Dr. Kwanrawee Sirikanchana, Research Scientist II at the Laboratory of Biotechnology Awarded the Huw Taylor Prize 2023
Dr. Kwanrawee Sirikanchana, Research Scientist II at the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, was nominated to be awarded the prestigious Huw Taylor Prize 2023 from the International Water Association (IWA), United Kingdom. The 2023 IWA-HRM Huw Taylor Prize recognizes researchers for their Exceptional Scientific Contribution to Provide Water and Sanitation Solutions in Emergency and Developing Settings. The award presentation ceremony was held at the 21st International Symposium on Health-related Water Microbiology (WaterMicro 23), organized by the Health-related Water Microbiology (HRWM) Specialist Group, IWA, from June 4 – 9, 2023, in Darwin, Australia.
The Prize was established to honor Professor Huw Taylor of the University of Brighton, United Kingdom, for his dedication to providing clean water and sanitation in emergency and developing areas. First awarded in 2017, Dr. Sirikanchana is the first Thai researcher to receive this honor and the third recipient overall since the award’s inception.
Dr. Sirikanchana’s research that earned this recognition focused on the development of the methods for comprehensive microbial source tracking by studying viruses and bacteria specific to human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, such as those found in pigs and cows, etc., as indicators of wastewater contamination. The research involved developing methods for culturing and genetic testing of water samples, as well as evaluating the efficiency, advantages and limitations of each method in alignment with the needs and severity of the water pollution issues at actual locations. Over the past ten years, Dr. Sirikanchana’s R&D journey has been divided into three phases with three key factors: Fund-Team-Area:
- Research, Phase 1 – Strengthening academic knowledge and fostering recognition (Factor 1 – R&D funding)
- Research, Phase 2 – Integration of cross-disciplinary expertise (Factor 2 – Teamwork equipped with cross-disciplinary expertise)
- Research, Phase 3 – Application and user agencies (Factor 3 – Local agencies recognizing the benefits)
At the symposium, Dr. Sirikanchana was selected to give an oral presentation of the research titled “Fecal Source Identification in Surface Water Catchment to Support Water Safety Plan in Thailand” which represented the research in Phase 3. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority was a beneficiary of this research, as it recognized its importance and provided funding for the study on pollution sources in raw water for the production of water for over 2.5 million households of water users in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region or the population of 12 million. The project findings supported the operation according to the plan of safe tap water and stability of raw water production and distribution system, aligning with the strategic plan of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority.
This distinguished award bestowed upon Dr. Sirikanchana, along with her participation in the academic meeting, as well as her research presentation greatly benefited the dissemination of research of the Chulabhorn Research Institute, enhancing recognition of the potential of Thai researchers for their in-depth and high-impact work, and their ability to advance knowledge to address various issues sustainably.
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