Siriraj Faculty Abroad at the University of Parma, Italy

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Ms. Tantip Arigul, a bioinformatician from the Division of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, conducted an intensive training workshop titled “Nanopore Workshop: Bioinformatics of Nanopore Technology (EPI2ME CLOUD)” at the University of Parma, Italy.

The workshop focused on the EPI2ME platform, a cloud-based service for analyzing nanopore sequencing data. It provided an in-depth overview of the platform’s functionalities, including the EPI2ME client and MinKNOW software, which convert electrical signals from DNA/RNA reads into basecalled sequences. Participants were introduced to the MinION device, a compact tool for real-time genomic data processing, alongside the EPI2ME portal and agent, which are essential for managing user profiles, generating analysis reports, and securely executing data analyses.

Key workflows such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection were demonstrated, emphasizing quality control measures, including read length and quality score filtering. This comprehensive training offered valuable insights for researchers leveraging nanopore sequencing in their studies.

In parallel with the workshop, Lecturer Thidathip Wongsurawat, PhD, and the Siriraj team strengthened academic ties with the University of Parma by presenting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. This agreement formally establishes Siriraj as a Nanopore Center of Excellence, underscoring its leading role in advancing research and fostering international partnerships.

The expertise shared and insights gained during this engagement are expected to enhance Siriraj Hospital’s capacity for cutting-edge genomic research, further solidifying its global reputation as a leader in nanopore sequencing technology.

International Research Grant Workshop

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🌐 International Research Grant Workshop
📅 Date: December 26th, 2024
🕑 Time: 01:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m.
🏢 Room 201, 2nd Floor, Srisavarindira Building, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital

– Speaker
📌 Prof. Dr. Jetsumon Sattabongkot Prachumsri
Deputy Dean of Research at Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University
📌 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thomas Guadamuz
Assistant to the president for Academic affairs and Research, Mahidol University

– Eligibility Criteria
✅ Open to Faculty members, researchers and other interested individuals with a project suitable for international grant application
✅ Participants must be available to attend the onsite workshop at the designated time and date

– Application
➡️ Please download the proposal summary template and fill in all the required information completely
➡️ After completing the template, please submit it along with the registration form by December 19th, 2024
📌 Registration for free
⚠️ Deadline for registration: December 19th, 2024

💻 Register now
🔗 Schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RM_XGeIdJhfeNfYt9MpEHz5eAhoFGi7i/view
🔗 Proposal summary template document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17sFu38scTaVxGLaUSSGS2Al_KnVwZRqo/edit
🔗 Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16BhjbKUnWzd3EKy_BIEMtpMutCHNq_SasKnfilEZHrk/viewform?edit_requested=true

If you have any questions, Contact us for more info (SiCORE-M)
☎️ Tel. 02-419-2900
📧 E-mail: sicore.management@gmail.com
#SiCOREM #SiCOREs

3rd SiCORE-MSB Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: First-Year Progress Report in Phase 1

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On September 4th, 2024, the SiCORE-M team hosted the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of SiCORE-MSB for the third teleconference of the year, focusing on the first-year progress in Phase 1. Associate Professor Prawej Mahawithitwong, Deputy Head of the Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE), opened the meeting and extended a warm welcome to Emeritus Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Pro Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences and Executive Director of the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC) at Murdoch University. Professor Nicholson provided invaluable guidance on the center’s progress.

Associate Professor Dr. Sakda Khoomrung, Director of SiCORE-MSB, together with Assistant Professor Sukit Raksasuk, Dr. Kwanjeera Wanichthanarak, and Dr. Narumol Jariyasopit, presented the updates on their metabolomics research focused on kidney disease diagnosis. The team discussed the importance of refining a long-term research plan and emphasized the need to identify more clinically relevant biomarkers. Limitations in current instrumentation were highlighted, alongside discussions of potential future collaborations to enhance the research outcomes.

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of SiCORE-Allergy Onsite Meeting 2024 at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital

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On September 1st and 2nd, 2024, SiCORE-M and SiCORE-Allergy jointly hosted the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) ‘s onsite meeting at the Siriraj Medical Research Building (SiMR), Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital. The event began with a guided laboratory visit and a comprehensive discussion of the current Allergy projects.

The meeting was graced by the presence of Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, who extended a warm welcome to the visiting renowned experts, Prof. Rudolf Valenta from the Medical University of Vienna and Prof. Stephen Durham from Imperial College London. Their guidance and special lectures added immense value to the discussions.

Assoc. Prof. Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn, Director of SiCORE-Allergy, along with Assoc. Prof. Nitaya Indrawattana, Dr. Dichapong Kanjanawasee, and Dr. Nathachit Limjunyawong presented the progress and challenges in developing intranasal allergen preparations. The discussions focused on the strategic transition from cockroach to house dust mite intranasal immunotherapy based on unmet needs and initial research findings. As the team prepares for the first human trials under Thai FDA product registration, the SAB’s full approval for the shift was a significant validation, noting the significant prevalence and impact of house dust mite allergies in Thailand. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the molecular analysis of cockroach allergens and their cross-reactivity with house dust mites, marking important directions for future research.

2nd SiCORE-MSB Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: First-Year Progress Report in Phase 1

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On August 20th, 2024, the SiCORE-M team welcomed the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of SiCORE-MSB for a teleconference to review the first-year progress in Phase 1. The meeting began with opening remarks by Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai, Deputy Head of the Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE), extended a warm welcome to Prof. Thomas Moritz from the University of Copenhagen for the first year’s research progress evaluation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung, Director of SiCORE-MSB, along with Assist. Prof. Sukit Raksasuk, Dr. Kwanjeera Wanichthanarak, Dr. Narumol Jariyasopit, and Dr. Pattipong Wisanpitayakorn, presented significant advancements in metabolomics and systems biology, with a focus on biomarker research.

The discussion included a proposal to expand kidney biopsy research with a larger cohort to validate previous findings. The team also introduced a new imaging protocol for small molecules using mass spectrometry and shared insights on metabolomics data for identifying biomarkers in kidney disease.

SiCORE-PM&SP Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: Second Meeting on First-Year Progress Report in Phase 2

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On August 14th, 2024, the SiCORE-M Team and SiCORE-PM&SP conducted a formal teleconference with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to discuss the ongoing research’s progress and future direction. The esteemed SAB member in attendance was Prof. Andrew Futreal, Professor of Genomic Medicine at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, US.

The teleconference commenced with a warm welcome from Assist. Prof. Woraphat Ratta-apha, Head of the Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE). The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation by Asst. Prof. Somponnat Sampattavanich, Director of SiCORE-PM&SP, alongside Assoc. Prof. Siwanon Jirawatnotai and Assist. Prof. Chalermchai Mitrpant. The presentation highlighted strategic approaches to cancer research and commercialization in Asia, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and internationalization. Updates on research activities were shared, including developing organoids and PDX models with a specific focus on KRAS mutant subtypes. The discussion also addressed the challenges and opportunities in cancer research, such as the complexities of the granting system in Thailand and the need for mixed organoid cultures. The potential of lipidomics in cancer treatment and the optimization of epigenetic therapy for sarcoma were also explored.

This productive teleconference underscored our unwavering commitment to advancing cancer research, inspiring us to continue our collaborative efforts to achieve significant breakthroughs.

SiCORE-MSB Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: First-Year Progress Report in Phase 1

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On August 9th, 2024, the SiCORE-M team, led by Assist. Prof. Woraphat Ratta-apha, Head of the Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE), warmly welcomed the esteemed Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of SiCORE-MSB. The SAB, including Prof. Anil K. Agarwal, Chief of Medicine at VA Central California Health Care System and Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, was integral to our first-year progress evaluation.

The main speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Khoomrung, Director of SiCORE-MSB, presented the research progress on developing metabolomic biomarkers for lupus nephritis and innovative metabolomics and mass spectrometry analysis methods, in line with our project’s goals. The meeting also involved discussions on the development and applications of bioinformatics tools for biomedical research, focusing on integrating Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) data and analyzing clinical parameters.

SiCORE-Dengue Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: First-Year Progress Report in Phase 2

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On August 6th, 2024, the SiCORE-M Team and SiCORE-Dengue conducted a significant teleconference with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The distinguished SAB members included Prof. Xiao-Ning Xu, Chair in Human Immunology and Head of the Centre for Immunology and Vaccinology at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, and Prof. Sir Andrew J. McMichael, Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford.

The teleconference began with a warm welcome from Assist. Prof. Woraphat Ratta-apha, Head of the Center of Research Excellence (SiCORE). The primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive presentation by Assoc. Prof. Panisadee Avirutnan, Director of SiCORE-Dengue, delivered an in-depth report on the first year’s progress in Phase 2 of the project. The presentation sparked productive discussions with the SAB on the research outcomes, future directions, and potential challenges in the ongoing fight against dengue.

Newcastle University Visits Siriraj

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On August 7th, 2024, administrative members of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University — Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations; Assoc. Prof. Thawornchai Limjindaporn, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Education; and Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovations — welcomed a distinguished delegation from Newcastle University — Prof. Vishna Devi V. Nadarajah, Provost and CEO of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia; Prof. Jonathan Galloway, Provost and CEO of Newcastle University in Singapore; and Laura Mitford, Senior Manager from Newcastle University International Office, the visit focused on exploring future collaborations in medical education and research between Newcastle University and Siriraj.

The delegation concluded their visit by touring the Siriraj Medical Simulation for Education and Training (SiMSET) and the Siriraj Training and Education Center for Clinical Skills (SiTEC).

 

SiCORE-CVD Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: Phase 1 Project Completion

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The SiCORE-M team, along with Prof. Rungroj Krittayaphong, Director of SiCORE-CVD, concluded this year’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting with significant progress and actionable outcomes. The SAB teleconference lasted two days: July 23rd and July 30th, 2024.

On July 23rd, 2024, the meeting featured Prof. Gregory Lip from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, and Assoc.Prof. Jin Joo Park from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea. Prof. Rungroj Krittayaphong presented the final progress of the atrial fibrillation (AF) research, discussing advancements, future directions, and potential areas of investigation. The overview of AF research trends in Thailand highlighted the importance of collaboration and involving young researchers in the field. The discussion delved into the potential of genomic research in the Thai population, a promising avenue that could revolutionize cardiovascular research. The importance of managing acute heart failure was also underscored, and the potential for developing a new ECG monitoring system was explored.

On July 30th, 2024, the meeting included Prof. Gemma Figtree from Sydney Medical School (North), Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Australia. Prof.Rungroj presented highlights of the progress made by the Cardiovascular Research Program, including creating a national database of atrial fibrillation patients and submitting grant proposals for the next phase of the registry. Discussions also focused on advancing cardiac imaging and health economics research, emphasizing international collaboration, impact assessment, and the potential benefits of investing in metabolomics. Challenges in preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly in young patients without apparent risk factors, were addressed, emphasizing the crucial role of biobanking and imaging data in cardiovascular research.