The NANO Talk session at NANOTEC joined the rest of the world on April 25 to commemorate WHO World Malaria Day 2014 by inviting Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Senior Advisor to NSTDA and NANOTEC, Col. Jariyanart Gaywee (Senior Researcher at Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, AFRIMS), Dr. Usavadee Thavara and Miss Patcharawan Sirisopa (Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health) to share their research work on malaria mitigation efforts in Thailand.
“Thailand should be proud in that we have joined the global effort to make considerable progress in the fight to eliminate the suffering caused by diseases associated with mosquito” said Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, during his keynote talk on Threats and Opportunities for Malaria Research. “Take the P218 DHFR project which was funded by MMV, it is now listed in the Global Portfolio 2014 for pre-clinical trial, to be able to have this project listed is a feat in itself”.
Prof. Yongyuth went on to say that with suitable support and management R&D can be cultivated in country to an extent. In order for research collaboration to be successful requires the need to identify significant theme, mutual interest within the collaborators, and resources. In addition, keeping it informal with designated roles and responsibility, a realistic time table, and most importantly a dedicated champion can help drive the project to a successful conclusion.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Yongyuth also used this opportunity to give advices to up and coming young researchers who are trying to follow in the footstep of their role model/mentor. One of his advices is to NOT neglect on problems of the poor (eg. neglected diseases) since it can help open doors for research career opportunities.
NANO Talk is a monthly public forum organized by NANOTEC for researchers and visiting professors to exchange knowledge and be updated on technology trends. Visiting professors to Thailand are encouraged to participate.
