Chula Researchers Join Brainstorming and Experience Sharing at the Research University Network (RUN) One Health Research Group Conference on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases 

On December 11, 2024, researchers from Chulalongkorn University attended the Research University Network (RUN) One Health Research Group conference on emerging and re-emerging diseases. The event, held at the Thonglor Room, 4th Floor, Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, aimed to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among member universities. 

Professor Dr. Buncha Pulpoka, Assistant to the President for Research Development at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the significance of the conference: “This RUN brainstorming session on One Health research, co-hosted by Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University, provided an invaluable platform for member universities to share insights and propose research directions on emerging and re-emerging diseases. These issues pose significant challenges to public health and the environment. Collaboration within this network is essential for promoting knowledge and resource exchange, enhancing strategies for managing and preventing high-risk diseases, and effectively addressing health challenges in the future.” 

Associate Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, emphasized the importance of creating a collaborative research atmosphere: 

“Our goal is to enable researchers across the network to connect, learn, and exchange ideas while fostering opportunities for collaborative research. With team leaders and specific research topics guiding discussions, we can expand these brainstorming sessions into other research areas. Even as future research directions evolve, researchers will benefit from the network’s collaborative spirit and shared resources.” 

Dr. Nitira Anakkul, Assistant Director of the RUN Office, provided an overview of the network’s development and announced plans for the upcoming RUN Summit 2025, which will emphasize interdisciplinary research on critical national issues across four key areas: 

• Electronic Waste   
• One Health   
• Food Security: Productivity   
• PM 2.5 Pollution Management   

Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University have been tasked by RUN to lead the One Health Research Group on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases. The group’s recent conference aimed to lay the groundwork for pre-concept proposals ahead of the RUN Summit 2025 in February 2025. Discussions included the following topics: 

1. RUN collaboration on clinical registry and clinical trials   
2. mRNA synergy – 90 days towards a vaccine prototype   
3. Development of antibody platforms using egg-based production for disease prevention and treatment   
4. Impact studies and land use involving stray dogs in national parks and public perceptions of stray dog populations   
5. Building a research network to enhance diagnostic and surveillance capacity for vector-borne diseases transmitted from wildlife to humans   
6. Research and development of products and methods for diagnosing, controlling, and preventing antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases in aquaculture farming   
7. Utilizing a “One Health” metagenomics-based approach for zoonotic pathogen surveillance in blood-sucking insects (e.g., mosquitoes, sand flies, and biting midges) in Thailand   
8. Addressing antimicrobial resistance in foodborne illnesses using a One Health genomics approach   

(Source: Research Administration Office, Chulalongkorn University) 

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