Monday August 15, 2022 – The Research and Academic Service Section, Division of Research Administration, Khon Kaen University held a prize awarding ceremony to outstanding and Sarasin-Honors researchers of 2021. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University made an opening address after Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies delivered the reporting speech. The event, held at Orchid Ballroom 3, 2^nd Floor, Pullman Raja Orchid Hotel Khon Kaen, was attended by the awarded researchers as well as those joining to congratulate them.

The awards for outstanding and Sarasin-Honors researchers are the valuable and honorable prizes that Khon Kaen University bestows on certain researchers every year in order to promote the creation of research and to award the personnel who are dedicated and determined to produce outstanding works until they have been published in renowned journals. In 2022, the award presentation ceremony has been organized for the 10^th time.

Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies related that the ceremony this year was supported from the University’s revenue of 2022. Up to the present time, 289 prizes have been awarded. This year, there are 39 prizes divided into 38 prizes for outstanding researchers, which include 19 silver medals, 14 golden medals, and 5 diamond-level prizes; and one Sarasin-Honors award.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University congratulated the 39 awarded researchers with appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice in their works, which include instruction as well as academic services.

“This ceremony is the occasion that we can thank the researchers for bringing good reputation to the university. KKU is among the Global & Frontier Research group that emphasizes world-leading research. The World Rankings are like the important strategy behind our work and attempts. The key indicator is the research work. The 39 awarded researchers are the major part that pushes KKU towards very good World Rankings, and brings pride to the university. On behalf of KKU, I am proud of your valuable works. Besides your own reputation is the reputation of Khon Kaen University.”

Prof. Somchai Pinla-or, Ph.D., who is granted the Sarasin-Honors award 2021 said that he was very happy and honored when he learned about the award that brings pride to his life as a university’s lecturer, for the prize is the greatest for the research work. He then thanked the Research Section and the University for awarding him this prize.

“The research work I’m most proud about is the study on the mechanism behind the liver fluke disease that leads to cholangiocarcinoma. We conducted the study on experimented animals, from feeding mice to cause cholangiocarcinoma. There were a lot of evidences that have proved that liver fluke is the main cause of cholangiocarcinoma. This work was published in Q1 journal. The work has been taken as part of the national policy and brought impact to the society.”

Prof. Somchai Pinla-or went on to explain about the principle behind his work. He believes that researchers must be honest and hold on to integrity in the work. Researchers must believe in the academic validity and correctness. Sometimes, research studies may be erroneous. But if we believe about correctness, we will be able to finally solve the problem. In addition, lecturers do not have to conduct research only, we have to teach and give academic services, nurture the art and culture. Therefore, we must balance these duties effectively. For example, I don’t have only the research duty, I also used to be the chairman of the graduate studies in the past. I was responsible for the curricular standards of the programs at the master’s degree and doctorate degree level. At present, our students’ work also adds to our research outcomes. The bodies of knowledge obtained are used to teach graduate students and undergraduate medical students. Therefore, we have to balance our duties well, not emphasizing only one of them. In addition, we also have the duty to take care of our family so that everyone is happy.

News: Rawiporn Saisaenhong

Photos: Natthawut Jaruwong

[Thai]

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July 5, 2022 – Khon Kaen University held a forum on “Knowing Cannabis: Perception, Understanding, Safety and Advantages”. Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute of Khon Kaen University acted as the moderator of the forum, which was held onsite at the Auditorium Room, 1^st Floor, Northeast Science Park, Khon Kaen University, and online by ZOOM Meeting and Facebook live.

Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute of Khon Kaen University said that following the Announcement of the Ministry of Public Health on List of Category 5 Dangerous Drugs, 2022, which is effective as of June 9, 2022; the flowers, bark, trunk, branch, root, leaves, both fresh and dried, or residue from extraction of hemp and cannabis, are no longer in the list of addictive drugs. As a result, cannabis and hemps have been used widely, but with the opposing trend. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation therefore issued an announcement on the Guidelines for the Use of Hemp and Cannabis in Universities, Official Organizations, and Affiliations of the Ministry. Following are also announcements of different academic institutions related to the banning of hemp and cannabis. Khon Kaen University also sees the problems that arise. As a higher educational institution, KKU should provide correct academic information related to this matter. This forum is therefore organized for knowledge and understanding of hemp and cannabis.

The event featured the interesting topics that were presented by famous experts who are specialized in hemp and cannabis and have compiled bodies of knowledge related to the plants from reliable sources all over the world. Some speakers had medical experience in the use of the plants, their use for food products and cosmetics. The topics also included innovation, advances and policies related to research and utilization of hemp and cannabis for medical and commercial benefits of Khon Kaen University.

Following were the topics and the experts and specialists who presented the talks:

“Cannabis in the World Trend” by Assoc. Prof. Pattapong Ketsomboon, M.D., Ph.D., a family physician from the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

“The Act for Unlock Cannabis and Useful Laws: What freedom? What can be done, or cannot be done?” by Dr. Panthep Pongpuapan, Speaker of the Special Commission Drafting Hemp-Cannabis Act, House of Representatives and Dean of Rangsit Institute of Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging, Rangsit University.

“Values of Cannabis and Hemp, How many? Let Us Know Hemp and Cannabis” by Dr. Montaka Teerachaisakul, a Pharmacist and Director of the Division of Economic Herbs, Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health.

“How Can One Be Confident When Selecting Foods with Hemp and Cannabis Ingredients? by Khun Narumon Chatsawang, an expert in the safety of food and food consumption, Division of Food, Office of Food and Drug Administration.

“Hemp and Cannabis: Benefits, Disadvantages, and Precautions (Experience of use in patients and restaurants)” by  Dr. Pakakrong Khwankhao, a Pharmacist and Deputy Director of Medical Cannabis Institute, Ministry of Public Health and Head of Traditional and Herbal Medicine Evidence Center, Apai Phubet Hospital.

“Progress and Policies for Research and Knowledge Development, and Utilization of Hemp and Cannabis of Khon Kaen University” by Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute.

The next part was a forum for exchange of experience and viewpoints led by Prof. Suwanna Arunpongpaisan, Ph.D. and Assoc. Prof. Sriwiang Pairotekul, M.D., Head of Palliative Care Center, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Prof. Suwanna Arunpongpaisan, an expert in Addictive Psychiatry and an administrative member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand; Assoc. Prof. Bandit Chumworathayee, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Faculty of Medicine, KKU; Khun Surote Phaengma, a professional pharmacist from the Consumer Protection and Public Pharmacy, Office of Public Health, Khon Kaen. The forum was moderated by Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute.

The forum was conducted by ZOOM Meeting and streamed through Facebook live for staff, students and the public who were interested both in the university and outside in order to offer both the positive and negative perspectives so that there will be no hesitation from ignorance and that there will be no waste of opportunity in medical benefits or economy.

News / Photos: Jiraporn Pratomchai

[Thai]

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