Institute of Science (IS), Suranaree University of Technology (SUT): A Hub for Scientific Exploration

 

Background:

Founded in 1994, the Institute of Science (IS) at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has established itself as a leading center for scientific education and research in Thailand. Its mission is to foster academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility through a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs in various scientific disciplines. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, IS aims to address the evolving needs of Thailand and the global community.

 

Outstanding academic evaluation results

• 2023: SUT was ranked 5^th in Physics and 4^th in Chemistry in THE World University Rankings 2024.
• 2007-2011: SUT was ranked No. 1 in Thailand in the field of Physics.
• 2007-2011: SUT was the lead agency for the project to support the establishment of science classrooms in schools.

 

Courses Offered:

IS offers a diverse spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs catering to various scientific interests. Uniquely for SUT, the Institute of Science also serves as a center for the prestigious Development and Promotion of Science and Technology project (DPST) which provides scholarships for students showing an aptitude for science.

 

Undergraduate programs include:

• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geoinformatics
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Medical Science
• Computer Science
• Sports Science

Graduate Programs include: (Master Program and Doctoral Program)

• Applied Mathematics (International Program)
• Physics
• Applied Physics
• Chemistry (International Program)
• Environmental Biology
• Biochemistry and Biochemistry Technology (International Program)
• Microbiology
• Geo-Informatics (International Program)
• Biomedical
• Cellular and Molecular Science for Biomedical (International Program)

 

Faculty Expertise:

Institute of Science has a team of experienced lecturers, both Thai and international, who are highly specialized in their respective fields of knowledge and teaching.

 

Global Collaborations:

Institute of Science actively fosters collaborations with international partners, including:

 

1. China Institute of Atomic Energy
2. Fu Jen Catholic University
3. Goethe University Frankfurt
4. GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH
5. Guizhou University of Finance and Economics (China)
6. Harbin Engineering University
7. Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
8. Kumamoto University
9. Kyoto Institute of Technology
10. Kyoto University
11. Kyushu University
12. Nagoya Institute of Technology
13. Nanjing University
14. National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
15. Osaka University
16. Pohang University of Science and Technology
17. Seoul National University
18. Shanghai University of Electric Power
19. The ALICE Detector
20. The Australian National University
21. The Facility for Antiproton and lon Research GMBH (FAIR)
22. The Helmholtz Forschungsakademie Hessen für FAIR (HFHF) (Helmholtz Research Academy Hesse for FAIR)
23. The National Research and Innovation Agency
24. The University of Malaya
25. Universitas Brawijaya
26. Universitas Negeri Malang
27. University of California, San Diego
28. University of Shizuoka
29. University of Tubingen
30. Xinglong Observatory, National Astronomical Observatories of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences
31. Yamagata University
32. Yamaguchi University

These collaborations facilitate research exchange, faculty mobility, joint degree programs, enriching the academic experience for students and faculty alike.

 

Research awards:

IS has a vibrant research culture, with faculty members actively pursuing projects funded by national and international agencies. Research awards include:

 

Professor Dr. Santi Maensiri is ranked the 2nd Best Materials Science Scientist in Thailand and 4074th in the world according to the 2023 edition of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University. Associate Professor Dr Anyanee Kamkaew and Associate Professor Dr David J. Harding, both of the School of Chemistry, are recognized in the single year ranking, making them among Thailand’s most-cited Chemists.

 

Associate Professor Dr. Phanomsak Meeman received the Good Invention Award for "Prototype of a Three-dimensional Retina Scanner".

 

Dr. Kattika Kaaj, a Biology Major from the Institute of Science, has been recognized for her work on the development of a Paper-Based Microfluidic Platform for Biomedical Applications.

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Anyanee Kamkaew has been honored with the Good Research Award in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for her significant contributions in research on "Strategies for Targeting Cancer Using Near-infrared Fluorescent Dyes." The study involved the development of organic phosphors designed to target cancer cells through two distinct strategies. Firstly, the research focused on the structural modification of substances to disrupt the balance of cancer cells. Secondly, there was an exploration of connecting these substances to groups that recognize enzymes abundant in cancer cells. The subsequent cancer treatment utilized photodynamic therapy, a method that employs low-energy light stimulation techniques to destroy targeted cancer cells. Dr. Khamkaew's innovative research provides promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment strategies with a focus on precision and effectiveness.

 

Dr. Wanwisa Talataisong has been honored with the Good Thesis Award in Physical and Mathematical Sciences for her outstanding thesis titled "Creation of Micrometer-level Structural Polymer Optical Fibers with 3D Printers for Sensor Applications." This research focuses on the development and fabrication of micrometer-level structural polymer optical fiber generators through a novel approach.

 

Dr. Talataisong achieved a significant milestone by creating microstructured polymer optical fibers (MPOF) in a single step, utilizing a combination of mold compression and 3D printing techniques. Notably, this marked the world's first prototype capable of directly producing optical fibers from a 3D printer. The innovative process addresses the challenge of preserving the internal structure of MPOF, opening new avenues for short-term applications in telecommunications, environmental parameter measurement, and high-power laser transmission for medical surgery.

 

Associate Professor Dr. Phanomsak Meemon has been honored with the Good Invention Award in Physical and Mathematical Sciences for his groundbreaking work on the "Field Prototype of a High-Speed Three-dimensional Imaging System for Biological Tissue." The invention showcases a three-dimensional microscope employing short-range infrared light (850 nm) for swift imaging of biological sample tissues, facilitating the tracking of tissue changes. This innovative device captures deep cross-sectional images akin to ultrasound systems but with a resolution thousands of times higher. Notably, it eliminates the need for intricate sample preparation, making the imaging process more accessible. The research team designed and constructed the device entirely in-house, resulting in a compact system with a production cost that is more than 10 times lower than imported alternatives. This achievement underscores the significance of localized innovation and cost-effectiveness in advancing scientific instrumentation.

 

Associate Professor Dr. Phanomsak Meemon and Dr. Ittipon Fongkaew were honored with the Societal Innovation Award for their noteworthy contributions. Their work, titled "Camera System for Detecting and Alerting Wildlife Beyond Park Boundaries," addresses the pressing issue of wild elephants and bison straying from Khao Yai National Park into the forest-community junctions, particularly in the Wang Nam Khieo District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This migration poses a threat as these animals consume agricultural products.

In response to this challenge, the duo developed an innovative system aimed at enhancing alert efficiency. This involved integrating the existing cameras within the park with a sophisticated system capable of transmitting data to a cloud server and employing artificial intelligence for image analysis. The result is a proactive alert system that promptly notifies authorities, enabling them to respond swiftly and guide wild animals back into the protected area, mitigating potential conflicts with local communities.

 

Professor Dr. Jatuporn Wittayakun co-author of "Integrating Technology and Analytical Innovation for the Development and Design of Phosphide Metal Catalysts Specific to the Production of Liquid Biofuels of the Future" received the Good Research Award in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

 

The Institute regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences, providing platforms for knowledge sharing and fostering scientific dialogue.

 

Outstanding student activities:

Double Degree Program

Master's degree student, Department of Chemistry, participate in the Double Degree Program at the Dept of Macromolecular Science, Osaka university, receiving IPST and Jasso scholarships from Thailand and Japan.

 

Research training sessions.

Participated in the Xinglong Observational Astrophysics Training School workshop held at the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC).

 

Engaged in utilizing a specialized program to model the atmospheres of exoplanets based on observational data. Collaboratively devised research strategies on exoplanetary atmospheres with the SPEARNET (Spectroscopy and Photometry of Exoplanetary Atmosphere Research Network) research group at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

 

Research opportunities 

Graduate students (Master's and Ph.D.) in the fields of physics, chemistry, and microbiology have the opportunity to conduct research with prestigious academic and research institutions, including:

• Institute of High Energy Physics
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• SSN Research Centre
• Goethe University
• Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS)
• GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmBH
• The Facility for Antiproton and lon Research GMBH (FAIR)
• Carl von Ossietzky Universitut Oldenburg
• University of Bristol
• National Sun Yat-sen University
• Yamagata University
• CERN

 

Contact:

Academic Building 2, 1st Floor, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000

 

science@sut.ac.th

Tel: +66-44-22-4187

Fax: +66-44-22-4185

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