Young scientist first-ever Fil-Canadian inducted to prestigious Royal Society of Canada

Scientist Phil De Luna has been included in this year’s Class of 2021. He is also running for Parliament for the Green Party ( Photo: Jasmine Chong)

Filipino Canadian Phil De Luna, the youngest ever-program director at the National Research Council at age 29, has added another accolade to his string of achievements.

De Luna was recently inducted into the  Royal Society of Canada (RSC) Class of 2021, possibly the youngest in this year’s crop and the first-ever Filipino Canadian to join the prestigious society.

Established in 1882 as Canada’s national academy, the RSC promotes research and learning in the arts, humanities and sciences. The society awards fellowships to peer-elected and distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions and impacts in these fields.

A  research scientist and cleantech innovator, he was named a Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019.

De Luna is setting his sight on politics as he enters the federal race to win the Toronto-St. Paul’s riding for the Green Party in the September 20 federal election. He is taking a leave of absence from his National Council Research directorship to concentrate in his campaign.