On January 23, 2024, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the inaugural ceremony of the 49th International Congress on Science, Technology, and Technology-based Innovation (STT49) under the theme "SDGs FOR THE BENEFIT OF MANKIND" at PSU International Convention Center, Hat Yai, Songkhla. The distinguished attendees included Assoc. Prof. Thanuttkhul Mongkolaussavarat, President of The Science Society of Thailand Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, PSU President, and Prof. Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean of the Faculty of Science, accompanied by the university's esteemed executives and committees.
In this event, a total of 25 distinguished individuals were bestowed with the prestigious honor of royal plaques. Among them, Prof. Dr. Moungi G. Bawendi, the Nobel laureate in Chemistry for the year 2023 was recognized for his exceptional contributions. The accolades included 1 Senior Scientist Award, 1 Outstanding Scientist Award, 1 Outstanding Technologist Award, 3 Young Scientist Awards, and 2 Young Technologist Awards. Additionally, 6 Outstanding Science Teacher Awards and 8 Science Project Awards were presented.
Following by a special lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Moungi G. Bawendi, the Nobel laureate in Chemistry for the year 2023, hailing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States with the title "Quantum Dots: Discovery and Synthesis." Adding to the intellectual richness of the occasion, Professor Emeritus Dr. Vatcharin Rukachaisirikul, recognized as an outstanding scientist for the year 2023, gave a special presentation on the topic "Discovery and development of lead compounds from Thai fungal resources in drug discovery."
Subsequently, Her Royal Highness graciously toured the exhibition, which showcased the Royal Initiatives contributed by Her Royal Highness in support of the advancement of science. The exhibition curated by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum. There were exhibits highlighting quantum research achievements of the Faculty of Science’s researchers. Additionally, the exhibition highlighted notable health research endeavors by Asian Life Company Limited, presented by Professor Dr. Pichaet Wiriyachitra.
