Symposiums

The symposium on Food Safety and Precision Agriculture will showcase significant researches, emerging technologies, and their applications in food safety and precision agriculture. The symposium offers a platform for oral and poster presentations, exhibitions, and a forum for information exchange. Key topics include the development of methods, sensors, devices, technologies, and platforms to detect chemical and biological contaminants in food and agriculture products and processes. Internet-of-things, machine learning, technology and data analytics utilize to optimize crop yields, minimize waste, and reduce environmental impact will also be addressed. The symposium will bring together experts from different disciplines to discuss the latest developments, share insights on how to tackle these complex issues and work towards a safer and more sustainable food and agricultural systems through collaboration and multidisciplinary research.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Thai pioneer research group has been publishing about 60 new findings in ISI database. Rhodomyrtone, a new antibiotic from R. tomentosa leaf extract presented extremely potent and broad Gram-positive antibacterial activity, which is comparable with last resort antibiotics in glycopeptide and lipopeptide groups.

This symposium is set up to highlight an alternative approach for prevention and treatment of drug-resistant bacteria as well as immune-related diseases with the aim to promote human and animal health and well-being and reduce the use of antibiotics and chemicals. The symposium will cover the following aspects in order to:

1. Demonstrate our findings to a multitude of applications and prepare to extend our available prototypes to other uses including end-user problems.
2. Display a roadmap to move a product from lab to commercialization including FDA.
3. Provide solid information on this plant species for agricultural purposes.

Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil

In Thailand, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil) has a long history of traditional use and has been recognized for its medicinal properties by folk healers. However, for many years it was classified as a prohibited substance under the Narcotics Act. In 2021, Thailand passed the updated Narcotics Act (No. 8) B.E. 2564 (2021), which removed kratom from the list of prohibited substances and allowed possession and consumption. On August 26, 2022, the Kratom Plant Act B.E. 2565 (2022) was published in the Royal Gazette and came into effect the following day. The Act regulates the trade, sale, consumption, study, and advertising of kratom leaves in Thailand.

This exhibition aims to highlight our research including upstream (cultivation), midstream (extraction), downstream (the development of medical grade products and results of preclinical studies on the properties of kratom as a substitute for detoxification and withdrawal symptom management of alcohol, morphine and methamphetamine) and regulation and policy of kratom in Thailand.

Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil

In Thailand, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil) has a long history of traditional use and has been recognized for its medicinal properties by folk healers. However, for many years it was classified as a prohibited substance under the Narcotics Act. In 2021, Thailand passed the updated Narcotics Act (No. 8) B.E. 2564 (2021), which removed kratom from the list of prohibited substances and allowed possession and consumption. On August 26, 2022, the Kratom Plant Act B.E. 2565 (2022) was published in the Royal Gazette and came into effect the following day. The Act regulates the trade, sale, consumption, study, and advertising of kratom leaves in Thailand.

This exhibition aims to highlight our research including upstream (cultivation), midstream (extraction), downstream (the development of medical grade products and results of preclinical studies on the properties of kratom as a substitute for detoxification and withdrawal symptom management of alcohol, morphine and methamphetamine) and regulation and policy of kratom in Thailand.

The impact of COVID-19 on science education has been significant and wide-ranging. The pandemic has transformed science teaching and learning for all levels. It forces educational institutions to adopt effective remote learning approaches, disrupts in collaborative learning, triggers the innovation and increases awareness of the importance of science education research. The symposia session on “Transforming Science Education in the Pandemic Era” aims to share and learn from all participants regarding how to help students succeed academically and develop essential skills for their future endeavours. It covers all sub-topics on transforming science education, namely teaching and learning approaches, evaluation and assessment, technology integration and innovation in education. This session provides three main parts: a seminar with outstanding science teachers, oral presentations, and the Arduino workshop. We are pleased to invite all to participate in the session for knowledge exchange, learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Remarkably, the presenter of this session can present works in Thai language, including the full-text publication. We look forward to seeing you all at the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University.

The energy session aims to bring together professors, students, scientists, representatives from related government agencies, as well as company representatives to exchange and share their experiences and research results on two sub-sessions of energy including Fusion - Energy for the Day after Tomorrow and Renewable Energy for Thailand’s Energy Transformation. We would like to explore Thailand’s energy options and solutions that can minimize CO2 emissions to almost zero to keep the Earth in livable boundary conditions tomorrow and beyond. Each sub-session consists of the following topics. Fusion - Energy for the Day after Tomorrow: Thailand Tokamak I (TT1) status and updates, fusion program in Thailand, plasma diagnostics, energetic particles study, plasma transport and suppression, plasma heating and fueling prospect, superconducting magnets and cryogenic system, International outreach and collaboration Renewable Energy for Thailand’s Energy Transformation: Renewable Energy, Solar, Wind, Bioenergy, Geothermal, Hydrogen, CCS, Heat&Cold, EV, Energy System Transformation, Energy Efficiency, Energy Policies, Energy Economics, COP28

Nowadays, global warming is a hot issue. The rubber industry, particularly in the production and processing of rubber, are significant contributors to global warming and climate change. By focusing on environmentally friendly practices in the rubber industry, we can mitigate the environmental impact and contribute to efforts in reducing global warming. The focus on sustainable rubber production, alternative materials, recycling, and waste management in the context of "Environmentally Friendly Rubber and Its Future" is integral to combatting global warming and achieving a more sustainable future for our planet. The conference session “Environmentally Friendly Rubber and Its Future” aims to address key challenges and opportunities in the realm of environmentally friendly rubber, focusing on the following areas:

1. Sustainable Rubber Production:
• Energy-efficient and resource-saving rubber processing techniques
• Novel approaches to eco-friendly cultivation methods

2. Alternative Rubber Materials:
• Innovations in bio-based and renewable rubber substitutes

3. Rubber Recycling and Waste Management:
• Advancements in rubber recycling technologies and processes
• Circular economy models for rubber waste management

4. Environmental Impact Assessment:
• Evaluating the ecological footprint of rubber cultivation and processing

5. Green Chemistry and Materials:
• Development of sustainable rubber additives and processing aids
• Eco-friendly formulations and compounding techniques
• Optimization of material properties for improved environmental performance

6. New value approach of natural rubber for applications

This symposium will provide a platform to diverse groups of experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for sustainable management practices. The symposium will address current research knowledge, gaps, case studies, and practices related to life on land, life below water, and nature-based solutions to climate change. This symposium aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, halt biodiversity loss, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. Through this symposium, various topics of interest, problems, and solutions related to climate change, biodiversity, the potential of nature-based solutions will be addressed and highlighted with specific focus on:

1. Climate change and its impacts on the biodiversity and environment
2. Mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat climate change with specific interest to nature-based solutions
3. Restoration and conservation of environment and ecosystems
4. Sustainable management practices and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and livelihoods
5. Policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement towards biodiversity and climate change strategy coherence and considerations into decision-making processes

This symposium will explore how to better understand climate change and its impacts on fauna, flora, and microbiomes. It will also address how to better conserve, restore, and sustainably use resources for sustainable development and halting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Through this symposium, the shared knowledge and research will make contribution to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 13, 14, and 15 and will link and mobilize scholars, experts, and members of governmental agencies and funding agencies.

Forensic science is a dynamic discipline that encompasses various scientific techniques and methodologies applied to the investigation of crimes and legal proceedings. In light of the Royal Decree passed last year, which regulates the practice of forensic science as a licensed profession, it is essential to discuss the significance of forensic curricula in shaping the knowledge and competencies of forensic professionals. Furthermore, it is important to explore how forensic curricula in Thailand can support and contribute to the creation of forensic innovations.

Firstly, we will delve into the key components of effective forensic curricula, exploring how they can equip professionals with the necessary tools to address the evolving challenges and demands of modern forensic science in accordance with the requirements of the Royal Decree. This discussion will be led by practitioners and academia who initiated and drafted the Royal Decree.

Secondly, we will examine how innovative research in forensic curricula can drive advancements in the field. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, emerging forensic methodologies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, we can push the boundaries of forensic science, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and improved investigative techniques. This workshop will adopt a multi-faceted approach involving stakeholders from various levels, including the National Research Council of Thailand (funding agency), Prince of Songkla University Science Park (supporter), and forensic practitioners (users and researchers).

Join us in this symposium to discuss the role of forensic curricula in supporting the forensic professions and fostering innovation. Engage in stimulating discussions, interactive workshops, and networking/matching sessions to gain insights, share experiences, and build connections with experts and peers in the field.

X-ray crystallography is the experimental science and is by far the most powerful method to determine the arrangement of atoms of a crystalline solid in three-dimensional space. This method has been used in structural chemistry and biological macromolecules for over a century. In the biological crystallography, three-dimensional structures of molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids are determined at atomic level. This helps us to understand the basic mechanisms of biomolecules, as well as aid in novel drug discovery. Apart from macromolecular crystallography, the determination of crystal structures of organic, organometallic and coordination compounds (i.e. coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks), known as small molecule or chemical crystallography, is of great importance and highly valuable for understanding the structure property relationship as well as supramolecular interactions (such as hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, and π–π stacking) of the crystalline solids. Notably, it also brings about crystal engineering for better structural design and achievement of desired functionalities.

Radioecology is a multidisciplinary scientific concerning the presence/concentration of both natural (e.g., 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, 7Be, 14C, and others) and artificial (e.g., 90Sr, 134Cs, 137Cs, and others) radionuclides in the environment, the complexity of their transfer processes within and between ecosystems, and the effects of ionizing radiation on human and non-human biota. Investigations in radioecology consist of field samplings and experiments, controlled-lab experiments, and laboratory procedures including radiochemistry and radioactivity measurement. Radiological studies normally focus on three main environments in the biosphere: marine environment, freshwater environment, and land environment. They could provide necessary data for radiation dose estimation and radiological risk assessment on human and the environmental health using predictive models. Interest and studies in the area of radioecology, environmental radioactivity, and utilization of radiotracers to reveal biogeochemical and ecological processes have significantly increased to ascertain and manage radiological risks associated with both routine and accidental releases from the historical nuclear testing, the nuclear accidents/facilities, and non-nuclear facilities. This session welcomes presentations on both basic and advanced research programmes on radioecology, environmental radioactivity, and related disciplines in order to promote and advance the science of environmental radioactivity research, and to enhance the radiological protection of humans and the environment.

The Science Society of Thailand under the patronage of His Majesty the King (SCISOC) recognizes the need of training new scientist and technologist to advance to the position of highly skilled scientists and technologists in the country. This leads to a boost in research and development, which is critical for the country's long-term economic and social development in Thailand's Science Society. Accordingly, SCISOC establishes the Young Rising Stars of Science (YRSS) awards for high-school science research projects with remarkable performances under the supervision of the Faculty of Science in Thailand's universities each year since 2020. In addition to honoring these students, it also inspires interest among them in pursuing a graduate degree in science. It is expected that these youths will continue to be highly competent scientists or technologists at national and international levels.