[NotebookLM] MU Research Policy

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Mahidol University Research Policy Briefing Document

Source: Excerpts from "นโยบายการวิจัยมหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล โดย รศ.ดร.ยศชนัน วงศ์สวัสดิ์ รองอธิการบดีฝ่ายวิจัย มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล" (Mahidol University Research Policy by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research, Mahidol University)

Date: Likely presented in late 2023 or early 2024, based on the discussion of current trends and upcoming initiatives.

Overview:

This briefing document summarizes the key themes and important ideas presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat regarding Mahidol University's research policy and strategic direction. The presentation focuses on adapting to global research trends, emphasizing real-world impact, fostering synergy and collaboration, leveraging technology (especially AI), and providing support mechanisms for researchers at various stages.

Main Themes and Important Ideas:

1. Shift from Global Impact to Real-World Impact:

• The university is moving from a broad concept of "Global Impact" to a more tangible "Real-World Impact."
• This means focusing on research that creates significant change, even at a local level.
• Quote: "ตอน แรก เนี่ย จะ ใช้ Global Impact นะ แต่ ที เนี้ย คำ ว่า vi มัน make sense กว่า ประมาณ ว่า ถ้า ถ้า ตัว Impact เนี่ย มัน มัน เป็น ระดับ Local ระดับ ใน หมู่ บ้าน แต่ ว่า มัน Impact มหาศาล อาจ จะ มี เคส ไม่ เยอะ แต่ ว่า มัน สร้าง การ เปลี่ยน แปลง ก็ คือ Real World Impact เ ก็ เลย ใช้ คำ ว่า Real World เข้า มา นะ" (Initially, we were using Global Impact, but the term "vi" [likely a placeholder or abbreviation during the presentation] makes more sense. For example, if the impact is at a local, village level, but it's a massive impact, there might not be many cases, but it creates change, which is Real World Impact, so we switched to using the term Real World.)

2. Convergence of Research and Innovation:

• The university aims to group research and innovation more closely.
• This suggests a more integrated approach where research findings are actively translated into practical applications.

3. Global Research Trends:

• The Vice President for Research shared insights from an "Economic forum of research" in Japan (possibly the Science and Technology in Society forum - STS forum).
• Key trends observed include:
• Ubiquitous AI: AI is becoming a fundamental tool ("blackboard") across all research disciplines. Researchers need to embrace and utilize AI tools for literature reviews, experimentation, and analysis.
• Quote: "คือ ทุก sess นะ ฮะ ผม กำลัง ฝึก ใช้ อยู่ นะ ฮะ โอเค เดี๋ยว ผม ผม อยู่ ประมาณ นี้ ดี กว่า ครับ อ๋อ ได้ ๆ อาจารย ผม ผม กำลัง อ่า ได้ ได้ แล้ว อาจารย ผม เริ่ม ชำนาญ ะ ก็ จะ มี จะ มี จะ มี ทั้ง หมด อยู่ 5 เรื่อง ที่ เป็น เรื่อง ที่ เขา พยายาม พายาม พูด ถึง กัน น่ะ นะ ฮะ ซึ่ง ตรง เนี้ย เอ่อ ความ จริง แล้ว ก็ คือ ว่า เรา ทำ อะไร ก็ ทำ ไป เหอะ แต่ ต้อง ใช้ AI เข้า มา เป็น black board ให้ ได้ อ่า อ นี้ คือ ข้อ สรุป ของ เขา ทุก สิ่ง ทุก อย่าง นะ ก็ จะ ออก มา ประมาณ แบบ เ นะ ฮะ" (In every session, they emphasized that whatever we do, we must use AI as a blackboard. That's the conclusion. Everything will be like this.)
• Global Health System: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of global health, emphasizing the need for collaborative and equitable health innovations.
• Balanced Innovation: Promoting equal access to innovation through technology.
• Hydrogen Economy and Green Technology: These are emerging areas of interest.
• Quantum Sensing: Focusing on highly precise measurement techniques.
• New Biosensors: Crucial for data acquisition that feeds into AI-driven research.
• Cybersecurity: Essential for secure data storage and sharing, building trust and attracting collaborators.
• Digital Twin: Utilizing digital replicas for monitoring and prediction, potentially for various ecosystems.
• Intersectionality: The convergence of AI, climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation is a key focus.
• Synergy of High-Tech and Humanity: Balancing technological advancements with human and social aspects.
• Digital Transformation: The importance of embracing digital tools and technologies in research.

4. Preparing for Disruption through AI:

• Researchers are urged to adopt AI tools to enhance efficiency and accelerate research processes.
• Failure to adapt could lead to being outpaced by those utilizing AI for tasks like literature reviews.
• The university plans to organize training on generative AI tools.

5. The Research-to-Impact Loop:

• The presentation emphasizes moving beyond publications to achieving real-world impact.
• Researchers are encouraged to consider the entire loop from lab-scale research to practical application and utilization.
• Key Stages:Research Lab Scale: Focus on publications but with an eye towards potential real-world use.
• Prototype: Developing functional prototypes.
• Production: Scaling up for wider use (often requires collaboration with companies).
• Real-World Impact: The ultimate goal of seeing research benefit society.
• Licensing and Collaboration: Partnering with companies is crucial for delivering research to the public. This is not seen as purely profit-driven but as a means to achieve impact.
• Clinical Trials and GMP Standards: For health-related research, meeting standards for clinical trials and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is essential for translating research into usable products.
• Researchers should strategically decide whether their current focus is on research or innovation for a specific project, aiming to bring each endeavor to a meaningful conclusion.

6. The Importance of Synergy and Collaboration:

• Mahidol University's strength lies in its diverse expertise across various faculties.
• Researchers are encouraged to leverage this internal ecosystem for collaboration.
• Collaborating on challenging "Nobel Prize-level" questions can drive innovation and impact.
• The university is actively facilitating research networks and collaborations, including with external organizations like NSTDA (SWTCH) and other universities.

7. Mahidol Nobel Prize Research Initiative:

• This initiative aims to encourage researchers to pursue high-impact research with the potential for significant global contribution.
• Three Key Elements:Synergy Research Platform: Identifying impactful research questions that necessitate collaboration.
• Increasing Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Providing support and pathways to move research from basic stages to practical applications.
• Speed: Emphasizing the need to accelerate the research and innovation process.

8. Enhancing Research Support and Infrastructure:

• The university is working on initiatives to streamline financial processes for research grants (e.g., virtual accounts, advance funding).
• Efforts are being made to facilitate access to research equipment and facilities both within Mahidol and through partnerships with organizations like NSTDA.
• Central Instrument Facility (CIF) resources are highlighted, including new equipment.
• Support for international collaborations and grant applications is available.

9. Recognizing and Promoting Research Excellence:

• The "Mahidol Impact Prize" has been established to recognize researchers (primarily based in Thailand) who have successfully translated their research into real-world impact.
• Seed grants ("Starter") and more established project grants ("Ring") are available for internal funding.
• Grants focused on research utilization are being offered to bridge the gap between research and practical application.

10. Leveraging Technology for Research Insights:

• The university has invested in tools like "Inside Program," "SciVal," "ChatGPT," and "MX portal" to help researchers identify emerging topics, potential collaborators, and funding opportunities.
• Training is being provided to researchers on how to effectively utilize these tools.

11. Streamlining Administrative Processes:

• Efforts are underway to simplify administrative procedures related to research grants and agreements (e.g., removing the mandatory CITI training completion before signing grant agreements).
• Clearer regulations are being established for research involving narcotics.

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat's presentation outlines a dynamic and forward-looking research policy for Mahidol University. The focus is on achieving tangible real-world impact by aligning research with global trends, fostering collaboration, leveraging the power of AI and digital transformation, and providing comprehensive support to researchers. The "Mahidol Nobel Prize Research Initiative" signals an ambition to tackle significant global challenges, encouraging researchers to think big and work together to create meaningful change. The university is actively building the infrastructure and support systems necessary to facilitate this vision.

Detailed Timeline of Main Events (Based on the Source)

This source is primarily a presentation or talk by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, the Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, outlining the university's research policies and strategies. Therefore, the timeline focuses on the initiatives, trends, and ongoing developments discussed during this talk.

Present Time (Implied throughout the talk, likely early 2024):

• Key Focus on "Real World Impact": Mahidol University, under the current Rector ("ท่านอธิการ PM"), is emphasizing research and innovation that leads to tangible impact in the real world, moving beyond just "Global Impact" to include significant local change.
• Integration of Research and Innovation: The Rector aims to group research and innovation more closely together.
• Vice President's Attendance at STF Forum in Japan (Recent Past): Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan and Ajarn Piyamitr attended the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum in Japan.
• Observation of Key Trends: They observed five main trends in research and innovation:
• Ubiquitous use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental tool.
• Emphasis on Global Health Systems and equitable access through Balanced Innovation (driven by the COVID-19 pandemic).
• Rising interest in "Hydrogen Economy."
• Growing importance of Green Technology.
• Focus on Quantum Sensing (as an initial application of quantum technology).
• Highlighting the Importance of Biosensors: The forum emphasized that AI's effectiveness relies on the input of data, making biosensors crucial.
• Discussion on Data Management and Cybersecurity: Concerns were raised about data storage, sharing, and security, with the idea that institutions with strong data infrastructure and security can attract researchers.
• Emergence of Digital Twins: Discussions included the application of Digital Twins for monitoring systems, including ecological ones.
• Intersection of Key Areas: The overarching theme was the convergence of AI, Climate Change, Healthcare, and Digital Transformation.
• Synergy of High Tech and Humanity: The need to balance technological advancements with human aspects and societal considerations was highlighted at the STS forum, suggesting a potential shift in the forum's focus to include social sciences.
• Mahidol University's Model for Research and Innovation: The university is promoting a model where lab-scale research aims for publications but also considers the pathway to real-world impact through innovation, licensing, and collaboration with companies. This includes bridging the gap between prototypes and actual products (addressing the "valley of death").
• Emphasis on Collaboration: The Vice President encourages researchers to collaborate, both internally within Mahidol University (leveraging the diverse expertise) and externally. He cites Nobel laureates as examples who heavily collaborated in their early careers.
• Nobel Prize Research Initiative: The university is launching an initiative to encourage researchers to set more challenging goals ("Nobel Prize class"), fostering synergy, increasing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and accelerating the speed of research and innovation.
• Recognition of Mahidol's Research Assets: The talk emphasizes the strength and breadth of research expertise within Mahidol University.
• Efforts to Facilitate External Collaboration: The university is actively building relationships and MOUs with external organizations like NSTDA (SWTCH), Chulalongkorn University, and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (Bangmod) to provide researchers with access to facilities and resources.
• MU-STEP Collaboration: Mahidol University is actively encouraging its researchers to utilize the Science and Technology Park (STEP) facilities, recognizing it as a crucial infrastructure for launching innovations.
• PMUC (Program Management Unit for Competitiveness) Collaboration: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan mentions the existing "RU" (Research Utilization) fund by PMUC and how Mahidol's internal funding can help researchers build preliminary data for larger PMUC grants.
• Development of Internal Research Funding Mechanisms:Continuation of existing strategic and doctoral funds.
• Introduction of "Starter" grants for new researchers or novel projects.
• "Ring" grants for more established research.
• "MU-Research Utilization" grants (though currently with low uptake, aimed at bridging research to practical use).
• Collaboration with KMUTT (Bangmod) on Joint Funding: A continuous joint funding program exists with KMUTT, focusing on engineering and laboratory equipment. Quotas have been increased.
• Read and Publish Agreements: The university continues to support researchers with read and publish agreements for journal publications and manuscript preparation support.
• Simplification of Internal Processes: Efforts have been made to streamline the process for read and publish reimbursements.
• Support for International Collaboration: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan highlights support for clinical consultations with international experts (Dr. Sumol) and informational sessions on international funding opportunities (Khun Siwa).
• Establishment of "Mahidol Real World Impact Award": A new annual award with a substantial prize (5 million baht) has been created to recognize researchers working in Thailand whose research has led to significant real-world impact. The theme for the current year is sustainability.
• "Young Scientist Award" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jongjate: A 1 million baht award donated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jongjate is available for young researchers. The deadline is April 1st.
• Central Instrument Facility: The university's central instrument facility is highlighted as a resource for researchers, with new equipment like the Krios electron microscope.
• "Seamless Funding" Initiative: A new system is being rolled out to provide researchers with early access to a portion of their approved funding (4% overhead return) upon contract signing, streamlining the initial phase of research projects.
• Simplification of Research Agreement Processes: The requirement for mandatory CITI training completion before contract signing has been removed.
• Regulations for Narcotic Plant Research: Clear regulations are in place, with a dedicated committee meeting monthly (if needed) to review related research proposals.
• Ongoing Promotion and Workshops: The university is actively promoting its initiatives and conducting workshops (including with the Dr. Bong's team on using tools like Inside, Scopus, ChatGPT, and MX portal for emerging topics and partner identification). Recordings of past workshops are available.

Recent Past (Mentioned within the present context):

• Initial Use of "Global Impact": The Rector initially used the term "Global Impact," which has now been refined to "Real World Impact."
• Previous Existence of "Access" Platform: An earlier platform called "Access" existed, which could be used for research moving towards publication.
• Initial Resistance to AI in Research: There was some initial opposition or skepticism towards the widespread adoption of AI in research, which was seemingly countered by the announcement of Nobel Prize winners who likely utilized such tools.
• Previous Attempts to Sell Prototypes Without Clinical Trials: Past efforts to license vaccine and drug prototypes before clinical trials were unsuccessful due to a lack of investor confidence.

Future (Implied Directions):

• Continued Emphasis on AI Integration: The university will likely continue to encourage and train researchers in the use of AI tools.
• Further Development of Infrastructure and Partnerships: Expansion of collaborations and resource sharing with external institutions is expected.
• More Workshops and Training: Continued workshops on emerging research topics, AI tools, and funding opportunities are planned.
• Refinement of Funding Schemes: The university will likely monitor the uptake of its various funding schemes and make adjustments as needed (e.g., reconsidering criteria for certain grants).
• Growing Focus on Real-World Application and Impact: The "Real World Impact Award" signals a long-term commitment to encouraging research that benefits society and the economy.

Cast of Characters (Principal People Mentioned)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat: The Vice President for Research at Mahidol University. He is the speaker in the provided excerpts, outlining the university's research policies, initiatives, and observations from the STS forum.
• The Rector ("ท่านอธิการ PM"): The current Rector of Mahidol University. He is driving the emphasis on "Real World Impact" and the integration of research and innovation. His views and keywords guide the university's current research strategy.
• Ajarn Piyamitr: An individual who accompanied Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan to the STS forum in Japan. He is also mentioned in the context of the MU-Bant project and efforts to raise funds.
• Dr. Bong: Leads the team responsible for the "Inside" program, which helps researchers identify emerging topics and potential collaborators using tools like Scopus and AI.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chai: A former figure at Mahidol University who was associated with the "exis" (likely an existing platform or initiative for research).
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sompop: Likely a representative or lead for PMUC's (Program Management Unit for Competitiveness) "RU" (Research Utilization) funding program.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jongjate: A faculty member (emeritus or current) who donated funds to establish the "Young Scientist Award."
• Dr. Sumol: An international expert (presumably) who provides clinical consultations to Mahidol researchers without charge.
• Khun Siwa: A person who can provide presentations and guidance on applying for international research grants.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon: A faculty member who has been involved with the STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) ecosystem, including platforms like Techsauce, and is now contributing to the KMUTT PMUC Re-skilling/Up-skilling program. He is being integrated into Mahidol's KMUTT-PMUC collaboration workshops.
• Prof. Dr. Thomas: Another international expert (presumably) who collaborates with Mahidol researchers, potentially in a clinical or advisory role (mentioned alongside Dr. Sumol).

Mahidol University Research Policy & Strategy: An FAQ

1. What is the core principle driving Mahidol University's research strategy?

The core principle is to achieve Real World Impact with research and innovation. This has evolved from an earlier focus on "Global Impact" to emphasize that even localized impact can be significant if it brings about substantial change. The university aims to see its research translated into tangible benefits for communities and society, moving beyond just publications and aiming for actual implementation and utilization.

2. What are the major global trends in research and innovation that are influencing Mahidol's direction?

Several key trends are shaping Mahidol's research strategy, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Foundational Tool: AI is increasingly seen as a critical tool across all disciplines, from literature reviews and data analysis to healthcare and climate change research. Researchers are encouraged to adopt and utilize AI to enhance their work and stay competitive.
• Global Health Systems and Equitable Innovation: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of global health. There's a renewed emphasis on research and innovation that promotes health equity and access through technology, ensuring that solutions reach those who need them most, regardless of location.
• Emerging Technologies: Areas like hydrogen economy, green technology, quantum sensing, and new biosensors are gaining prominence and represent potential areas for future research focus.
• Data-Driven Research and Cybersecurity: The increasing reliance on data, especially with AI and biosensors, necessitates robust cybersecurity measures and data management strategies to ensure trust and facilitate data sharing among researchers.
• Digital Transformation and Digital Twins: The concept of digital twins is being explored for various applications, including modeling ecosystems and predicting outcomes, suggesting a broader move towards digital transformation in research.
• Intersectionality: Research is increasingly viewed at the intersection of various fields like AI, climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation, recognizing the complex and interconnected nature of global challenges.
• Synergy between High-Tech and Humanity: There's a growing recognition of the importance of integrating technological advancements with human and societal considerations, emphasizing a holistic approach to research and innovation.

3. How is Mahidol University encouraging the translation of research from the lab to real-world application (innovation)?

Mahidol University is actively promoting a shift in mindset where researchers consider the entire "loop" from lab-scale research to real-world impact. This involves:

• Thinking Beyond Publication: While publications remain important, the university encourages researchers to consider the ultimate goal of their work and how it can be used in practice.
• Embracing Innovation and Commercialization: Researchers are encouraged to actively pursue innovation pathways, including licensing and collaboration with companies, to deliver their findings to end-users. This is not seen as purely for profit but as a necessary step for broader impact.
• Recognizing Different Stages of Development: The university acknowledges the gap between prototypes and scalable production and aims to support researchers in bridging this gap through partnerships and technology transfer.
• Synergy Between Research and Innovation: Researchers are encouraged to integrate research and innovation efforts, potentially working on the innovation aspect of one project while conducting basic research on another.
• Facilitating Collaboration: Connecting researchers with potential partners in industry and other sectors is seen as crucial for successful innovation and real-world impact.

4. What is Mahidol University doing to foster collaboration and synergy among its researchers?

The university recognizes the wealth of expertise within its various faculties and is actively working to facilitate internal collaboration:

• Highlighting Internal Assets: Emphasizing the diverse range of research expertise and resources available within Mahidol to encourage researchers to look internally for collaborators.
• Nobel Prize Research Initiative: Encouraging researchers to set ambitious, "Nobel Prize-worthy" goals that inherently require collaboration due to their complexity and scale.
• Synergy Research Platforms: Aiming to create platforms that connect researchers with shared interests and complementary expertise to tackle significant research questions.
• Research Networks: Establishing networks focused on specific interdisciplinary themes like "One Health" to bring together researchers from different faculties.
• Facilitating Access to External Resources: Establishing partnerships and streamlining access to research infrastructure and expertise at other institutions like NSTDA (SWTCH) and other universities.
• Workshops and Networking Events: Organizing events to bring researchers together, foster connections, and explore potential collaborations.

5. How is Mahidol University preparing its researchers for the increasing importance of AI in research?

Mahidol University recognizes the transformative role of AI and is taking steps to equip its researchers:

• Promoting AI Awareness and Adoption: Encouraging researchers to understand and utilize AI tools to enhance their research processes, from literature reviews to data analysis.
• Organizing Training and Workshops: Planning and conducting workshops on using generative AI and other relevant AI tools for research, with ongoing efforts to adapt to the rapid advancements in the field.
• Integrating AI into Research Strategy: Viewing AI as a fundamental component across various research areas and encouraging its application for greater efficiency and impact.

6. What kind of funding and support opportunities are available for Mahidol University researchers?

Mahidol University offers a range of internal funding opportunities to support research at different stages:

• Strategic Funding: Providing substantial funding for strategic research initiatives aligned with the university's goals.
• Starter Grants: Offering initial funding (up to 750,000 THB) for new researchers or novel research ideas to establish their work.
• Ring Grants: Providing more substantial funding for established researchers to pursue significant research projects.
• Research Utilization Grants: Offering funding (up to 500,000 THB) to translate research findings into practical applications and test their real-world impact.
• External Funding Facilitation: Assisting researchers in accessing external funding sources, both national and international.
• Support for Publication: Providing resources and support for manuscript preparation and publication in international journals.
• Central Instrument Facility: Offering access to advanced research equipment and technical support.
• Pre-Financing Mechanism: Allowing researchers to access a portion of approved grant funds before the official transfer, streamlining the research initiation process.

7. How is Mahidol University recognizing and rewarding impactful research and innovation?

Mahidol University is implementing mechanisms to recognize and celebrate research with significant impact:

• Mahidol University Real World Impact Award: A new prestigious award (5 million THB) to recognize researchers working in Thailand whose research has led to demonstrable real-world impact across various categories, with the initial focus being on sustainability.
• Mahidol Young Investigator Award: Recognizing promising young researchers with a significant financial reward (1 million THB).
• Highlighting Success Stories: Publicly acknowledging and promoting successful examples of research translation and impact to inspire others.

8. What is Mahidol University doing to improve the research support infrastructure and processes for its researchers?

The university is continuously working to enhance the research environment for its faculty:

• Streamlining Administrative Processes: Simplifying procedures related to grant signing and financial management to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
• Facilitating Access to Research Infrastructure: Improving access to and awareness of available research equipment and facilities, both within Mahidol and at partner institutions.
• Developing Digital Research Tools: Creating and providing access to online tools and platforms (like the Insight Program) to help researchers identify emerging topics and potential collaborators.
• Establishing Partnerships: Forming strategic alliances with national and international organizations to expand research opportunities and access to resources.
• Providing Information and Training: Organizing workshops and providing resources on various aspects of research, including funding opportunities, AI tools, and research ethics.
• Promoting Researcher Profiles: Encouraging researchers to maintain updated online profiles to enhance visibility and facilitate collaboration opportunities.