Two Thai researchers, including a Ph.D graduate from AIT, were
among the winners of an Asia-wide research grants competition organized
by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The competition was
sponsored by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
The launch of the second phase of this programme and the award ceremony
announcing the winners from five countries in Asia was held in Bangkok,
Thailand recently.
A total of 94 entries from 14 countries across the Asian Region were
received. Seven proposals were awarded grants. Each winner was
presented with C$18,000 (541,000 baht) to undertake the proposed
research. Dr. Juthathip Chalermphol, who earned her doctorate from
AIT's School of Environment, Resources and Development in May 2009 was
one of the winners. "I was interested to explore the gender
roles of men and women in rural areas of Thailand and to see how
the imbalances women face in the field of agriculture might change
through the introduction of innovative technologies," Dr.
Juthathip said.
"As for the long-term goal, we are hoping that all the successful
candidates who responded enthusiastically to this first call from
a network of researchers can work together in future
exercises. Everyone concerned is, after all, working on a common theme
for universal advancement," AIT's Vice President for Research,
Professor Sudip Rakshit said.
Candidates were required to submit their research proposals on the
premise that it would contribute to determining what drives and enables
bio-innovations in Asia, address possible pro-poor biotechnological
advances, institutions and policies and further promote
bio-innovations to alleviate poverty.
Dr Ellie Osir of IDRC complimented the initiative of the
scholars. "Together with AIT, it is IDRC's hope that the awardees can
build bridges and create a network for sharing and applying their
knowledge to effectuate positive, innovative solutions to some of
the challenges in Asia. Dr Edsel Sajor of AIT, provided an
overview of the Bio-Innovations Asia project, while Dr Bernadette
Resurreccion of AIT's School of Environment, Resources and
Development introduced the grant recipients.
List of competition winners:
1. Dr. Louis Lebel/Mr. Songphonsak
Ratanawilailak: Unit for Social and Environmental
Research (USER), Thailand
Topic: Lazy Gardens: A sustainable alternative for remote poor
rural communities in northern Thailand
2. Dr. Juthathip Chalermphol: Chiang Mai
University, Thailand
Topic: Surge of high-input hybrid vegetable production: Is the
innovation pro-poor and gender sensitive?
3. Dr. Le Thi Van Hue: Center for Natural
Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), Vietnam National
University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Topic: Exploring Effects of Bio-innovation on Shrimp Farmers in
Vietnam
4. Ms. Tuong Vi Pham: Center for Environment and
Community Asset Development (CECAD), Vietnam
Topic: Social dimensions and institutional factors that enable
and/or constrain a biogas program at community level
5. Dr. EunJeong Ma: Seoul National University, South
Korea
Topic: Impacts of Bio-innovative Drug on Health Disparity between
Asia and Developed Countries
6. Dr. Sunita Sangar: Society for Strategy
Technology Delivery &Development (Society STADD), India
Topic: Role of Professional Associations in pro-poor Biofertilizer
and Biopesticide Innovation Systems
7. Dr. Linda Peñalba: College of Public Affairs
University of the Philippines Los Baños , Philippines
Topic: Challenges and Recommendations to Harness the Poverty
Alleviation Potentials of Bio-Nitrogen Fertilizer in the
Philippines.
Further details regarding the Bio-Innovation project are available at
this link http://www.bioinnovationpolicies.ait.asia
Read a report by Bangkok Post.
Read a report by The Nation
AIT launched this grants awards project to organize region-wide
competition of research proposals on forward-looking policy and
social-related themes around bio-innovation in Asia, to address
the "Integrated Policy for Bio-innovations in Agriculture and Health in
Asia” workshop’s recommendations. The theme for this 2009
small grants competition program is tackling bio-innovation and its
social and policy implications for poverty alleviation in the Asian
Region specifically on relevant issues on basic health and
poor-people's livelihood.
The International
Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Crown corporation created
by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use
science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the
social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Its support is
directed toward creating a local research community whose work will
build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.