MSU-TCTO Celebrates Its First C1 Publication of 2025, Co-Authored by Asst. Prof. Albaris Tahiluddin

MSU-TCTO Celebrates Its First C1 Publication of 2025, Co-Authored by Asst. Prof. Albaris Tahiluddin

The Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) proudly marks a historic milestone with its first C1 journal publication of 2025, co-authored by Asst. Prof. Albaris Tahiluddin. His research, "Shot in the Foot: Unintended Consequences of Using Inorganic Fertilizer in Commercial Tropical Eucheumatoid Seaweed Farming," was published in Reviews in Aquaculture, one of the highest-ranked journals in the field, holding a 99th percentile position in both Ecology and Aquatic Science.

A C1 journal refers to an academic publication ranked within the top 1% globally (99th percentile) in its field, signifying unparalleled impact and influence within the scientific community. These journals undergo rigorous peer-review and are regarded as the gold standard in scholarly research, shaping global discourse and advancing scientific progress. Achieving publication in a C1 journal is a testament to both the research’s excellence and the scholar’s ability to contribute meaningfully at the highest level.

This achievement underscores MSU TCTO’s commitment to producing high-caliber research that extends beyond regional academic contributions and into global scientific relevance. Asst. Prof. Tahiluddin, reflecting on this milestone, shared:

“Securing publication in a C1 journal, placing it within the top 1% globally (99th percentile), is an exceptionally challenging feat. As the first from MSU-TCTO to achieve this with my publication in Reviews in Aquaculture, I am immensely proud. This milestone signifies a new level of impact for my research and represents a significant leap forward for MSU-TCTO’s research standing and contribution to the global scientific community.

Beyond the prestige of a C1 publication, the content of my paper, "Shot in the Foot: Unintended Consequences of Using Inorganic Fertilizer in Commercial Tropical Eucheumatoid Seaweed Farming", holds significant implications for the seaweed industry. This work aims to investigate and ultimately discourage the use of inorganic fertilizers in tropical eucheumatoid seaweed farming due to the potentially devastating economic consequences for farmers and the diminished value of their crops. Furthermore, this intervention is crucial in safeguarding the organic status of carrageenan by regulatory bodies.”

This accomplishment aligns with the MSU System’s broader efforts to foster research excellence. As of 2025, only MSU-IIT and MSU-TCTO have produced C1 Scopus articles, with three articles and one article for each of said campus, respectively.

This milestone not only strengthens MSU-TCTO’s research portfolio but also highlights the potential for Tawi-Tawi-based studies to gain international recognition. Asst. Prof. Tahiluddin’s achievement demonstrates the importance of faculty-led initiatives in advancing knowledge and fostering global academic collaborations.

With this breakthrough, MSU TCTO continues to carve its place in high-impact scholarship—a testament to its growing influence in research and innovation. This success will hopefully inspire more faculty members to pursue groundbreaking research and contribute to leading academic journals worldwide.