Biotechnology research in Thailand and applications to the study of animal parasites and their vectors.

Biotechnology research in Thailand owes its origins to the strength in biomedical and life sciences in the academia, and the importance of agriculture in the economy. With growing awareness of the impact of new biotechnology including genetic engineering, biotechnology R & D centres were set up in the universities, and the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and biotechnology was created in 1983. The National Center functions as the center for policy and planning in biotechnology, for support of important research, development and technology transfer projects in designated institutions, and serves to link these institutions with the private sector. The aim is to develop specific biotechnology areas from laboratory stages up to pilot-scale, with emphasis on transfer and utilization of genetic engineering and biotechnology in various fields including public health had on strengthening of basic infrastructure in relevant disciplines. The National Center has 4 affiliated laboratories, including pilot plants, and over 30 projects in 9 institutions in the network. Recently the Science and Technology for Development Program has also devoted a part of its substantial funding to support various biotechnology research projects. With regard to biotechnology research relevant to the study of animal parasites and their vectors, the work in Thailand has up to now concentrated more on the application of new techniques in clinical laboratory and field work than in industrial productions. Specific contributions from the Unit of Parasite Biochemistry, Mahidol University, were given as illustrative examples.