Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong has long been engaged in malaria, with emphasis on drug discovery. His research has contributed to understanding of drug resistance, especially drugs targeting the folate pathway. One candidate drug, P218, is the only drug from Thai researchers that has reached clinical trial. He has many awards and honors, including the Thailand Outstanding Scientist Award and the Nikkei Asia Prize. The career of Professor Yuthavong is seamlessly intertwined with the development of science and technology in Thailand. He served in official roles as former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology. He was a founding member of key Thai research and funding entities including BIOTEC and NSTDA, National Science and Technology Development Agency. At present, he is still active in research and mentoring, and plays advisory roles in several organizations such as NSTDA, Kasikorn Bank and the Crown Property Bureau.

Professor Prapon Wilairat is a leading Biochemist and a dedicated educator. His long and prolific career has created new discoveries in antimalarial drug action and thalassemia pathogenesis. He is a diligent and gifted educator. Many generations of students and junior researchers have benefited from his exceptional pedagogical skill and research acumen. He has received countless awards including the Thailand Outstanding Scientist Award and Mahidol Prize in both Teaching and Research categories. At present, he has been acting in an advisory capacity at BIOTEC and Mahidol University. In addition, he has served in many journal editorial boards including The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health.