President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute Delivers Special Lecture at the 9th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress
On December 16, 2024 at 8.50 a.m., Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI), graciously delivered a special lecture titled “From Environmental Exposures to Disease Manifestation: The Lasting Impacts of Arsenic” during the second day of the 9th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress. The Congress, initiated by Her Royal Highness, has been held every 4-5 years since 1987. The theme of this year’s Congress was “The Challenges of One Health: The Roles of Biosciences and Chemistry” held from December 15-18, 2024 to honor His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024. It also aimed to provide an opportunity for the exchange of academic information and dissemination of research progress among the world’s leading scientists. The essential points of this year’s Congress covered numerous relevant issues, including human-to-human transmissible diseases and zoonotic diseases, such as viral, bacteria, and genetic diseases; R&D of drugs using advanced technology; the environmental impact on disease causation, such as global warming, air and water pollution, and exposure to health-impacting chemicals. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness delivered a lecture on studies and research findings regarding pollution in the environment that affect human health, especially hazardous chemicals. Long-term exposure to such substances may become a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. For example, prolonged exposure to arsenic which is contaminated in the environment may pose a high risk of cancer and other diseases, such as diabetes. In the case of pregnant women, arsenic exposure can lead to a higher fetal mortality rates. The study, research, and follow-up on the health impact of arsenic is one of the significant study and research projects on environmental health at the CRI. The environmentally polluting arsenic is considered a type of carcinogen, affecting a vast number of people around the world. Continuous exposure to arsenic, especially during pregnancy, can lead to biological changes in embryos and cause long-term health problems. Therefore, the continuous follow-up of the affected population is
crucial for detecting biological changes at the early phase and inhibit diseases from the start. These research findings emphasize the need for continuing research and follow-up to ensure creation of knowledge and understanding of all impacts on contact with arsenic and effective inhibition guidelines.
Following the lecture, Her Royal Highness watched a video with a special address by Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), who extended his congratulations on the 9th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress, while stressing the significance of cooperation in science at the international level to develop good and sustainable health outcomes. Furthermore, over 50 leading international scientists from 16 countries
worldwide and international organizations, notably Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), and National Cancer Institute – NCI, USA, participated in delivering lectures.
At 6.30 p.m., Her Royal Highness graciously attended a dinner held in honor of the lecturers and participants of the 9th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress at Chao Phraya Room, Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall. The Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, his wife, and the CRI executives were in attendance to welcome Her Royal Highness.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness watched performances by the students of the Faculty of Music and Drama, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute of Fine Arts under the themes “The Thai nation under Her Royal Highness’s benevolence” and “Thailand’s colorful culture” showcasing Thailand’s rich arts and culture with beautiful and valuable identity, which greatly impressed and delighted the guests who were grateful for Her Royal Highness’s act of benevolence.
For over three decades, the Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress (PC) has served as a vital platform for Thai and international scientists to share academic information, experience, and build networks for cooperation in various fields at the national, regional, and international levels, as well as jointly create new knowledge and innovations to meet the objectives of the Congress organized each time, including this year’s Congress. It is therefore an important opportunity to coordinate cooperation between Thai and internationally renowned scientists to seek ways and means to create a new dimension of the research on “One Health” for maximum benefit, leading to the development of sustainable quality of life for all humankind.
Public Relations Section
Office of the President
December 17, 2024
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