Dr. Thidarat Nimchua, a researcher at Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Microbial Biotechnology and Biochemicals Research Unit, BIOTEC, was selected 2018 Young Affiliate in Biological Sciences by TWAS East and South-East Asia and the Pacific Regional Partner (TWAS-SAPREP). Each year, TWAS Regional Offices each select outstanding scientists under the age of 40 years to be ‘TWAS Young Affiliate’. The highly competitive honor is awarded to promising researchers from developing nations who demonstrate potential for generating high socioeconomic impact works at a global scale. During the five-year tenure, TWAS Young Affiliates will have opportunities to expand their network with other affiliates and with elected TWAS fellows and to attend international conferences.
The award ceremony was held at TWAS 14th General Conference & 28th General Meeting in Trieste, Italy from November 27-29, 2018.
Dr. Nimchua is recognized in biotechnology for her research achievements which revolve around the development of full spectrum enzyme technology and utilization of enzyme produced by microorganisms in industrial manufacturing processes for more than a decade. The knowledge accumulated throughout the years help boost the country’s industrial capabilities to meet international standards. The knowledge has also laid the solid ground work for her team to develop their expertize in screening of enzyme with potential to be used in industrial applications, development of enzyme production process, testing of enzyme performance under various conditions, development of enzyme formulation process suitable for various industrial applications and enzyme preservation. All the developments are carried out based on technological and economic feasibility studies. The award exemplifies how industry-relevant basic research could lead to real-world applications.
Founded in 1983, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a merit-based academy that focuses on the advancement of science in developing countries through research, education, policy and diplomacy. Each year, TWAS chooses up to 25 Young Affiliates based on their achievements before the age of 40 and on their potential for future impact from 5 different regions, including (1) Arab Region (TWAS-AREP), (2) Central and South Asia (TWAS-CASAREP), (3) East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific (TWAS-SAPREP), (4) Latin America and the Caribbean (TWAS-LACREP), and (5) Sub-Saharan Africa (TWAS-SAREP).