Two varsity profs named outstanding

Prof Dr Nipon Chattipakorn from Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine and Prof Piyarat Govitrapong of Mahidol University's Institute of Molecular Biosciences have been named Outstanding Scientists for 2012.

The Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of HM the King released its list of outstanding scientists yesterday. Nipon and Piyarat will each receive a Bt400,000 cash reward and a plaque of honour from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Nipon is accorded the honour for his decades-long cardiac electrophysiology researches. The findings have led to better treatment techniques for heart-disease patients.

Piyarat has claimed the award because of her three decades long researches on melatonin. The findings are crucial in improving treatments for patients with brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The foundation has also named |Dr Wiwat Meewassana of the Suranaree University of Technology, Dr Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang of the National Centre for Genetic Engineer-ing and Biotechnology, and Asst Prof Dr Sumrit Wacharasindhu of Chula-longkorn University. They will each get Bt100,000 and a plaque of honour.