Fitz Gerald Silao
Location (during time of takeover)
School/Institution
| Undergrad | University Of The Philippines Manila Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Masters | University of Perpetual Help System Laguna Microbiology |
| PhD | Stockholm University Molecular Bioscience |
| Postdoc | University of Oxford |
Featured on July 26, 2026
Taking over this week is Fitz Gerald Silao, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University of Oxford, UK.
Fitz earned his BSc in Biochemistry from the University of the Philippines-Manila (2006) under DOST-SEI and AWMSLAI scholarships. He then completed his MSc in Microbiology at the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna (2012). After briefly pursuing PhD in Biochemistry at UP Manila (2012-2013), he moved to Stockholm University, Sweden to complete his Licentiate (2017) and PhD in Molecular Bioscience (2019), where he studied nutrient-regulated expression of virulence in pathogenic fungi, supported by a Marie Curie ESR Fellowship.
Fitz continued his work in the same lab as a senior researcher until he moved to the UK in 2023 to focus on mammalian mitochondrial biology. His current research, supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), focuses on how lipid transfer at membrane contact sites mediates cell death and electron transport chain complexstability.
Prior to his move to Europe, Fitz worked at Nestlé Philippines, where he led several projects, including a process modification that doubled production output—receiving the Grand Prize at the inaugural Nestlé CEO Innovation Awards for his work. While working in industry, he taught chemistry part-time at Malayan Colleges Laguna and Manila Review Institute, Inc.
He is a licensed chemist, registered microbiologist and professional food technologist in the Philippines, and an elected member of the Royal Society of Biology in the UK. He is also a member of several professional societies in the Philippines, including the ICP, PSM, PSBMB, and PSCB. He is a reviewer and editorial board member for several journals in molecular infection biology and also a mentor at GradMAP Philippines.
Fun facts:
- He personally prepared a buffet for 60+ guests to celebrate his dissertation defense
- He’s fascinated by venomous snakes (especially vipers) and dreams of keeping a vivarium with several species
- His go-to-sleep aid? Documentaries about space, paleontology, and medieval history
