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Published on December 19, 2007

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) yesterday named Assoc Prof Benjawan Wiwattanapathpee and Prof Preeda Malasits of Mahidol University, Dr Somkid Jiratassanakul from Silpa-korn Univer-sity and Asst Prof Kobkul Rayanakorn from Chiang Mai Univer-sity as winners. Each award worth Bt200,000 will be officially

presented in February by the council's chairman, the prime minister.

Benjawan won for physical science and mathematics with her research into mathematical modelling of blood flow in heart bypass operations. The work could lead to new techniques for heart bypass surgery that will decrease blood pressure following the procedure.

Preeda was given the medical science award for his development of an early-detection test for dengue fever. The test is in production now and should be available within two years.

Somkid, studied the architecture of temples in communities and found that their influence has waned since the reign of King Rama V and the increase in the size of cities. This has changed lifestyles and migration patterns, leading to the abandonment of Buddhist concepts essential for the architectural form.

Kobkun looked into the essentials of legislation needed to manage hazardous waste and suggested a "polluter pays" ap-proach. A law should cover waste such as dry-cell batteries, other batteries, tyres and fluorescent lamps.

The study also suggests that the government have the manufacturers and importers of the hazardous product pay a fee to the Excise Department.

The NRCT has also an-nounced other awards, including that of outstanding re-searcher, which was won by six scientists. They will be given a cash prize of Bt300,000.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

 The Nation