Activities

1. Research Focuses
       The strong research capability of the Center for Innovation in Chemistry continues to strengthen the foundation of the organization. The research direction is focused into three target areas.

Analytical Technology:
Development of trace analysis; Quality analysis of the environment; Quality and safety control of food and agricultural products, especially in the food export industry which will give the Thai exports competitive leverage in the world market – thereby increases Thailand’s competitiveness, which is consistent with the national strategic plans.

Innovation in Bioactive Natural Products:
Utilization of the national biodiversity for the development of new drugs and improvement of health and living quality of the public; Encouragement for new innovation in herbal medicine by supporting the development of herbal products, as well as products from microorganisms and marine resources; Investigations of bioactive substances in plants using chemical biology and organic synthesis techniques to pave the way for new specific drug targets and discoveries, which will serve domestic needs and promote the export industry.

Materials Science and Nanotechnology:
Advancement in drug delivery, new materials and new polymers for medical and industrial applications; Development of novel catalysts and other compounds for alternative energy technologies such as bioenergy and solar energy, including cellulosic technology for bioethanol production, which will result in reduction of imported energy sources and enhance national energy security and sustainability.

2. Research for New Knowledge in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
        Many of the research projects aim to provide new knowledge in chemical sciences and related areas. The research outputs are continually published in international journals — a process that potentially leads to innovation development.

3. National and International Collaborations
    1. Effective collaborations among research groups in different focus areas are being carried out by the members of the partner universities. Inter-consortia research collaboration is also being undertaken.
    2. Collaborations with Rajabhat Universities and Rajamangala Universities have been initiated and are being strengthened.
    3. Research collaborations, including staff exchanges with prestigious universities in countries such as Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, U.K. and U.S.A. are ongoing. Additionally, education and research collaborations with the greater Mekong Subregional (GMS) countries have been established.

4. PERCH-CIC Congress Series
        The Congress series has become one of the milestone activities of the Center; it creates team spirit, allows researchers from the thirteen member universities to discuss and share their research results as well as their facilities and opportunities. The Congress has also become the most important international meeting in the chemical sciences in Thailand with the attendance of distinguished participants from abroad and from within Thailand. The general meeting at the conclusion of each Congress with the participation of staff, students and supporting personnel has been an extremely important forum for strategic planning of the Center.
 

5. Industrial Linkages and Outstanding Innovation
    1. Extensive collaborations with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) on product innovation and productive communication with the entrepreneurs.
    2. Linkages with major companies such as the Siam Cement Group (SCG) and the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) are being developed. The existing ongoing collaborations with the Pollution Control Department, UNICEF, Bangkok High Lab Co.,Ltd., Kovic Kate International (Thailand), International Laboratories, Corp. (ILC) and Metrohm Siam are being strengthened.
    3. Four outstanding innovations, PlaitanoidsTM, LotusiaTM, Field Test Kits and Siam Gasohol Kit, have been commercialized, while Gas Trap and Sensor on Chip (Microfluidic), Fluid Conductivity Meter and Flow-based Analyzers including Lab-at-Valve Analyzer and Hydrodynamic Sequential Injection Analyzer are at the engineering stage.
 

Future Prospects
   We are entering an exciting period of developing chemical and pharmaceutical sciences research in support of achieving national strategic goals.
   1. The consortium will be a very strong foundation for development of chemical and pharmaceutical sciences in Thailand.
   2. The linkage of research and innovation will be a cornerstone of enhancing national competitiveness.
   3.  It is anticipated that the center will be a regional hub for chemical and pharmaceutical sciences research. We are on the way to become the “World Class Center of Excellence in Chemistry”.