On December 17th, 2024, Professor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, along with Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Assistant Professor Woraphat Ratta-Apha, Head of the Center of Research Excellence, and Miss Sarinya Ngamtipvatana, Head of the Research Department, visited the operations of SiCORE-MSB and SiMPC at the 10th-floor meeting room of the Srisavarindira Building.

During the visit, the SiCORE-MSB team showcased their research equipment and technological capabilities, provided updates on their progress, and addressed challenges related to their technology platforms. The meeting fostered a collaborative discussion on future directions, strategic plans, and milestones to enhance the center’s impact and mission. The engagement reflected a shared commitment to driving research excellence and innovation.

Congratulations to Dr. Pattipong Wisanpitayakorn, Dr. Narumol Jariyasopit, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung of the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Metabolomic and Systems Biology (SiCORE-MSB), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, on their latest research publication in the Journal of ACS Measurement Science Au on December 19, 2024. Access the publication via this link:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.4c00077

This groundbreaking study tackles the challenge of identifying isomeric and isobaric lipids in lipidomics using direct infusion mass spectrometry (DI-MS) and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) without chromatographic separation. The researchers present a multipass arrival time correction method that works across varying conditions and laboratories, allowing precise annotation of isomeric lipids with a single measurement. This streamlined approach reduces complexity compared to traditional methods. Validation using serum samples demonstrated no matrix effects and minimized drift time differences from over 2% to below 0.2%, irrespective of condition variations.

We celebrate this achievement and its contribution to advancing lipidomics research.

On December 9th, 2024, the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management (SiCORE-M), together with Siriraj’s distinguished research centers—including the Siriraj Center of Research for Excellence in Allergy and Immunology (SiALL), Siriraj Center of Research for Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens (SiCORE-Dengue), Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Precision Medicine and Systems Pharmacology (SiCORE-PM&SP), Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Disease (SiCORE-CVD), Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Diabetes and Obesity (SiCORE-DO), and Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Metabolomics and Systems Biology (SiCORE-MSB)—held the final Ideasphere Meeting of 2024 at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.

The meeting focused on the theme, “Collaborative Research Projects on Metabolomic Disease, Metabolic Disease, and iPSC,” under the guidance of Prof. Prasert Auewarakul, M.D., Ph.D., and the SiCORE-M team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participating researchers for their valuable time and insightful contributions, fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines.

On November 19th, 2024, Professor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, together with Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Assistant Professor Woraphat Ratta-Apha, Head of the Center of Research Excellence, Professor Oranee Sanmaneechai, Deputy Head, and Miss Sarinya Ngamtipvatana, Head of the Research Department, visited the operations of SiCORE-PM&SP at the 11th-floor meeting room on the Srisavarindira Building.

During the visit, the SiCORE-PM&SP team provided updates on their research progress and discussed challenges related to cancer research in precision medicine and systems pharmacology. The meeting also explored future directions and strategic plans to advance the center’s mission and impact.

Dr. Jatuporn Sujjitjoon, PhD, a researcher at the Molecular Medicine Research Center, Department of Research, and a key member of the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), participated in the ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2024 held in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 11th – 13th, 2024.

Dr. Sujjitjoon presented two impactful poster presentations:

  • “Superior Antitumor Activities of Fourth-Generation CAR-T Cells Containing Three Costimulatory Domains Targeting GD2-Positive Tumors”
  • “Potent Antitumor Efficiency of CD19-CAR T Cells Self-Secreting PD-L1 x CD3 BiTE Against Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma”

Her contributions underscored advancements in CAR-T cell technologies and explored the development of multispecific immunotherapies for solid tumors.

The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2024 offered an advanced educational program and highlighted the latest scientific developments in this rapidly evolving field. Covering topics from the fundamentals of immunotherapies to cutting-edge research, treatment strategies, toxicity management, and data interpretation, the congress catered to oncology professionals dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through immunotherapy innovations.

From December 3rd – 6th, 2024, Asst. Prof. Adhiratha Boonyasiri, MD, PhD, Head of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, represented Siriraj Hospital at the 20th International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID) in Cape Town, South Africa. He presented a research poster titled “Pharmacokinetics of Colistin in Critically Ill Patients on Sustained Low-Efficiency Dialysis: A Population Pharmacokinetic Study.” The study’s findings are anticipated to significantly benefit Siriraj Hospital, particularly by providing guidance for intravenous colistin dosing in patients undergoing sustained low-efficiency dialysis.

The 20th ICID 2024 served as a premier global forum, drawing more than 2,500 infectious disease experts from over 100 countries. Beyond its focus on clinical microbiology and communicable diseases, the congress addressed a broad range of infection-related topics under the One Health framework. Organized by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), the event highlighted advancements in clinical practice, translational research, infection prevention, and epidemic intelligence.

Held biennially, the ICID fosters collaboration and innovation, offering a platform where global healthcare professionals share groundbreaking solutions for preventing, managing, and treating infectious diseases. The congress remains pivotal in connecting experts and advancing efforts to combat infectious diseases worldwide.

On October 30th, 2024, delegates from Academia Sinica visited the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, to explore the research environment and advanced facilities and to connect with researchers and clinicians. The visit aimed to exchange knowledge, discuss potential student exchange opportunities and explore avenues for collaborative research funding and academic partnerships. This meeting marked a promising step toward establishing a long-term collaborative research network between Academia Sinica and the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, with the potential to spark innovative breakthroughs and strengthen ties in shared areas of interest.

On October 16th, 2024, Professor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, accompanied by Assistant. Professor Woraphat Ratta-Apha, the Head of the Center of Research Excellence, and Miss Sarinya Ngamtipvatana, the Head of the Research Department, visited the SiCORE-Dengue operations on the 12th floor of the Adulyadejvikrom Building.

During the visit, the SiCORE-Dengue team presented updates on their progress, key achievements, and strategic direction in research on dengue and emerging pathogens. The discussions underscored the team’s aspiration to establish itself as a world-leading center of excellence in this vital field of study.

On November 6th, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Metabolomics and Systems Biology (SiCORE-MSB) and Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE-M) co-hosted an onsite workshop at the computer training room (Room 620), 6th Floor, Srisavarindira Building, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.

The workshop featured Dr. Kwanjeera Wanichthanarak and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung, Director of SiCORE-MSB, who provided an in-depth overview of the Metabox 2.0 program. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions focusing on data processing, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, gaining practical skills in metabolomics data analysis with expert guidance from the presenters.

On October 11th and 17th, 2024, Professor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, presided over the 6th Research and Innovation Advisory Committee (RIAC) meeting.
This notable gathering brought together distinguished RIAC members, who offered invaluable perspectives and guidance to further the research goals of the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence.

The meeting was graced by the presence of prominent experts from around the world, including;
1. Prof. Alfred Yung, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
2. Prof. Masaomi Nangaku, University of Tokyo, Japan
3. Prof. David Jacoby, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
4. Prof. Kiat Ruxrungtham, Chulalongkorn University, and Chair of Chula Vaccine Research Center, Thailand
5. Prof. Gavin Screaton, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, England
6. Prof. George Baillie, University of Glasgow, Scotland
7. Prof. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Community Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
8. Prof. Nipon Chattipakorn, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
9. Prof. Dr. Ralf F.W. Bartenschlager, University of Heidelberg, Germany and,
10. We were honored to welcome Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, a Distinguished Research Professor from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel, to participate in the in-person meeting at Siriraj Hospital.

In support of the discussion, several executive members from Mahidol University joined the meeting, including;

• Assoc. Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital
• Clinical Prof. Artit Ungkanont, Dean, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital
• Prof. Sinee Disthabanchong, Deputy Dean for Research, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital
• Assoc. Prof. Patompon Wongtrakoongate, Faculty of Science
• Prof. Jetsumon Sattabongkot Prachumsri, Deputy Dean for Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine

Key discussions centered on the progress and strategic direction of six Centers of Research Excellence at Siriraj, covering SiCORE-Allergy and Immunology, SiCORE-Cancer Precision Medicine & Systems Pharmacology, SiCORE-Dengue and Emerging Pathogens, SiCORE-Cardiovascular Disease, SiCORE-Diabetes and Obesity, and SiCORE-Metabolomics and Systems Biology. Each SiCORE presented their research progress, accomplishments, and challenges, with insightful guidance from RIAC members on areas for growth, research management, and strategic planning.

On this occasion, Executive Board members of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and the SiCORE-M team sincerely appreciate all RIAC members’ expertise, valuable time, and recommendations, which will contribute significantly to our research advancement at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.