Dr. Saengchan Senapin, BIOTEC Researcher from the Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology or Centex Shrimp, is named a recipient of the L’OREAL Thailand-UNESCO for Women in Science 2011 fellowship for her research on the “Study of shrimp molecular biology using yeast two-hybrid technique.” Her research group interests are driven by current needs of the shrimp industry which is very economically important for Thailand. Her study focuses on protein interaction studies using yeast two-hybrid assays to reveal the binding between Taura syndrome virus (TSV) and Laminin receptor (Lamr) protein in shrimp. This study will be used as an essential model to help controlling diseases and enable shrimp farming and other aquaculture cultivation to become a sustainable enterprise with minimum environmental impact.

Dr. Saengchan Senapin is among four outstanding female scientists winning the award this year. Joining Saengchan as the recipient in the field of Life Science is Dr. Natini Jinawath from Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Fellowships in Material Science go to Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai from NANOTEC and Assistant Professor Dr. Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University.

Dr. Saengchan is the 7th BIOTEC researcher winning this prestigious award, following Dr. Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich, Mrs. Wansika Kiatpathomchai, Dr. Lily Eurwilaichitr, Dr. Kallaya Dangtip, Dr. Kobkul Laoteng, Dr. Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri who were honored in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. In addition, Dr. Chawanee Thongpanchang, was named UNESCO-L'ORÉAL International Fellow in 2007.

The 'For Women in Science' fellowship program established in Thailand since 2002 offering four fellowships annually, two for 'Life Science' and two for 'Material Science', valued at 200,000 baht each to female scientists. The program aims to promote women in the scientific field and to recognize outstanding capability of female scientists who are behind the success of breakthrough research and scientific developments that lead to improved quality of life.