National Science And Technology Development Agency Research Articles

Optimization of performance of the KM2A full array using the Crab Nebula* *Supported by the National Key R & D Program of China (2018YFA0404201, 2018YFA0404202, 2018YFA0404203, 2018YFA0404204), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12022502, 12205314, 12105301, 12261160362, 12105294, U1931201), the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (2022010) and in Thailand by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and

The full array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has been in operation since July 2021. For its kilometer-square array (KM2A), we optimized the selection criteria for very high and ultra-high energy γ-rays using data collected from August 2021 to August 2022, resulting in an improvement in significance of the detection in the Crab Nebula of approximately 15%, compared with that of previous cuts. With the implementation of these new selection criteria, the angular resolution was also significantly improved by approximately 10% at tens of TeV. Other aspects of the full KM2A array performance, such as the pointing error, were also calibrated using the Crab Nebula. The resulting energy spectrum of the Crab Nebula in the energy range of 10-1000 TeV are well fitted by a log-parabola model, which is consistent with the previous results from LHAASO and other experiments.

Video Relay Service Recording System Using Packet-Capture Multiple Buckets Architecture

This paper presents a research and development work for the automatic service recording system using network-based monitoring approach. The project is under the cooperation of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Thai Telecommunication Relay Service (TTRS). The goal is to archive and record video relay services offered to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Using the network-based monitoring approach, we can develop a video recording system that is fully automated and intelligent to analyze different kinds of video relay services. In brief, the system functions to capture network traffic and analyze network packets, signaling, and related protocols such as TCP, UDP, SIP, SDP, RTP, as well as H.264, G.711 encoding. Then, it records the relevant media streams, creates a video file containing the whole video relay service conversation, and send the file to archive in the cloud storage. The benefits include verification in case of appeal, service evaluation, and service improvement. A technical challenge in this system development is how to process real-time interactive multi flows because it must detect and process a large number of call signaling and media streams that occur as interactive real time. The optimization is vital so that the system can swiftly do the processing in time, without causing the buffer overflow problem that can degrade the recording quality. In this regard, we developed a novel methodology for processing PCAP (Packet Capture) called Multiple Buckets Architecture. Our test results showed that it can significantly reduce the probability of buffer overflow, making the processing more efficient when compared to the traditional processing of single bucket.

Science and Business Developments

Science and Business Developments

Exploring Thai Distant Learning Using Satellite TV (eDLTV) and Problem-Based Learning

To solve the problems of teacher shortage and their indirect educational qualifications in the underprivileged rural schools, the Government of Thailand has issued the policy to use eDLTV media (Electronic Distance Learning TV Media) in its pedagogical system. Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University is assigned as one of the educational institutions to promote the application of such media in the Northeast of the country. Assigned by the university, and to support the mission, the researcher has conducted this study with the following objectives: 1) to develop a model of participatory eDLTV media technology transfer to promote learning at Phrapariyattidhamma Schools (PDS) by using Project-Based Learning (PBL) activities; 2) to study the results of the experiments of using the model’s manuals and tools; 3) to examine the results of acceptance and application of eDLTV media technology for the learning of PDS. The samples were 99 teachers and 956 students in this study, purposively selected from 1,435 students from 9 PDS in Sisaket Province. The instruments used were three questionnaires and manuals on participatory eDLTV media technology transfer. The results of the research showed that the model of participatory technology transfer of eDLTV is a form of participatory collaboration of 3 important agencies: RMU, PDS, and NSTDA (National Science and Technology Development Agency) as they together define roles, duties, and activities to promote learning in 3 phases. The overall teachers' opinions towards the model experiment showed the most suability of the model in use. The significance of this model relies upon after the training, 100 % of teachers were able to apply eDLTV in PBL in various subjects even though they had no experience in using eDLTV before.

Image Quality Evaluation of a Digital Radiography System Made in Thailand.

Background The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand researched and prototyped digital radiography systems under the brand name BodiiRay aiming for sustainable development and affordability of medical imaging technology. The image restoration and enhancement were implemented for the systems. Purpose The image quality of the systems was evaluated using images from phantoms and from healthy volunteers. Methods The survey phantom images from BodiiRay and other two commercial systems using the exposure settings for the chest, the abdomen, and the extremity were evaluated by three experience observers in terms of the high-contrast image resolution, the low-contrast image detectability, and the grayscale differentiation. The volunteer images of the chests, the abdomens, and the extremities from BodiiRay were evaluated by three specialized radiologists based on visual grading on 5-point scaled questionnaires for the anatomy visibility, the image quality satisfaction, and the diagnosis confidence in using the images. Results BodiiRay phantom results were similar to those from the commercial systems. The overall performance averaged across the exposure settings showed that BodiiRay was slightly better than Fujifilm FDR Go in the low-contrast detectability (p = 0.033) and in the grayscale differentiation (p = 0.004). It was also slightly better than Siemens YSIO Max in the high-contrast resolution (p = 0.018). The images of chest, pelvis, and hand phantoms illustrated comparable visual quality. For volunteer images, the percentage of the images scored ≥4 ranged from 61% to 99%, 23% to 92%, and 96% to 99% for the chest, abdomen, and extremity images, respectively. The average score ranged from 3.63 to 4.46, 3.18 to 4.21, and 4.41 to 4.51 for the chest, abdomen, and extremity images, respectively. Conclusion The phantom image results showed the comparability of these systems. The clinical evaluation showed BodiiRay images provided sufficient image qualities for digital radiography of these body parts.

Coping with environmental challenges: COVID-19 screening station design with standard operation procedure in Thailand

With the continuous need for COVID-19 testing in Thailand, the country lacks appropriate screening and sample-taking facilities. Based on an earlier functional prototype realized by the authors, this research aims to design, plan, and realize a screening station at a safe distance from healthcare facilities to protect those involved from coronavirus infection while the sample is being collected. The design, planning, and realization methodology combines design rationalization processes, including an expert survey based on a prototype analysis, a user survey of potential operators, and an SOP derivation based on government guidelines. Outcomes to improve the resulting station design allow later use changes, improved transportation, and speedier installation in the required locations. Results show the station design improved to the earlier prototype version, suggesting better operation flow and flexible usage, especially in rural regions where the need for isolated testing facilities is prevalent. The constructed screening station design is considered safe, operational, and suitable for implementation near healthcare facilities, offering a low risk of contamination and adaption to individual needs. Its long-lasting character and variable use also help improve health care facilities’ future pandemic preparedness. This research is funded through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

Elucidating authorship issues as an element of research quality at Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency

Authorship in a scientific publication is an indicator of significant intellectual contribution in scientific work. Regardless of the discipline, it is important for research-related personnel to receive credit and take responsibility for their publications. There are currently several systems of listing authorship that arise from many factors such as research complexity, pressure to obtain funding, hierarchical structure, and promotion. Some of these may unfortunately lead to authorship abuse. Raising awareness and understanding of authorship guidelines can help prevent abuses and disputes. National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is a national research agency of Thailand with about 2 000 research staff members. The research emphasis of the agency is mainly technology development for application in broad areas, ranging from engineering to medicine, including forensic science. We conducted a survey to identify the level of awareness of NSTDA research staff and their authorship practices. A questionnaire was designed based on the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship guidelines and used to survey 15% of randomly selected NSTDA research staff. Nearly 90% of them responded to the interview. Among the respondents, 60% were not sure about authorship criteria. When presented with the ICMJE criteria, more than 90% agreed with the criteria except for the third one, approval of the final manuscript before submission, 33% of respondents thought that authors are only responsible for their particular contribution. However, nearly 80% agreed that every author is responsible for the integrity of the whole manuscript. These results offered an important foundation for forming a strategy to raise awareness about authorship in NSTDA. Following survey analysis, we organized several seminars and developed learning materials and an authorship guideline to increase the level of awareness of authorship for researchers.

Efficacy and Safety of Ravidasvir Plus Sofosbuvir in Chronic Hepatitis C Infected Subjects Without Cirrhosis or with Compensated Cirrhosis: Interim Analysis Results of a Two-Stage, Open-Label, Multicentre, Phase 2/3 Trial

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, affordable direct-acting antivirals are urgently needed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The combination of ravidasvir, a pangenotypic NS5A inhibitor, and sofosbuvir has shown efficacy and safety in chronically HCV infected patients with genotype (GT) 4. The STORM-C-1 trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ravidasvir in a more diverse population of adults chronically infected with HCV. Methods: STORM-C-1 is a two-stage, open-label, multicentre clinical trial in Malaysia and Thailand. HCV infected subjects with compensated cirrhosis (Metavir F4 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A) or without cirrhosis (Metavir F0-F3) were eligible to participate, regardless of HCV genotype, HIV infection status, prior interferon-based HCV treatment or source of HCV infection. Stage 1 results are reported here. Once-daily ravidasvir (200mg) and sofosbuvir (400mg) were prescribed for 12 (without cirrhosis) or 24 (with cirrhosis) weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02961426 and the National Medical Research Register of Malaysia NMRR-16-747-29183. Findings: Between October 2016 and June 2017, 301 subjects were enrolled and 300 included in the full analysis set: 97 with GT1a, 27 GT1b, 2 GT2, 158 GT3, and 16 GT6; 81 (27%) had compensated cirrhosis; 90 (30%) had HIV co-infection; and 99 (33%) had prior interferon-based treatment. 291/300 subjects (97%, 95% CI 94%-99%) achieved SVR12. Three subjects prematurely discontinued study treatment due to adverse events. There were no deaths or treatment discontinuations due to the study drugs. Interpretation: In this first stage, ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir was found to be highly effective and well tolerated in all subgroups of this diverse adult population chronically infected with HCV. Trial Registration Number: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02961426 and the National Medical Research Register of Malaysia NMRR-16-747-29183. Funding: Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative; National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand; Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Conflict of Interest: Dr. Avihingsanon reports grants from National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) during the conduct of the study, and also from ViiV Healthcare outside of thesubmitted work. Tim Cressey and Nicolas Salvadori report a service agreement with DNDi.Isabelle Andrieux-Meyer, Caroline Menetrey, Francois Simon, Jean-Michel Piedagnel,Sasikala Siva, Alistair Swanson, Francois Bompart, Vishal Goyal, and Bernard Pecoul are employed by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative. All other authors do not report any potential conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: The initial protocol and all protocol amendments were reviewed and approved before implementation by the applicable individual institutional or national ethics committees. All subjects provided written informed consent.

An assessment of the niche centroid hypothesis: Pteropus lylei (Chiroptera)

AbstractRecent ecological theories propose that species reach their highest abundance and genetic diversity in the center of their ecological niche and decline toward the edges. We assessed whether Lyle's flying fox, Pteropus lylei, abundance and genetic diversity were correlated with niche centroid distance using an ecological niche model as a proxy for fundamental niche (NF). Alternatively, we assessed whether P. lylei abundance and genetic diversity were correlated with fine‐scale environmental factors as a proxy of the species’ realized niche (NR). We examined relationships between abundance and environmental factors at coarse and fine scales as proxies of NF and NR, respectively. For coarse scale, ecological niche of P. lylei was modeled using all available occurrence records in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, coupled with climatic data. We conducted field measurements of P. lylei abundance and used genetic structure data across a large portion of the species’ range. We measured Euclidean distances between abundance and genetic data and the niche centroid in environmental dimensions. Spearman’s correlation was estimated between abundance and genetic diversity vs. distance to the niche centroid. Complementarily, for the fine‐scale test, we measured multiple regression models between abundance and genetic diversity versus the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), local temperature, percent area of waterbodies, human density, and number of Buddhist temples. We failed to detect relationships between abundance and genetic diversity with the distance to the niche centroid in the coarse‐scale model. When using the fine‐scale, landscape‐level data, we found negative correlation between genetic diversity and number of temples. The data available were unable to support niche centroid hypothesis for the current distribution and abundances of P. lylei. We note that our failure to find an association does not support nor reject the niche centroid hypothesis. Instead, our capacity to test the niche centroid hypothesis may be limited by our ability to use empirical data to accurately reconstruct NF from field observations only. Future research may require physiology‐based experimental approaches to explore relationships between species abundances and the niche structure.

A novel and convenient bacterial platform for production of encapsidated double‐stranded RNA targeting white spot syndrome virus in shrimp

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a highly infectious virus that can cause 100% mortality in farmed shrimp in the matter of days, leading to significant economic losses to shrimp aquaculture worldwide. To mitigate the adverse impact of WSSV, effective antiviral strategies are necessary. Currently, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), which can silence viral gene expression through an RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, is among the most promising therapeutic tools for WSSV, but its farm‐scale utilization is held back by high costs and the lack of delivery approach. Recently, virus‐like particles (VLPs) have been applied as nanocarriers to deliver dsRNA into shrimp tissues, resulting in prolonged half‐life of the encapsidated dsRNA and stimulation of shrimp innate immunity. However, recombinant VLPs and dsRNA are traditionally expressed in two different E. coli strains: a protease‐deficient BL21(DE3) strain and an RNase III‐deficient HT115(DE3) strain, respectively. The ability to produce both VLPs and dsRNA simultaneously in a cell will reduce the costs and steps associated with the production, but attempts at VLP‐dsRNA coexpression in each of these strains resulted in degradation of either VLP or dsRNA due to the presence of proteases or RNaseIII, respectively. Here, to streamline VLP‐dsRNA production and allow simultaneous expression of VLP and dsRNA in the same cell, P1 transduction was employed to generate a novel E. coli strain which is both protease‐ and RNase III‐deficient. The newly engineered E. coli strain is able to express both MrNV‐VLP and VP28 dsRNA efficiently. Therefore, this new expression platform will pave the way for development of effective and low‐cost production of VLP‐encapsulated dsRNA for protection against viral infection in farmed shrimp.Support or Funding InformationThe authors would like to thank the following institutions for supporting research and scholarship to graduate student: Thailand Graduate Institute of Science and Technology (TGIST), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Mahidol University.

The Effect of Team Diversity on R&D Licensing in the Thai Public Research Institute

<p>The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of team diversity and institutional factors in terms of top management support and incentive system on the number of license agreements in the context of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand. The sample size is NSTDA’s licensed and unlicensed projects in between 2011 and 2015. Data has been collected through a survey carried out on a sample of 134 licensed projects drawn from the population of 144 licensed projects between 2011 and 2015. With limitation of time and sensitivity of identifying about unsuccessful projects, only 29 unsuccessful projects were identified. Consequently, the total projects to be examined by Poisson regression analysis were 163 projects. The results of the identification of the research teams in each licensed project indicated, a statistically significant positive relationship between the high degree of difference in terms of educational major/fields, the high degree of differences in experience and the number of license agreements. It contributes to a cognitive resource theory which suggests that diversity facilitates a more complex problem-solving process. In addition to team diversity, top management support as the institutional factor, is also another key success factor in supporting effective research team to enhance the number of license agreements.</p><p> </p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><em>: </em>team diversity, Public Research Institutes (PRIs), licensing, top management support<em></em></p>

Retraction of: A calreticulin/gC1qR complex prevents cells from dying: a conserved mechanism from arthropods to humans.

Retraction of: A calreticulin/gC1qR complex prevents cells from dying: a conserved mechanism from arthropods to humans Apiruck Watthanasurorot, Pikul Jiravanichpaisal, Kenneth Soderhall, and Irene Soderhall* 1 Department of Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University, Norbyvagen 18A, Uppsala SE-75236, Sweden 2 Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klongluang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand * Correspondence to: Irene Soderhall, E-mail: irene.soderhall@ebc.uu.se

Production of Human Monoclonal ScFv that Bind to Different Functional Domains of M2 and Inhibit H5N1 Influenza Virus Replication

Event Abstract Back to Event Production of Human Monoclonal ScFv that Bind to Different Functional Domains of M2 and Inhibit H5N1 Influenza Virus Replication Tippawan Pissawong1, Santi Maneewatch2, Potjanee Srimanote3, Kanyarat Thueng-In4, Fonthip Dong-Din-On5, Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul3, Thaweesak Songserm6 and Wanpen Chaicumpa7* 1 Mahidol University, Immunology, Thailand 2 Mahidol University, Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Thailand 3 Thammasat University, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Thailand 4 Kasetsart University, Microbiology and Immunology, Thailand 5 Kasetsart University, Veterinary Pathology, Thailand 6 Kasetsart University, Veterinary Pathology, Thailand 7 Mahidol University, Parasitology, Thailand Novel effective anti-influenza agent that tolerates influenza virus antigenic variation is needed. Highly conserved influenza virus M2 protein has multiple pivotal functions including ion channel activity for vRNP uncoating, anti-autophagy and virus assembly, morphogenesis and release. In this study, fully human monoclonal single chain antibodies (HuScFv) specific to recombinant and native M2 proteins of A/H5N1 viruses (both adamantane sentivie and resistant) were produced from four huscfv-phagemid transformed E. coli clones (no. 2, 19, 23 and 27) selected from a HuScFv phage display library. HuScFv of all clones show different amino acid sequences particularly at the CDRs. Influenza virus infected cells exposed to the HuScFv had reduced virus release and intracellular virus. Phage peptide mimotope searching revealed that conformational epitopes of HuScFv2 located at the residues important for ion channel activity, anti-autophagy and M1 binding; epitope of HuScFv19 located at the M2 amphipathic helix and cytoplasmic tail important for anti-autophagy, virus assembly, morphogenesis and release; epitope of HuScFv23 involved residues important for the M2 activities similar to HuScFv2 and also amphipathic helix residues for viral budding and release while HuScFv27 epitope spanned ectodomain, ion channel and anti-autophagy residues. Molecular docking results conformed to the epitope identification by phages. While the molecular mechanisms of the HuScFv await experimental confirmation, the small human antibody fragments have high potential for developing further as safe, novel and mutation tolerable anti-influenza agents especially against drug resistant variants. Acknowledgements The work was co-supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Thailand Research Fund (DPG5380001), and the Office of Higher Education Commission (RG and NRU projects), Ministry of Education, Thailand. Tippawan Pissawong received a scholarship from the Office of Higher Education Commission. References Maneewatch S, Thanongsaksrikul J, Songserm T, et al. Human single-chain antibodies that neutralize homologous and heterologous strains and clades of influenza A virus subtype H5N1. Antivir Ther. 2009;14(2):221-30. Pavoni E, Flego M, Dupuis ML, et al. Selection, affinity maturation, and characterization of a human scFv antibody against CEA protein. BMC Cancer 2006; 6:41. Skehel jj, Wiley DC. Receptor binding and membrane fusion in virus entry: the influenza hemagglutinin. Annu Rev Biochem 2000; 69:531-569. Keywords: Infuenza A viruses, Matrix protein-2 (M2), Human ScFv, phage display, Mimotopes, Homology Modeling and Molecular docking Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Translational immunology and immune intervention Citation: Pissawong T, Maneewatch S, Srimanote P, Thueng-In K, Dong-Din-On F, Thanongsaksrikul J, Songserm T and Chaicumpa W (2013). Production of Human Monoclonal ScFv that Bind to Different Functional Domains of M2 and Inhibit H5N1 Influenza Virus Replication. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.01068 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 11 Jul 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Prof. Wanpen Chaicumpa, Mahidol University, Parasitology, Bangkok, Thailand, Wanpen.cha@mahidol.ac.th Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Tippawan Pissawong Santi Maneewatch Potjanee Srimanote Kanyarat Thueng-In Fonthip Dong-Din-On Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul Thaweesak Songserm Wanpen Chaicumpa Google Tippawan Pissawong Santi Maneewatch Potjanee Srimanote Kanyarat Thueng-In Fonthip Dong-Din-On Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul Thaweesak Songserm Wanpen Chaicumpa Google Scholar Tippawan Pissawong Santi Maneewatch Potjanee Srimanote Kanyarat Thueng-In Fonthip Dong-Din-On Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul Thaweesak Songserm Wanpen Chaicumpa PubMed Tippawan Pissawong Santi Maneewatch Potjanee Srimanote Kanyarat Thueng-In Fonthip Dong-Din-On Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul Thaweesak Songserm Wanpen Chaicumpa Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Two Models of Research Technology Organisations in Asia

This article presents two models of research and technology organisations (RTOs) in latecomer countries undergoing technological catch-up. The RTOs in Model A tried to stimulate the accumulation of technological and innovative capabilities ‘within’ firms. In contrast, the RTOs in Model B attempted to create technological capabilities ‘on behalf of firms’. The models have produced different results. Case studies of Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) are used as representatives of the two models.

Strategies for technology commercialisation – Silicon Valley as a model of venture capital financing

Science and technology incubators play an increasing role in contributing to entrepreneurial, venture and economic development. This paper is concerned with the strategies for technology commercialisation and support for new venture development. The study has applied the cluster-based strategies of Silicon Valley to the case of Thailand. The findings highlight the role of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)'s Science Park and the National Innovation Agency (NIA)'s Innovation Park in supporting technology commercialisation and the development of the national innovation system. Finally, this study discusses the policy implications which would be useful for policy makers in other developing economies.

Outlook on Thailand's Genomics and Computational Biology Research and Development

With a wealth of biodiversity, a long tradition of agriculture-based industries, and an established medical and biotechnological research and development community, Thailand has become an attractive location for life sciences investment. The large amount of data generated in many areas of life sciences requires visualization, management, and analysis, principally through bioinformatics. To become successful, Thailand's research community should emphasize establishing core technologies, such as genomics and bioinformatics, to boost development of agriculture, food processing, and biomedical research. The Thai government realized the importance of this field and created a national policy to greatly increase Thailand's participation in bioinformatics and genomics, budgeting for specific development goals in research infrastructure, education, and sustainable human resources. Thailand has not lagged behind in bioinformatics research activity and recognizes the importance of bioinformatics through increased policy awareness, human resources development, and increased research activity involving genomic-scale data generation and computational analyses. Many applications of genomics and bioinformatics to biomedical research and development in Thailand have progressed substantially during the past few years, leading to successful applications in some specific local areas. However, the applications to other important areas, such as agriculture, are hampered by the limited availability of genomic sequence data and the lack of necessary biochemical/physiological information. With the advent of more and more genomic information in public databases, Thailand's research community is striving to adopt comparative genomics to obtain information of direct relevance to the country's health and industrial needs. This article highlights Thailand's contribution to genomics and bioinformatics in the following areas: (1) policy support from the Thai government, (2) capacity building through infrastructure/education/human resources, and (3) research and development in genomics and computational biology. (See Box 1 for Authors' Biographies). Box 1. Authors' Biographies Wannipha Tongsima, M.S., obtained her master's degree in Industrial Microbiology from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She was involved in founding the Bioinformatics research program in BIOTEC. To reinforce the research activity in this area, she also helped organize the first International Conference on Computational Biology (InCoB), held in Bangkok in 2002. Later, she was appointed to manage one of the first BIOTEC ethnic-specific human genetic variation programs, named the Thailand SNP Discovery Project. She works as a Genomic Medicine program coordinator for the Cluster and Program Management Office (CPMO) of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which is an umbrella organization of four other national research centers in Thailand, including BIOTEC. Sissades Tongsima, Ph.D., received his doctoral degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. He has worked for the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center on High Performance Computing (HPC) and Computational Grid. During 2002–2004, he cochaired the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) Grid Working Group. In 2003, he shifted his research direction from HPC architecture to bioinformatics research, when he started working for BIOTEC, and constructed the ThaiSNP database. His main research interest is in developing algorithms and databases for analyzing various research projects on human genetic variation. He currently heads the Genome Institute biostatistics and informatics laboratory at BIOTEC. Prasit Palittapongarnpim, M.D., earned his medical degree from Mahidol University, Thailand, and his B.S. in Mathematics from Ramkumhang University, Thailand. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand and also an Associate Professor in Microbiology at Mahidol University, where he has conducted research focusing on tuberculosis. While holding a Deputy Director position, he initiated the Bioinformatics research program at BIOTEC in 2002 and led the organization of the first InCoB conference in 2002. He is currently a Vice President of NSTDA.

Management of government research and development towards commercialisation

This paper deals with the Research and Development (R&D) management system of the two major research funding organisations in Thailand: The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Thailand Research Fund (TRF). Since there are difficulties in exerting an effective pull on the formal R&D system, specific attention is given to the innovative activities along the stages from development to commercialisation. The R&D Management System Model is proposed to deepen an understanding of the relation between the technological capability of the Thai industry, the level of innovation diffusion, and the management of R&D projects. The empirical contribution of this paper is to help R&D managers understand how to manage R&D projects to contribute to technological development in industry.

National foresight in science and technology strategy development

The paper is concerned with the national foresight exercises in Thailand to devise the key science and technology (S&T) strategies. The Thai government, through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has used the foresight processes to influence policy making and create national foresight programmes. The foresight exercise, covering the period from 2000 to 2020, aims to examine the potential of the Thai industry and investigate a set of development policies necessary to make the Thai industry successful by the year 2020. Three rounds of strategic conferences comprising 2677 people were set up to create a vision for the future of the industry. The results of the foresight process provide a comprehensive overview of the trends of the Thai industry. The study contributes towards the formulation of feasible technological and industrial policies, which would enhance the country's ability to improve the competitive position for tomorrow.

Strategic management of industrial clusters in Thailand

SummaryCurrently, the Thai government has implemented cluster development strategies to improve the national economic performance and technological capabilities. The strategic management of the reorganization of industrial clusters under-taken at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), a major research organization in Thailand, is based on the concept of the National System of Innovation (NSI). NSTDA has focussed on this clusterbased economic development model to position Thailand to meet the challenges in the environment of knowledge-based economy. The aim of the cluster-based strategy is to focus on specific internal capabilities in order to improve technological competitiveness and research capabilities to meet the needs of the country. This paper presents the process of defining the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a framework for translating NSTDA’s strategic direction into action. Specifically, the Operating Model of NSTDA is proposed as a manifestation for industrial development and effective research management to support Thailand’s national innovation system. Policy implications and supportive initiatives at NSTDA will be useful for similar research organizations in other developing countries to better exploit the industrial cluster concept to develop technological innovations and enhance performance in the NSI.

Technology foresight: creating the future of Thailand's industries

PurposeThe paper aims to deal with the application of foresight in devising strategic technology policies in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the foresight exercise carried out by the Thai government, through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the APEC Center for Technology Foresight, to examine the potential of the Thai industry and to devise development policies necessary to make the Thai industry successful by the year 2020.FindingsThe results of the foresight process provide a comprehensive overview of the trends of the Thai industry. The study contributes towards the formulation of feasible technological and industrial policies, which would enhance the country's ability to improve the competitive position for tomorrow.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of Thailand's comprehensive national foresight program.