International Grant Writing Support from Mahidol University and Workshop activity for SiCOREs

Our recent interactive learning on June 23rd, 2023, International Grant Writing Support from Mahidol University and Workshop activity was held at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University.

On this occasion, Associate Professor Weerapong Phumratanaprapin, M.D., Dean of Faculty of Tropical Medicine gave warm welcome and provided open remarks as the inauguration of the workshop.

The workshop led by 4 speakers including Professor Dr. Jetsumon (Sattabongkot) Prachumsri and MUSURF staff, including; Mrs. Sirawan (Chatsapsin) Atsawamakhin, Ms. Chittiporn Nuanla-ong, and Mr. Varinpiphob Chayathatphommirat, provided an overview of International Grant Writing Support from Mahidol University and guidance on the process of attaining international research grants, e.g., NIH, welcome trust and UKRI.

In this regard, the representatives of 6 potential SiCOREs consist of SiCORE-Allergy, SiCORE-Dengue, SiCORE-PM&SP, SiCORE-CVD, SiCORE-DO, and SiCORE-MSB, along with the research management team SiCORE-M are graceful with this learning opportunity, insights and guidance from our speakers.

This workshop is an essential step that will equip participants with knowledge of the various grant agencies and enhance international research funding opportunities for our Faculty. After the meeting, these research groups will be able to develop a grant proposal outlining a project idea with a one-page proposal, making a forward step to grant submission.

SiCOREs Forum session in SiMPH2023 on June 22nd, 2023

On June 22nd, 2023, Siriaj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit, along with the representatives of the signature SiCOREs Programs, including SiCORE-Allergy, SiCORE-Dengue, SiCORE- Cancer PM&SP, and SiCORE-Cardiovascular participated in the SiCOREs Forum session, Siriraj International Conference in Medicine and Public Health 2023 (SiMPH2023) Conference hosted by Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. This event served as a dynamic platform (onsite and Zoom conferences) to disseminate research knowledge and lessons learned from each research group.

1.The first session witnessed Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, M.D., Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation and Assist. Prof. Woraphat Ratta-apha, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Manager of Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE-M), shared “Introduction of SiCOREs” and presented the overview of SiCORE-M and SiCOREs.

2.In the following session, Assoc. Prof. Nitat Sookrung, Ph.D., deputy director, and Lecturer Nathachit Limjunyawong, Ph.D., committees of SiCORE-Allergy delivered the presentation on “Success Story Sharing: Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology.” and disseminating the success story of the research program, especially in cockroach immunotherapy and component resolve diagnosis (CRD).

3.In the third session, Assoc. Prof. Panisadee Avirutnan, M.D., Ph.D., the director of SiCORE-Dengue, provided the learning in NS1 and Control human infectious model to establish a diagnosis and therapeutic for dengue patients through the presentation topic in “Integrating Multidisciplinary Approached to Combat Dengue: A Research Program for Effective Prevention and Treatment.”

4.In the fourth session, Assist. Prof. Somponnat Sampattavanich, Ph.D., the director of SiCORE- Cancer PM&SP, conveyed his research inspiration by Technology in Precision medicine and the Systems Pharmacology in Cancer with a topic entitled “Siriraj Precision Oncology Program and our Core Technology Platforms for Systems-based Drug Discovery.”

5.In the last session, Prof. Rungroj Krittayaphong, M.D., the director of SiCORE-Cardiovascular, shared the research program progression and success story in multiple cohorts in cardiovascular disease through the presentation titled “Success Story Sharing: Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Disease.”

The SiMPH2023 Conference is one of the engaging knowledge-sharing events for current and aspiring Health practitioners, educators, and researchers marked by Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, especially the Academic department and Research and Innovation department. To uplift medical innovation excellence and push beyond the boundaries of medical research and healthcare excellence.

The 1st Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for SiCORE-Diabetes and Obesity

On June 16, 2023, the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management [SiCORE-M] Unit, led by Assoc. Prof. Sith Sathornsumetee, MD, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, MD and Assist. Prof. Tachjaree Panchalee Boonbowornpong, MD Deputy Unit Manager, along with Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Diabetes and Obesity (SiCORE-DO), led by Prof. Nattachet Plengvidhya, MD, Director, and the research team held the first teleconference with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members including Professor Gordon H. Wiliams and Professor George L. King, specialists in diabetes and obesity from Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School.

The purpose of the meeting is to welcome SAB members and provide a brief overview of a research program in Diabetes and Obesity at Siriraj. The research project will continue for the next 3 years under Research Excellence Development Program (RED). On this occasion, the two SAB members shared their insight and discussed in-depth details about the project; also, the research program received many thoughtful comments and recommendations on the essential drivers of the project accomplishment, which will lead to significant development in the research direction, plan, and activities.

In this respect, SiCORE-M and SiCORE-DO would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to SAB members for their valuable time and contributions. This meeting is a crucial starting point in leveraging the research program’s capability and research impact.

 

1st Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board: SiCORE-Metabolomic and Systems Biology (MSB)

                On June 7th, 2023, Assoc Prof. Prawej Mahawithitwong, Assoc. Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai and Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, Deputy Manager of Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M) along with Assoc. Prof. Dr.Sakda Khoomrung from SiCORE-Metabolomics and Systems Biology (SiORE-MSB) scheduled the 1st teleconference with their Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, including Professor Thomas Moritz from the University of Copenhagen and Professor Axel Roers from the University of Heidelberg.

This meeting aims to welcome SAB members and provide a brief overview of a Metabolomics and Systems Biology research program at Siriraj. During the meeting, there was an interactive discussion on the research plan and activities for the next 3 years under the Research Excellence Development Program (RED Program). The thoughtful comments and recommendations from this meeting will significantly benefit the researchers in developing research plans and leveraging research impact.

In this regard, SiCORE–M team and SiCORE–MSB would like to express our sincere appreciation to SAB members for their scientific comments and recommendations. We all look forward to further discussion in the next meeting.

The 3rd teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Diseases

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          On May 31st, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai, Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, Deputy Manager and staffs from Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M), along with Prof. Rungroj Krittayaphong from SiCORE-Cardiovascular Diseases (SiCORE-CVD) and researchers scheduled the 3rd teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, Prof. Gregory Lip from University of Liverpool, Prof. Gemma Figtree from University of Sydney and Assoc. Prof. Jin Joo Park from Seoul National University.

During the meeting, we discussed the research outputs and evaluated overall performance of our research program in Cardiovascular Diseases. The project entitled “Leading cardiovascular research towards the impact in the improvement in standard of care” , which this project has reached their 3rd year under the support of the Research Excellence Development Program (RED Program).
In this regard, SiCORE–M team and SiCORE–CVD would like to express our sincere appreciation to SAB members for their valuable time and continuing support. Notably, the insights and experience-sharing derived from this meeting are crucial mechanisms that will benefit us in leveraging our research quality based on scientific comments and recommendations. We look forward to the onsite visit on August 3rd -4th, 2023.

The 4th Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) teleconference for research performance & outputs evaluation (Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Dengue and Emerging Pathogens)

On May 10th, 2023, Assist.Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha and Assist. Prof. Tachjaree Panchalee Boonbowornpong, Deputy Manager and Prof. Prasert Auewarakul, Advisor of Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M), along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panisadee Avirutnan, Lecturer Dr.Wanwisa Dejnirattisai, Dr.Kessiri Kongmanas, and Dr.Nuntaya Pornmun form SiCORE-Dengue and Emerging Pathogens (SiCORE-Dengue) and our team researchers, Dr.Chunya Puttikhunt, Dr.Dumrong Mairiang, Dr. Sansanee Noisakran and Dr.Thaneeya Roytrakul, Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) scheduled the 4th teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, Sir Andrew J. McMichael, FRS, FMedSci, Professor of Molecular Medicine from Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford and Prof. Xiao-Ning Xu, M.D., Ph.D. from Imperial College London.

During the meeting, we discussed the research performance and outputs from the SiCORE– Dengue research project entitled “An Integrative Targeted Research Program Leading to Effective Dengue Protection and Treatment Strategies” under the support of the Research Excellence Development Program (RED Program). In addition, the program proposed the new project for future support and consulted with the SAB members on the research plan and activities.

In this regard, SiCORE–M team and SiCORE– Dengue would like to express our sincere appreciation to SAB members for their valuable time and continuing support. Notably, the insights and experience-sharing derived from this meeting are crucial mechanisms that will benefit us in leveraging our research quality based on scientific comments and recommendations. We look forward to the onsite visit on July 24th-25th, 2023.

The 4th Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) teleconference for research performance & outputs evaluation (Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Cancer Precision Medicine & Systems Pharmacology)

On May 9th, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai, Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, Deputy Manager and Prof. Prasert Auewarakul (Advisor) of Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M) along with Assist. Prof. Dr.Somponnat Sampattavanich, Assoc. Prof. Dr.Siwanon Jirawatnotai, Assist. Prof. Dr.Chalermchai Mitrpant and Assist. Prof. Dr.Bhoom Suktitipat from SiCORE- Cancer Precision Medicine & Systems Pharmacology (SiORE-PM&SP) held the 4th teleconference with their Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, Prof. Christopher L. Corless M.D., Ph.D. from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Prof. Andrew Futreal, Ph.D. from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In the meeting, there was a discussion on the project’s research outputs entitled “Siriraj Initiative on Thai Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology: Establishing research foundation for Thai cancer precision medicine” and assessing the overall performance of SiCORE–PM&SP.   Meanwhile, it was an opportunity to consult the new projects the program applied for continuing support from Research Excellence Development Program (RED Program).

On this occasion, the SiCORE–M team and SiCORE–PM&SP would like to express our sincere gratitude to SAB members for their valuable time, sharing insights, and thoughtful recommendations based on scientific content with us. We look forward to welcoming the SAB members during the onsite visit on August 8th-9th, 2023.

The 4th Teleconference with Scientific Advisory Board members on May 22nd, 2023 (Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology)

On March 22nd, 2023, the Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M) led by Assoc. Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai and Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, Deputy Manager, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn, Prof. Emeritus Dr.Wanpen Chaicumpa, Assoc. Prof. Dr.Nitat Sookrung,Dr.Dichapong Kanjanawasee and Lecturer Dr.Nathachit Limjunyawong from the Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology (SiORE-Allergy) held the 4th teleconference with their Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, Prof.Rudolf Valenta from Medical University of Vienna, Prof.Giorgio Walter Canonica from Humanitas University and Prof.Stephen R. Durham from Imperial College London.

In the meeting, we discussed the research outputs from the projects under Research Excellence Development Program (RED) support and assessed the overall performance of SiCORE–Allergy. Simultaneously, during the consultation session with their SAB, the program shared new proposed projects before submitting for continuing RED support.

On this occasion, the SiCORE–M team and SiCORE–Allergy would like to express our sincere gratitude to SAB members for their valuable time and contributions. All insight and recommendations from the meeting will undoubtedly guide the research directions and scientific content to become internationally excellent. We look forward to welcoming the SAB members during the onsite visit in December 2023.

The SiCOREs and SiCORE-M Annual Seminar in March 2023

During March 18th–19th, 2023, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, presides over the annual Siriraj Center of Research Excellence (SiCOREs) seminar, including the researchers and coordinators from the research programs in Allergy and Immunology, Dengue and Emerging Pathogen, Precision Medicine and System pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Obesity and Metabolomic and System Biology along with Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE-M).

This year, our SiCOREs and SiCORE-M Annual Meeting take place at Ozo North Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri. The program activities cover progress updates, new project presentations, accomplishments, and lessons learned from the research programs. In addition, the future strategic planning, operational structure, and relative supporting mechanisms for SiCOREs have been discussed.

 

The 1st virtual meeting with Professor Ruby Pawankar, SAB member of SiCORE-Allergy on January 10th,2023

On January 10th, 2023, Siriraj Center of Research Excellence Management Unit (SiCORE–M) Assoc. Prof. Oranee Sanmaneechai and Assist. Prof. Dr.Woraphat Ratta–apha, Deputy Manager, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn, Assoc. Prof. Dr.Nitat Sookrung,Dr.Dichapong Kanjanawasee and Lecturer Dr.Nathachit Limjunyawong from SiCORE- Allergy and Immunology (SiORE-Allergy) participated in the 1st teleconference with Prof.Ruby Pawankar, President of Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) and Professor of Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Tokyo, Japan that recently accept our invitation and become one of Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members. In the meeting, the program briefly introduced both ongoing and proposed research projects. They also enthusiastically discussed future collaboration opportunities with international academic institutes and regional private partners.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Pawankar for her valuable insights and discussions. We are very much looking forward to the SAB onsite in December 2023.