News

PSU.Sci Notes newsletter

PSU Faculty of Science Strengthens Ties with Songkhla Passport Office

On 6 December 2024, the administrative team of the Faculty of Science at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), led by Associate Professor Dr. Uraporn Vongvatcharanon, Associate Dean for Human Resources and Health Sciences, Associate Professor Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Education, and International Relations, and Assistant Professor Dr. Boonyarit Chatthong, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Public Relations, welcomed Mr. Tohpong Smiti, Head of the Songkhla Passport Office under the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations between PSU and international organizations, particularly universities in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. Mr. Smiti expressed the Passport Office’s readiness to support the Faculty’s academic outreach and to facilitate the promotion of PSU’s programs abroad. Discussions also covered streamlining passport services and document certification for faculty members and students involved in international activities.

This meeting marks the beginning of a promising partnership, laying the groundwork for future collaboration in various areas of academic and administrative support.

IBSC 2024: Innovation and Collaboration in Bioscience

The 9th Joint International PSU-UNS Bioscience Conference 2024 was held on October 28-29, 2024, at the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, with the theme "Bio4 Expanding The Horizon."

The event welcomed 128 participants from Bangladesh, Italy, Malaysia, Serbia, and Thailand, who came together to discuss innovations in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, and Bio-sensing Technology.

During the opening ceremony, key speeches were delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of PSU, Prof. Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean of the Faculty of Science, PSU, and Prof. Dr. Srđan Rončević, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in bioscience.

Keynote presentations included talks on bioscience research frontiers, sustainable bioscience innovations, and the role of organic soil amendments in agriculture, along with insights on Horizon Europe funding opportunities.

In addition, several invited speakers shared their expertise on topics ranging from the traditional uses of mints in Southeast Europe, the health benefits and risks of Apiaceae species, to the potential of functional nanomaterials for healthcare applications.

The conference also focused on sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint, while fostering collaboration and new ideas among researchers. It was a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and build connections for future scientific advancements.

UM Delegation Visits Faculty of Science for Collaboration

On 27 November 2024, the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), welcomed 39 students and 2 lecturers from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, for a one-day academic exchange. The visit started with a warm introduction to PSU’s faculty and its various curriculums. To make the atmosphere more relaxed and enjoyable, icebreaking activities were held.

After the opening session, the visitors were split into smaller groups for lab visits based on their areas of study or personal interests. Each group was guided by PSU faculty members who provided insights into their respective fields. The Mathematics group was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Chailuek, while the Physics group was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chittanon Buranachai. The Geophysics was represented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Helmut Josef Durrast and Dr. Radchagrit Supakulopas, who shared their expertise. Asst. Prof. Dr. Krittika Kaewchumnong guided the students to the Biological Science where Dr. Yingyod Lapwong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lompong Klinnawee, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nawee Noon-anant shared their research and expertise in various biological sciences topics. Finally, those interested in Innovations in Science and Education were hosted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suttida Rakkapao.

The visit gave students from Universiti Malaya a chance to learn more about the faculty’s academic and research environment while fostering meaningful interactions with faculty members. The day was a valuable opportunity for both institutions to connect, exchange knowledge, and inspire future collaborations.

4th Home@Science - on Loy Krathong Day

International students from the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), participated in the 4th Home@Science event on Loy Krathong Day on 15 November 2024.
Home@Science is an annual event arranged by the International Relations Team to support international students in knowing each other and therefore finding friends, while learning aspects of Thai culture.
This year, participants joined the Loy Krathong parade, learned about this important Thai tradition and made their own vessels from local plants.

PSU - UM Mobility Program (UM) 2024

30 students from the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), participated in The 2nd PSU-UM Reciprocal Mobility Program 2024 (Outbound) at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, from November 3-7, 2024.
The activities included courses in Data Visualization and Drone Programming, taught by Dr. Riyaz Ahamed Ariyaluran Habeeb Mohamed and Dr. Asmiza Abdul Sani from UM. Students gained knowledge in programming skills while also improving their language abilities.
Additionally, the program featured cultural and language learning activities led by Malaysian buddies who had previously participated in the same program when the Faculty of Science, PSU hosted them from August 18-22, 2024. The students also joined excursions in the university and Kuala Lumpur, including UM landmark, Royal Selangor Pewter, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), and Suria KLCC.

Dr. Somphop Limsoontharakul, Acting Deputy Head for Research and Innovation in Computational Science, explored potential collaboration extensions with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraya Hamid, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at FCSIT, UM. Proposed initiatives include joint research, student internships, and co-hosted conferences, with further development planned at the faculty level.

ZHAW seeks for extending collaboration

On 25 October 2024, the Faculty of Science welcomed research delegates from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Switzerland.

Dr. Simon Cerqua, Research Associate (ZHAW) and Ms. Eugenia Bonora, Research Assistant (ZHAW) visited Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirinya Chantarak, Polymer Science and Technology for their research project. On this occasion the delegates were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonyarit Chatthong, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation and Public Relations to dicuss establishing research collaborations with other researchers and exchange opportunities in undergraduate and graduate level.

CoSTEP Visit Faculty of Science:

Enhancing Science Communication and Collaboration

From 16 to 17 October 2024, the Faculty of Science welcomed delegates from the Communication in Science and Technology Education and Research Program (CoSTEP), attached to Hokkaido University, for an engaging series of meetings, discussions, and workshops focused on advancing science communication.

On 16 October, the delegation met with the Dean and Administrators of the Faculty of Science, followed by a special talk titled "Lab to Life - The Art of Science Communication," delivered by Dr. Motoko Okumoto, attracting 67 registered staff and students. The day continued with a discussion session on the Science Communication curriculum, led by Dr. Hyunjung Park, focusing on local contexts and contemporary arts.

On 17 October, a workshop on "Science Storytelling" was conducted by Misaki Ouchida for students from PSU's Wittanayusorn High School. These activities aimed at preparing for a larger-scale workshop scheduled for April 2025.

This visit also marks an important step in strengthening academic collaborations and promoting innovative approaches to science communication at Prince of Songkla University.

Sharing session with UKM delegates on lab MAnagement

On September 5, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonyarit Chatthong, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Public Relations, welcomed 28 delegates from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The delegation included representatives from both the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Medicine.

The session focused on knowledge sharing in laboratory management, featuring presentations on ESPReL (Essential Safety Practices in Research Laboratories) and Biosafety protocols, alongside an overview of research management strategies.

PSU - UM Mobility Program (PSU) 2024

On 19 August 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, extended a warm welcome to Associate Prof. Dr. Azah Anir Norman, Deputy Dean of Development, Ms. Nur Izzati Alias, Administrative Assistant in Student Affairs, and students from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, Malaysia, to join the PSU – UM Mobility Program 2024.

During this 5-day Computer Science reciprocal program, from 18 – 22 August 2023, students join two workshops, Internet of Things, taught by Dr. Somphop Limsoontharakul, and 3D Modelling, taught by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chinnapong Angsuchotmetee. An excursion to Songkhla added the cultural aspect to this educational program.
This is the second time since the pandemic that both universities have arranged a program for knowledge and cultural exchange, strengthening relations.

DElegates from JXUST visit the faculty

On August 6, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, welcomed four delegates from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology (JXUST), People's Republic of China. Li Jinhui, Deputy Dean, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wang Jiyuan, Deputy Dean, School of Information Engineering, Zhong Xiaohui, Deputy Dean, School of Science, and Wang Gang, Director, Lab, School of Business visited and sought for common areas in research and teaching.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neeranuch Phusunti introduced the Chemistry program and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chinnapong Angsuchotmetee the Division of Computational Science, common interest was found especially in the area of analytical chemistry and statistics. After the discussion, the group visited Chemistry labs, especially the Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor (TAB-CoE), and explored the premises of the Division of Computational Science.

The Executive Visit of the JXUST delegation is a part of the activities under the MoU Addendum 2023-24.

NTOU and PSU Sign MoU for Cooperation: Initiating collaborative MOOC design

On July 16, 2024, Prof. Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-Arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thammarat Panityakul, Associate Dean for Planning and Infrastructure, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonyarit Chatthong, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Public Relations, welcomed a team of visitors from National Taiwan Ocean University, led by Prof. Ming-Wei Lu, Dean of Academic Affairs, to discuss digital course development.

NTOU, also a member of the International Oriented Open Online Educators Alliance, presented its courses at Global MOOCs available at https://rb.gy/92r00x.

An agreement was signed to provide high-quality educational resources, promote the development of digital education between the two institutions, and enhance students' international competitiveness. To kick off the collaboration, a possible course in marine technology was considered.

May 20-29, 2024, UNS-PSU biology field trip including San Kala Khiri National Park and Khao Pa Chang Laem Kham Non-Hunting Area

Looking back on the long-lasting relationship between the University of Novi Sad and PSU, the annual biology field trip was resumed after the forced break due to the pandemic. Led by Dr. Yingyod Lapwong, the group visited several places around Southern Thailand and was involved in many hands-on learning experiences in natural settings and a summary of the various learning outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Han-Chen Ho from Tzu Chi University, Taiwan Visits cadaveric surgical training center

PSU Cadaveric Surgical Training Center welcomed Prof. Dr. Han-Chen Ho from Tzu Chi University, Taiwan.

On Monday, May 20, 2024, the PSU Cadaveric Surgical Training Center, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uraporn Vongvatcharanon welcomed Prof. Dr. Han-Chen Ho and Prof. Dr. Alex Hon-Tsen Yu. The discussion about anatomical knowledge led to a good opportunity to collaborate with us and jointly develop future cadaveric research related to clinical anatomy.

Faculty of Science and Faculty of Agro-Industry have hosted ISSTUP 2024, under the theme of “Food and Science for Sustainable Future”

On 3rd May 2024, PSU’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Agro-Industry together with the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) hosted The 2nd International Symposium on Science and Technology UKM-PSU (ISSTUP 2024) with the focus on “Food and Science for Sustainable Future” at Crystal Hotel Hat Yai, having Assoc. Prof. Dr. Santad Wichienchot, chairman of the conference, delivered the welcome remark, followed by an opening remark by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, PSU.

We are honored to listen to the plenary lectures from Assoc. Prof. Sunton Wongsiri, M.D., on PSU vision and research strategy on food and health, as well as Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Lim Seng Joe’s impressive findings titled Functional Food: An ASEAN perspective.  

With the main focus on food science, over a hundred professors and students from different institutes participated in this one-day conference. This year, it emphasized two scientific tracks: Food and nutrition, and Life science. The academic sessions included 6 keynote lectures along with extensive oral and poster presentations.

The collaboration between UKM and PSU aims to foster a strong academic relationship between the two institutions, promoting knowledge exchange and mutual growth. This conference serves as a platform for students to showcase their research findings and build connections with peers from different countries. It is centered not only on research presentations but future research collaboration and student mobility are also discussed.

We hope to build stronger connections between Malaysia and Thailand and meet everyone again at UKM!

Science students join trilateral Global SDGs camp @Toho University, Japan

Ten science faculty students participated in the 2nd COIL: SDGs Global Camp 2024, hosted by Toho University in Japan from March 23-26, 2024. During the camp, student teams executed their research plans, summarized their findings, and presented developed action plans to achieve their chosen SDGs.

One of the highlights of the camp was a field trip to Shitada-no-Mori Satoyama, an urban conservation area emphasizing human coexistence with nature. Students had the opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges, particularly through food, and learn about agriculture, crop rotation, rice farming, local flora and fauna, forest maintenance, and traditional house architecture.

The camp represented the second phase of the program. Based on the concept of Collaborative Online International Learning, the first phase ran from October 2023 to March 2024. During this phase, students became acquainted with each other, learned about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), selected one SDG for their team, and collaboratively prepared their research questions and mapped their activities for the onsite phase.

Now in its third cycle, this project has been extended to include the camp following the easing of the pandemic. It is a trilateral collaboration among Toho University, Chung Shan Medical University, and the Faculty of Science at PSU. The project aims to educate students about the SDGs, raise awareness of environmental conservation, and develop English communication skills through real-world experiences with international peers.

Experiencing a foreign environment firsthand allowed students to enhance their communication, adaptability, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills. These soft skills will be beneficial for their future careers.

Prof. Emer. Dr. Supayang Voravuthikunchai, CABI-SEA Director, cordially welcomed the delegates from Biomedicine, School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia

On February 27, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-Arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, together with Prof. Emer. Dr. Supayang Voravuthikunchai, Director of Center of Antimicrobial Biomaterial Innovation-Southeast Asia (CABI-SEA), welcomed a team of visitors from Biomedicine at Universiti Sains Malaysia, led by Professor Dr. Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed, to visit CABI-SEA, one of the three talent management centers under the Faculty of Science, PSU . The purpose of the visit is to exchange knowledge and research regarding biomedical innovation. CABI-SEA researchers in microbiology and nanotechnology also organized the laboratory tour, full of insights and innovative medical supplies made by the center, such as surgical suture, acne patches, medical gloves, and wound healing products.

We hope that this visit will bring about further collaboration between the two institutions regarding student exchange and international research collaboration.

Page updated

Report abuse