Dr. Baldomero Olivera, Jr. elected as Academician in 2003, provide as an encouragement to Filipino biochemists and other scientists. From the time of the early stages of his career, he has contributed notably to the development of molecular biology and biotechnology with his isolation and description of the key enzymes such as DNA ligase and the DNA polymerase.
His researches on marine gastropods and his enthusiastic sense of examination have led to the exposition of the mechanism of action, functions, and classification of the neuroactive Conus peptides into families and superfamilies.
Dr. Olivera was most recognized because of his important studies and achievements in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, in particular the discoveries of numerous Conus peptides. These are at present in different phases of medical trials as highly precise drugs for pain, epilepsy, and other disorders of the nervous system.
He has been awfully kind in sharing his expertise with students, research assistants and faculty members of different universities; he maintained a joint venture and teamwork with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute in the country for more than three decades. And he has helped attain fellowships for their training here and abroad.