab houses
3 key facilities
Metallomics Facility
Biogeochemistry Lab
IBR Lab in BML Marine Station
The Metallomics Facility
The Metallomics Facility houses a Class 100 - Class 10, 000 Cleanroom and an Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS-QQQ). The facility was officially established in October 15, 2025 funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
The IBR Lab in Bolinao Marine Laboratory (Station in Pangasinan)
The IBR Lab in our institute’s marine station, the Bolinao Marine Lab in Northwestern tip of the province of Pangasinan was the very first lab that was build during the pandemic. It houses several few equipment that kickstarted the activities of the lab.
Come see our ongoing projects!
We’re only getting started.