Pakorn Aiewsakun DPhil

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY, FACULTY OF SCIENCE, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Industry : Advocacy

Assoc Prof Dr Pakorn, with a DPhil and postdoctoral training focusing on virus evolution and classification from the University of Oxford, is a leading figure in the field of pathogen evolution, genomics and genomic epidemiology. His innovative research has significantly impacted the analysis and interpretation of genomic data, particularly in the context of viral classification, discovery, and evolution, which is integral in the investigation of disease outbreaks. Dr Pakorn oversees one of the department''s research centers, the "Pornchai Matangkasombut Center for Microbial Genomics" (CENMIG), and spearheads several research initiatives that positively impacts the quality of life and environmental sustainability. Collaborating with the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, one of his notable ongoing projects is the "Chiang Rai Model," which utilises next-generation sequencing technology and genomic epidemiology to trace tuberculosis outbreaks in Chiang Rai, Thailand, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s "End TB Strategy." Dr Pakorn takes pride in his academic endeavors, striving to advance scientific knowledge. Beyond the realm of academia, Dr Pakorn indulges in competitive ballroom dancing. He credits the film "Forrest Gump" for teaching him to live life to the fullest.